Curiosity Weekly

Today, you’ll learn about a massive prehistoric shark, the controversial plan to kill millions of barred owls, and how a condition called misophonia could be linked to stress and trauma.   Giant Shark  “Ancient, 30-foot relative of great white shark unearthed in Mexico quarry.” by Melissa Hobson. 2024.  “Exceptionally preserved shark fossils from Mexico elucidate the long-standing enigma of the Cretaceous elasmobranch Ptychodus.” by Romain Vullo, et al. 2024.  “Cretaceous period: Animals, plants and extinction event.” by Michael Dhar. 2022.   Barred Owl Cull  “They Shoot Owls in California, Don’t They?” by Franz Lidz. 2024.  “Northern Spotted Owl.” National Wildlife Federation. N.d.  “Barred-Owl-Letter.” Letter PDF. 2024.   Misophonia Stress  “Misophonia severity tied to higher stress and trauma, study shows.” by Vladimir Hedrih. 2024.  “What Is Misophonia?” by Paul Frysh. 2023.  “Misophonia is related to stress but not directly with traumatic stress.” by Rachel E. Guetta, et al. 2024.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about tiny robotic nerve cuffs, an orangutan that treated its own wound with medicine, and how nostalgia encourages us to take part in rituals.   Robotic Nerve Cuffs  “Robotic nerve ‘cuffs’ could help treat a range of neurological conditions.” University of Cambridge. 2024.  “Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).” Cleveland Clinic. 2022. “Electrochemically actuated microelectrodes for minimally invasive peripheral nerve interfaces.” by Chaoqun Dong, et al. 2024.   Orangutan Medicine  “In a first, an orangutan was seen treating his wound with a medicinal plant.” by Evan Bush. 2024.  “Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan.” by Isabelle B. Laumer, et al. 2024.   Ritual Nostalgia  “New research reveals the psychological impact of nostalgia on ritual engagement and meaning in life.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “Nostalgia, Ritual Engagement, and Meaning in Life.” by Yige Yin, et al. 2024.  “Nostalgia.” The Emotions Lab. 2022.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new way to turn certain blood types into universal blood types that could save countless lives, how exercise makes time slow down, and the new plastic made of eggshells that could clean up our water and stop plastic pollution.   Universal Donors  “Bacterial enzyme strips away blood types to create universal donor blood.” by Paul McClure. 2024.  “Blood safety and availability.” WHO. 2023.  “Facts About Blood and Blood Types.” American Red Cross. 2024.  “Akkermansia muciniphila exoglycosidases target extended blood group antigens to generate ABO-universal blood.” by Mathias Jensen, et al. 2024.   Exercise & Time  “Time warps when you workout: Study confirms exercise slows our perception of time.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “The perception of time is slowed in response to exercise, an effect not further compounded by competitors: behavioral implications for exercise and health.” by Andrew Mark Edwards, et al. 2024.   Eggshell Plastic  “Researchers Develop Bioplastic From Eggshells as Sustainable Alternative to Plastic.” Technology Networks. 2024.  “Eggshell incorporated agro-waste adsorbent pellets for sustainable orthophosphate capture from aqueous media.” by Bernd G. K. Steiger, et al. 2024.  “Phosphorus and Water.” USGS. 2018.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how microgravity affects sleep and physiological rhythms, the half a billion year old bioluminescent octocoral, and the truth about women’s synchronized menstrual cycles.  Microgravity Effects  “Simulated microgravity affects sleep and physiological rhythms.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Effect of 60 days of head down tilt bed rest on amplitude and phase of rhythms in physiology and sleep in men.” by Maria-Angeles Bonmati-Carrion, et al. 2024.   Octocorals  “Glowing octocorals have been around for at least 540 million years.” by Jake Buehler. 2024.  “What is bioluminescence?” NOAA. N.D.  “Evolution of bioluminescence in Anthozoa with emphasis on Octocorallia.” by Danielle M. DeLeo, et al. 2024.   Menstrual Sync  “Do women who live together get their periods together, or is it a myth?” by Marlene Cimons. 2024.  “Women do not synchronize their menstrual cycles.” by Zhengwei Yang & Jeffrey C Schank. 2006.  “Menstrual synchrony: Fact or artifact?” by Anna Ziomkiewicz. 2026.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the life-crushing conditions on Venus that could actually tell us about life elsewhere in the universe, how indigenous cultural fire burning could help us create healthier forests, and the people who brew beer in their stomachs.   Venus Environment  “To find life in the universe, look to deadly Venus.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Davinci, a return to Venus’ clouds.” The Planetary Society. N.d.  “NASA’s Planetary Fleets, Including Mars, Venus, Discovery Missions, and Small Body Missions.” n.a. 2023.  “Missions to Venus: Highlights From History, and When We May Go Back.” by Shannon Stirone. 2020.  “Venus as an anchor point for planetary habitability.” by Stephen R. Kane & Paul K. Byrne. 2024.  “Venus.” NASA. 2024.   Forest Stewardship  “Research showcases Indigenous stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem resilience.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Blending Indigenous and western science: Quantifying cultural burning impacts in Karuk Aboriginal Territory.” by Skye M. Greenler, et al. 2024.  “The Karuk Used Fire to Manage the Forest for Centuries. Now They Want To Do That Again.” by Danielle Venton. 2021.  “North America’s summer of wildfire smoke: 2023 was only the beginning.” by Charles O. Stanier, Gregory Carmichael, & Peter S. Thorne. 2023.  Auto-Brewery Syndrome “A Brewery Worker’s Drunken Driving Defense: His Stomach Made the Alcohol.” by Ali Watkins. 2024.  “Auto Brewery Syndrome: Can You Really Make Beer in Your Gut?” by Noreen Iftikhar, MD. 2018.  “Truck driver claims body produces alcohol, caused him to be drunk, crash and spill 11,000 salmon.” by Dana Hedgpeth. 2016.  “Case report and literature review of auto-brewery syndrome: probably an underdiagnosed medical condition.” by Fahad Malik, et al. 2019.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the amazing regenerative effects of thistle extract on damaged nerves, the first synthetic, lab-made cells, and new insights into the development of language in people with autism.   Thistle Extract  “Thistle extract accelerates nerve regeneration by up to 29%.” by Paul McClure. 2024.  “Nerves.” Byju’s. N.d. “Cnicin promotes functional nerve regeneration.” by Philipp Gobrecht, et al. 2024.   Artificial Cells  “UNC-Chapel Hill researchers create artificial cells that act like living cells.” by Carleigh Gabryel. 2024.  “What Are Peptides and What Are They Used For?” by Jillian Kubala, RD. 2023.  “Designer peptide-DNA cytoskeletons regulate the function of synthetic cells.” by Margaret L. Daly, et al. 2024.   Autism Language  “New research unveils three distinct language comprehension phenotypes in autistic children.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication Problems in Children.” NIH. 2020. “Are there distinct levels of language comprehension in autistic individuals - cluster analysis.” by Andrey Vyshedskiy. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new way to purify water simply by walking, robots controlled by liquid and rubber balls, and an accident that led to a wild discovery about bumblebees.   Clean Water Walking   “Walking-induced electrostatic charges enable in situ electroporated disinfection in portable water bottles.” by Young-Jun Kim, et al. 2024.  “Freshwater Crisis.” National Geographic. N.d.  “A revolutionary solution for on-the-go water disinfection.” by Manish Kumar Sharma & Zong-Hong Lin. 2024.   Metafluid  “Tiny rubber spheres used to make a programmable fluid.” by Jacek Krywko. 2024.  “Harvard’s bizarre ‘metafluid’ packs programmable properties.” by Michael Irving. 2024.  “Metamaterials.” News Atlas Database. N.d.  “Shell buckling for programmable metafluids.” by Adel Djellouli, et al. 2024.   Underwater Bees  “Bumblebee species able to survive underwater for up to a week.” by Nicola Davis. 2024.  “Unveiling the submerged secrets: bumblebee queens’ resilience to flooding.” by Sabrina Rondeau & Nigel E. Raine. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the history of dragons, a lab-made gold that’s only a single atom thick, and a new low pressure way to make diamonds.   Dragon History    “Dragons: A brief history of the mythical, fire-breathing beasts.” by Callum McKelvie & Benjamin Radford. 2022.  “A Natural History of Dragons.” by Livia Gershon. 2022.  “Job 41.” Bible Study Tools. N.d.   Gold Atom Layer  “A single atom layer of gold - LiU researchers create goldene.” by Anders Torneholm. 2024.  “Synthesis of goldene comprising single-atom layer gold.” by Shun Kashiwaya, et al. 2024.   Low Pressure Diamonds  “A new method of making diamonds doesn’t require extreme pressure.” by Emily Conover. 2024.  “The Science Behind Diamonds.” by Dustin Lemick. 2023.  “Growth of diamond in liquid metal at 1 atm pressure.” by Yan Gong, et al. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new tech that could turn all that nasty CO2 into electricity, the genes that allow cancer cells to metastasize, and the incredible, healing hearts of zebrafish.  CO2 Into Electricity  “Electricity generation from carbon dioxide adsorption by spatially nanoconfined ion separation.” by Zhuyuan Wang, et al. 2024.  “Novel Nanogenerator Turns CO2 Into Electricity.” Technology Networks. 2024.  “Can Removing Carbon From the Atmosphere Save Us From Climate Catastrophe?” by Renee Cho. 2018.  “Climate Change: Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide.” by Rebecca Lindsey. 2024.   Shapeshifting Cancer  “Cancer Cells’ Shapeshifting Ability Reveals New Drug Targets.” by Blake Forman. 2024.  “Environmentally dependant and independent control of 3D cell shape.” by Lucas G. Dent, et al. 2024.   Zebrafish  “Why can zebrafish regenerate damaged heart tissue, while other fish species cannot?” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Distinct features of the regenerating heart uncovered through comparative single-cell profiling.” by Clayton M. Carey, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the genes that could make you left-handed, how trees are able to cope with heat waves, and what could possibly lie beneath the ice of Jupiter’s moon, Europa.   Left Hand Gene  “Gene involved in cell shape offers clues on left-handedness.” by Will Dunham. 2024.  “Half a century of handedness research: Myths, truths; fictions, facts; backwards, but mostly forwards.” by Chris McManus. 2019.  “One hundred famous left-handed people.” n.a. 2003.   Heat Wave Trees  “How do trees survive dry and hot summers? Leaf lifespan and growth recovery are key.” phys.org. 2024.  “Climate Change Impacts on Forests.” EPA. n.d.  “Guide to Conifers: 11 Types of Conifers Seen Across the US.” MasterClass. 2021.   Europa  “Our picture of habitability on Europa, a top contender for hosting life, is changing.” by Nikk Ogasa. 2024.  “Europa Clipper.” JPL. n.d. “Europa: Moon of Jupiter. Potential for life.” NASA. n.d.  “Europa: Facts.” NASA. 2024.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how our perception of when old age hits is changing, a baby’s response to a happy face, and the housekeeping habits of neanderthals.  When is Old Age?    “Perception of when old age starts has increased over time, shows study.” by Nicola Davis. 2024.  “Psychology and Aging.” APA PsycNet database. 2024.  “The shift from old age to very old age: an analysis of the perception of aging among older people.” by Emile Escourrou, et al. 2022.   Sensative Mothers  “Researchers uncover link between maternal sensitivity and infant brain responses to happy faces.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “Mary Ainsworth’s legacy: a systematic review of observational instruments measuring parental sensitivity.” by Judi Mesman & Rosanneke A G Emmen. 2013.  “Love on the developing brain: Maternal sensitivity and infants’ neural responses to emotion in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.” by Jessica A. Stern, et al. 2024.   Neanderthal Homes  “Study: Just Like Homo sapiens, Neanderthals Organized Their Living Space in Structured Way.” Sci News News Staff. 2024.  “Study Compares Neanderthal and Modern Human Living Spaces.” Archaeology. 2024.  “Homo Sapiens  and Neanderthal Use of Space at Riparo Bombrini (Liguria, Italy).” by Amelie Vallerand, et al. 2022.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new class of antibiotics that kills drug-resistant bugs, a water pollution test that can tell scientists where the pollution came from, and spiders that collaborate.   New Antibiotics  “New antibiotic class effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria.” Uppsala Universitet. 2024.  “10 reasons YOU should be worried about antibiotic resistance.” by Diane Ashiru-Oredope. 2014.  “What You Need to Know About a Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection.” by Kirsten Nunez. 2022.  “Antibiotic class with potent in vivo activity targeting lipopolysaccharide synthesis in Gram-negative bacteria.” by Douglas L. Huseby, et al. 2024.   H2O Pollution Test  “New approach to monitoring freshwater quality can identify sources of pollution, and predict their effects.” University of Cambridge. 2024.  “7 Effects Of Water Pollution.” AtlasScientific. 2023.  “Chemodiversity in freshwater health.” by Andrew J. Tanentzap & Jeremy A. Fonvielle. 2024.   Cooperative Camouflage  “In a first, these crab spiders appear to collaborate, creating camouflage.” by Saugat Bolakhe. 2024.  “Crab Spider.” A-Z Animals. N.d. “Male and female crab spiders ‘cooperate’ to mimic a flower.” by Shi-Mao Wu & Jiang-Yun Gao. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the dreams of birds, why sound pollution in the oceans could be killing whales, and how fruit-eating birds are doing the work to save tropical forests.   Bird Dreams  “Birds sing in their sleep - and now we can decipher their dreams.” by Paul McClure. 2024.  “Replay of innate vocal patterns during night sleep in suboscines.” by Juan F. Doppler, et al. 2021.  “Synthesizing avian dreams.” by Juan F. Doppler, et al. 2024.  “What is World Environment Day.” n.a. N.d.   Whales & Noise   “Avoidance, confusion, solitude: whales react to rising noise pollution.” The University of Melbourne. 2024.  “Avoidance, confusion or solitude? Modelling how noise pollution affects whale migration.” by Stuart T. Johnston & Kevin J. Painter. 2024.  “How First Contact With a Whale Civilization Could Unfold.” by Ross Anderson. 2024.   Fruit-Eaters Save Forest  “Tropical forests can’t recover naturally without fruit eating birds.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Frugivores enhance potential carbon recovery in fragmented landscapes.”  by Carolina Bello. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a paralyzed man who is making a recovery after receiving stem cell therapy, how bees learn architecture, and a potential new treatment for postpartum depression in new mothers.   Paralysis Recovery   “Paralyzed man who can walk again shows potential benefit of stem cell therapy.” by Amanda Dimare. 2024.  “Study documents safety, improvements from stem cell therapy after spinal cord injury.” by Susan Barber Lindquist. 2024.  “Spinal cord injury.” WHO. 2024.  “Case report: Stem cells a step toward improving motor, sensory function after spinal cord injury.” by Susan Barber Lindquist. 2019.   Bee Architecture  “The inheritance of alternative nest architectural traditions in stingless bees.” by Viviana Di Pietro, et al. 2024.  “Stingless Bees: Their Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution.” by Christoph Gruter. 2020. “Stigmergy as a Universal Coordination Mechanism: components, varieties and applications.” by Francis Heylighen. N.d.   Perinatal Treatment  “Esketamine injection just after childbirth reduces depression in new mothers.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Is Esketamine the Game-Changer for Depression We Want?” by EJ Dickson. 2019.  “What is Perinatal Depression?” American Psychological Association. 2023.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how non-invasive brain stimulation might offer relief to older patients suffering from anxiety and depression, the first known molecular fractal, and a new discovery turning the view of bonobos as peace-loving primates on its head.   Brain Stimulation  “Brain stimulation treatment may improve depression, anxiety in older adults.” by Jill Pease. 2024.  “Mental health of older adults.” WHO. 2023.  “tDCS reduces depression and state anxiety symptoms in older adults from the augmenting cognitive training in older adults study (ACT). by Hanna K. Hausman, et al. 2024.   Fractal Molecule  “Discovery of the first fractal molecule in nature.” Max Plank Gesellschaft. 2024.  “How Fractals Work.” by Craig Haggit & Yara Simon. 2023.  “Six Sierpinski Triangle Constructions (visual mathematics).” YouTube Video. 2023.   Bonobos  “Bonobos not the peace-loving primates once thought, study reveals.” by Nicola Davis. 2024.  “Differences in expression of male aggression between wild bonobos and chimpanzees.” by Maud Mouginot, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new AI developed to help doctors identify and treat diseases like cancer, why watching sports might give our sense of wellness a boost, and the real reason we blink so much.   AI Medical Research   “Mayo researchers invented a new class of AI to improve cancer research and treatments.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “The Rise of Hypothesis-Driven Artificial Intelligence in Oncology.” by Zilin Xianyu, et al. 2024.  Watching Sports  “The joy of sports: How watching sports can boost well-being.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Watching sport enhances well-being: evidence from a multi-method approach.” by Keita Kinoshita, et al. 2024.   Blinking  “Why do we blink so much?” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Eye blinks as a visual processing stage.” by Bin Yang, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the traits most people value in romantic partners, a new link between a particular gut bacteria and cardiovascular health, and why dogs might make your kids healthier.   Romantic Traits   “Intelligence and kindness are the most valued traits in romantic partners, study finds.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “What Do Different People Look for in a Partner? Effects of Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Mating Strategies on Partner Preferences.” by Joao Francisco Goes Braga Takayanagi, et al. 2024.   Heart & Gut  “Scientists link certain gut bacteria to lower heart disease risk.” by Allessandra DiCorato. 2024.  “7 Crazy Facts About The Microbiome And Gut Bacteria.” by Ross Carver-Carter. N.d. “Gut microbiome and metabolome profiling in Framingham heart study reveals cholesterol-metabolizing bacteria.” by Chenhao Li, et al. 2024.  “Cholesterol Metabolism by Uncultured Human Gut Bacteria Influences Host Cholesterol Level.” by Douglas J. Kenny, et al. 2020.  “About the Framingham Heart Study.” n.a. N.d.   Canine Play  “The Serious Side of Kid And Canine Play.” UMass Amherst. 2024. “America’s Pandemic, Physical Inactivity.” PHIT America. 2023.  “Physical Activity: Children.” CDC. 2023.  “The KID Study (Kids Interacting With Dogs): Piloting a Novel Approach for Measuring Dog-Facilitated Youth Physical Activity.” by Colleen J. Chase, et al. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how diversifying farms has a ton of upsides and virtually no downsides, the way we tend to predict how something will smell before we smell it, and a universally shared preference for simple rhythms in music.   Diversified Farming   “Major study reports that people and environment both benefit from diversified farming, while bottom lines also thrive.” University of Copenhagen. 2024.  “Joint environmental and social benefits from diversified agriculture.” by Laura Vang Rasmussen, et al. 2024.  “The Green Revolution: Norman Borlaug and the Race to Fight Global Hunger.” by Ray Offenheiser. 2020.   Sense of Smell   “The sense of smell is influenced by cues from other senses.” Stockholm University. 2024.  “Olfactory categorization is shaped by a transmodal cortical network for evaluating perceptual predictions.” by Stephen Pierzchajlo, et al. 2024.   Simple Rhythms  “Cross-cultural research reveals universal bias towards simple rhythmic ratios in music.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “Commonality and variation in mental representations of music revealed by a cross-cultural comparison of rhythm priors in 15 countries.” by Nori Jacoby, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a tantalizing new discovery about dark energy that could change our understanding of the entire universe, how scientists are pulling electricity from raindrops, and the barcode memory tool inside a chickadee’s brain.   Dark Energy  “A Tantalizing ‘Hint’ That Astronomers Got Dark Energy All Wrong.” by Dennis Overbye. 2024.  “What Is Dark Energy? An Astrophysicist Explains.” Ars Technica. YouTube Video. 2023.  “What is Dark Energy? Inside our accelerating, expanding universe.” by Chelsea Gohd. 2024.  “DESI Data Documentation.” Database. 2023.  Electric Rain  “New green technology harvests energy from raindrops and humidity.” by Robert F. Service. 2024.  “The Amazing Drinking Bird.” by Brian Rohrig. 2024. “Rapid progress of key clean energy technologies shows the new energy economy is emerging faster than many think.” IEA.org. 2023.    Chickadees  “Chickadees use memory ‘bar codes’ to find their hidden food stashes.” by Jake Buehler. 2024.  “Barcoding of episodic memories in the hippocampus of a food-caching bird.” by Selmaan N. Chettih, et al. 2024.  “Birdist Rule #71: Figure Out What Kind Of Chickadees You’ve Got.” by Nicholas Lund. 2016.  “Somewhere in the brain is a storage device for memories.” by Laura Sanders. 2018.  “A manifold neural population code for space in hippocampal coactivity dynamics independent of place fields.” by Eliott Robert Joseph Levy, et al. 2023.  “Heterogeneous representations in the hippocampus.” by Kazumasa Z. Tanaka. 2021.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about some potential good news about whale populations, what decades-old cans of salmon can tell us about the health of the ocean, and how climate change is literally slowing down the world.   Recovered Whales   “Whale population recovers five years after hundreds washed up dead.” n.a. 2024.  “The gray whale die-off on West Coast is over, NOAA declares.” by Karen Garcia. 2024.  “Endangered Species Day Information.” Endangered Species Coalition. 2020.  Old Salmon Cans  “Decades-old Cans of Salmon Reveal Changes in Ocean Health.” by Rachel Nuwer. 2024.  “Opening a can of worms: Archived canned fish fillets reveal 40 years of change in parasite burden for four Alaskan salmon species.” by Natalie Mastick, et al. 2024.   Climate Change & Time  “Climate change is changing how we keep time.” by Carolyn Gramling. 2024.  “A global timekeeping problem postponed by global warming.” by Duncan Carr Agnew. 2024.  “50 years ago, timekeepers deployed the newly invented leap second.” by Cassie Martin. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about an AI-designed window film that could keep your house cool, the mysterious ways Mars causes deep-sea erosion on Earth, and how playing the didgeridoo could help treat sleep apnea.   Cooling Windows    “New window film drops temperature, slashes energy consumption.” by Paul McClure. 2024.  “Engineers use quantum computing to develop transparent window coating that blocks heat, saves energy.” University of Notre Dame. 2022.  “The Solar Spectrum.” Ossila.com. N.d.   Mars & Erosion  “Mars as a Driver of Deep-Sea Erosion.” by Grace van Deelen. 2024.  “Milankovitch (Orbital) Cycles and Their Role in Earth’s Climate.” NASA Science Editorial Team. 2020.  “Deep-sea hiatus record reveals orbital pacing by 2.4 Myr eccentricity grand cycles.” by Adriana Dutkiewicz, et al. 2024.   Didgeridoo Slumber  “Playing the Didgeridoo to Treat Sleep Apnea.” by Brandon Peters, MD. 2023.  “What Is Sleep Apnea?” by Brandon Peters, MD. 2023.  “Didgeridoo basics.” Hollow Log Digderidoos. N.d.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about an artificial reef that could save the shore from storms, how simply owning a pair of glasses can make you earn more income, and how air conditioners could help CSI detectives solve crimes.  Artificial Reef  “Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage.” by Jennifer Chu. 2024.  “Coastal Protection.” Coral Reef Alliance. 2024.  “Architected materials for artificial reefs to increase storm energy dissipation.” by Edvard Ronglan, et al. 2024.   Glasses & Income  “Having the right glasses could boost earning power by a third, Bangladesh study shows.” by Sarah Johnson. 2024.  “The effect on income of providing near vision correction to workers in Bangladesh: The THRIVE (Tradespeople and Hand-workers Rural Initiative for a Vision-enhanced Economy) randomized controlled trial.” by Farzana Sehrin, et al. 2024.  “Presbyopia.” Mayo Clinic. 2021. “The Global Burden of Potential Productivity Loss from Uncorrected Presbyopia.” by Kevin D. Frick, et al. 2015.   AC DNA  “Cold case: DNA in airconditioners to place suspects at the scene of a crime.” by Ben Coxworth. 2024.  “Up in the air: Presence and collection of DNA from air and air conditioner units.” by Mariya Goray, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a revolutionary new system that can turn saltwater into drinking water with the help of the sun, how your brain chooses what memories to keep, and a super-Earth with a really dark side.   Solar Drinking Water  “Solar-powered technology converts saltwater into drinking water emission-free.” King’s College London. 2024.  “Flexible batch electrodialysis for low-cost solar-powered brackish water desalination.” by Wei He, et al. 2024.  “Valuing Water.” United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 2021.  Forgetting Memories  “How the brain chooses which memories are important enough to save and which to let fade away.” by Linda Carroll. 2024.  “Relax! It’ll boost your memory, study shows.” by Kate Kelland. 2010.  “Normal and Abnormal Sharp Wave Ripples in the Hippocampal-Entohinal Cortex System: Implications for Memory Consolidation, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.” by Zhi-Hang Zhen, et al. 2021.   Super-Earth  “This super-Earth is the first planet confirmed to have a permanent dark side.” by Joseph Howlett. 2024.  “LHS 3844 b.” NASA Exoplanet Catalog. N.d.  “Tidal Locking.” NASA. 2024.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a massive discovery of new species from the depths of the ocean, why you shouldn’t buy your brand new driver their own car, and a possible breakthrough in microchip data collection from animals.   New Marine Species   “Scientists Discover 100 New Marine Species in New Zealand.” by Rebecca Carballo. 2024.  “Expedition to Uncover Secrets of New Zealand’s Unexplored Bounty Trough.” Ocean Census. 2024.  “Our Mission: Enhancing Ocean Life Discovery Worldwide.” Ocean Census. 2024.  “This metal marvel collects time capsules of life from the abyss.” Marine Biodiversity Hub. 2017.   Teen Drivers  “‘Don’t buy your kids a car’: young drivers with own cars in more crashes.” by Lachlan  Gilbert. 2024.  “Young drivers’ early access to their own car and crash risk into early adulthood: Findings from DRIVE study.” by Huei-Yang Chen, et al. 2024.  “Teen Drivers.” Injury Facts. 2024.  “Young Drivers.” NHTSA. 2022.  “Teen Driver Statistics.” Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. 2024.   Animal Microchips  “Injectable Microchip Tracks Animal Health.” by Julianne Pepitone. 2024. “Microchips Result In Higher Rate Of Return Of Shelter Animals To Owners.” by Linda Lord. 2009.  “A Subcutaneously Injectable Implant for Multimodal Physiological Monitoring in Animals.” by Parvez Ahmmed, et al. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the potential positive power of gossip, how climate change is making zooplankton in Lake Erie confused, and a surprising connection between new school buses and student performance in school.   Gossip  “Can’t Stand Gossip? Let’s Talk, New Research Suggests.” by Emily C. Nunez. 2024.  “Explaining the evolution of gossip.” by Xinyue Pan, et al. 2024.  “Who Gossips and How in Everyday Life?” by Megan L. Robbins, et al. 2019.   Zooplankton  “In Lake Erie, climate change scrambles zooplankton seasonal presence.” by Tatyana Woodall. 2024.  “Zooplankton Facts.” n.a. 2024.  “Biotic and thermal drivers alter zooplankton phenology in western Lake Erie.” by Jenna Bailey & James M. Hood. 2024.   School Bus Science  “Could riding older school buses hinder student performance?” University of Michigan. 2024.  “EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Program Offers $500 Million in Funding.” n.a. 2023.  “School Bus Rebate Program and Student Educational Performance Test Scores.” by Meredith Pedde, PhD, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the science of getting in the groove, a newly discovered burial ground for elite medieval horses, and more evidence that coffee could help you fight off cancer.   Grooving to Music  “Neural dynamics of predictive timing and motor engagement in music listening.” by Arnaud Zalta, et al. 2024.  “Two Concepts of Groove: Musical Nuances, Rhythm, and Genre.” by Evan Malone. 2022.  “An expanded role for the dorsal auditory pathway in sensorimotor control and integration.” by Josef P Rauschecker. 2011.   Horse Burial  “Tudor era horse cemetery in Westminster revealed as likely resting place of elite imported animals.” by Andrew Merrington. 2024.  “Horse cemetery in Westminster revealed as likely resting place for elite imported animals.” n.a. 2024.   Coffee & Cancer  “Coffee drinkers have much lower risk of bowel cancer recurrence, study finds.” by Denis Campbell. 2024.  “Sixty seconds on…Coffee and cancer.” by Nigel Hawkes. 2016.  “Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer recurrence and all-cause mortality.” by Abisola M. Oyelere, et al. 2024.  “Colorectal Cancer: Facts & Figures 2020-2022.” American Cancer Society. 2020.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the pros and mostly cons of using ChatGPT in the classroom, how wild animals responded to the sudden peace and quiet of Covid, and a new contact lens that can help heal eye wounds.   ChatGPT in School  “Is it harmful or helpful? Examining the causes and consequences of generative AI usage among university students.” by Muhammad Abbas, et al. 2024.  “Uses and Misuses of ChatGPT by Academic Community: An Overview and Guidelines.” by Muhammad Abbas. 2023.  Quiet Covid  “Hundreds of photos show animal behaviour during COVID-19 lockdowns.” by Andrew Kurjata. 2024.  “Mammal responses to global changes in human activity vary by trophic group and landscape.” by A. Cole Burton, et al. 2024.  “Scientists say new epoch marked by human impact - the Anthropocene - began in 1950s.” Associate Press. 2023.  “When COVID rules kept humans home, wildlife roamed more freely, international study shows.” by Wallis Snowdon. 2023.   Healing Contact Lens   “Fabrication and Characterization of an Enzyme-Triggered, Therapeutic-Releasing Hydrogel Bandage Contact Lens Material.” by Susmita Bose, et al. 2024.  “Corneal Injury.” NIH. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about why our brains are getting bigger and why that’s a good thing, how the sweet songs of the reef could help save it, and an AI device that gives a voice to the voiceless.   Bigger Brains   “Human brains are getting larger. That may be good news for dementia risk.” UC David Health. 2024.  “Trends in Intracranial and Cerebral Volumes of Framingham Heart Study Participants Born 1930 to 1970.” by Charles DeCarli, MD, et al. 2024.  “Framingham Heart Study.” Framingham Heart Study. N.d.  “Study examines factors behind decline in dementia incidence.” NIH. 2016.   Reef Songs  “Sounds appealing - reef recordings entice coral larvae to start building.” by Ben Coxworth. 2024.  “Life Below Water.” UN. n.d.  “Status of Coral Reefs.” Reef Resilience Network. N.d.  “Soundscape enrichment increases larval settlement rates for the brooding coral Porites astreoides.” by Nadege Aoki, et al. 2024.   AI Speech  “Speaking without vocal cords, thanks to a new AI-assisted wearable device.” by Christine Wei-li Lee. 2024.  “Speaking without vocal folds using a machine-learning-assisted wearable sensing-actuation system.” by Ziyuan Che, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a nasal spray that could one day let those with sleep apnea toss out their CPAP machines, house paint that kills mosquitos, and the incredible giant redwoods… of England.   Sleep Spray   “A novel TASK channel antagonist nasal spray reduces sleep apnea severity in physiological responders: a randomized, blinded, trial.” by Amal M. Osman, et al. 2024.  “Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” by Rob Newsom & Dr. Abhinav Singh. 2024.   Insecticide Paint  “Insecticide paint controls mosquito population up to 1 year, experiment shows.” by Stephanie Soucheray, MA. 2024.  “Mosquito-Borne Human Viral Diseases: Why Aedes aegypti?” by Jeffrey R. Powell. 2018.  “Insecticide paints: a new community strategy for controlling dengue and zika mosquito vectors in Cabo Verde.” by Lara Ferrero Gomez, et al. 2024.  “Special insecticide paint may help curb zika and dengue fever outbreaks.” EurekAlert! 2024.   UK Redwoods  “Hidden giants: how the UK’s 500,000 redwoods put California in the shade.” by James Tapper. 2024.  “11 FActs About Coast Redwoods, the Tallest Trees in the World.” by Melissa Breyer. 2020.  “California: visitors to world’s tallest tree face $5,000 fine and possible jail time.” Associated Press. 2022.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about an effort to create palm oil without burning down millions of acres of forest, the surprising way polyglots’ brains approach their own native language, and new research on how the powerful psychedelic drug ayahuasca extinguishes fear.  Palm-Less Oil  “They Want to Make Palm Oil in a Lab. Without Palm Trees.” by Dionne Searcey. 2024.  “Things To Know About Palm Oil.” WWF. n.d.  Polyglot Brain  “For people who speak many languages, there’s something special about their native tongue.” by Anne Trafton. 2024.  “Functional characterization of the language network of polyglots and hyperpolyglots with precision fMRI.” by Saima Malik-Moraleda, et al. 2024.   Ayahuasca & Fear   “Ayahuasca accelerates fear extinction via its effect on serotonin receptors.” by Eric. W. Dolan. 2024.  “Ayahuasca-enhanced extinction of fear behaviour: Role of infralimbic cortex 5-HT2a and 5-HT1a receptors.” by Isabel Werle, et al. 2024.  “The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization.” by Ede Frecska, et al. 2016.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new study shedding light on what species are most vulnerable to extinction from climate change, why species of living fossils take their time evolving, and a new theory about how the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs also impacted birds.   Extinction Risk   “New study reveals insight into which animals are most vulnerable to extinction due to climate change.” University of Oxford. 2024.  “What is mass extinction and are we facing a sixth one?” by Tammana Begum. 2021. Updated 2023.  “Mass extinctions, their causes and consequences: an interview with Douglas H. Erwin and Shuzhong Shen.” by Shucheng Xie. 2023.  “Species and climate change.” IUCN. 2021.  “Humanity’s Fitting Place on the List of Mass Extinction Events.” by Sam Baker. 2018.   Living Fossils  “Study of slowly evolving ‘living fossils’ reveals key genetic insights.” by Mike Cummings. 2024.  “A New Discovery Reveals Why Darwin’s ‘Living Fossil’ Keeps Defying Evolution.” by Tim Newcomb. 2024.  “Giraffe Evolution.” by Adam Atwood. 2024.   Asteroid vs Birds  “An Asteroid Wiped Out Dinosaurs. Did It Help Birds Flourish?” by Carl Zimmer. 2024.  “Dust Might Have Snuffed Out the Dinosaurs.” by Miriam Fauzia. 2023.  “How Did Birds First Take Off?” by Carl Zimmer. 2023.  “Genomes, fossils, and the concurrent rise of modern birds and flowering plants in the Late Cretaceous.” by Shaoyuan Wu, et al. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a compelling study on twins and the nature versus nurture debate, how scientists solved a 60-year-old mystery about bees, and why you shouldn’t go last.   Twin Trauma  “One Twin Was Hurt, the Other Was Not. Their Adult Mental Health Diverged.” by Ellen Barry. 2024.  “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental Health Outcomes.” by Hilda Bjork Danielsdottir, et al. 2024.  “Recognizing the importance of childhood maltreatment as a critical factor in psychiatric diagnoses, treatment, research, prevention, and education.” by Martin H. Teicher, et al. 2022.  “Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults.” by Vincent J. Felitti MD, FACP, et al. 1998.   Bee Mystery   “A decades-old mystery has been solved with the help of newfound bee species.” by Darren Incorvaia. 2024.  “Canopy specialist Hylaeus bees highlight sampling biases and resolve Michener’s mystery.” by James B. Dorey, et al.   Sequence Bias  “A new study finds that the later we meet someone in a sequence, the more negatively we describe them.” by Douglas Heingartner. 2024.  “Differentiation in social perception: Why later-encountered individuals are described more negatively.” by Alex Koch, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new plan to use waste from beer brewing to clean metal out of our water supply, a study that puts languages like Orc and Klingon to the test, and a discovery about the direction our memories travel in our brains.   Brewer’s Yeast   “The same beer waste that gives us Vegemite could help us recycle metal waste.” n.a. 2024.  “Spent brewer’s yeast as a selective biosorbent for metal recovery from polymetallic waste streams.” by Anna Sieber, et al. 2024.  “What Is E-Waste Recycling and How Is it Done?” by Tin Lok Wu. 2023.   Constructed Languages   “From Star Trek’s Klingon to Tolkien’s Orkish: Unraveling the auditory aesthetics of constructed languages.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “Does Orkish Sound Evil? Perception of Fantasy Languages and Their Phonetic and Phonological Characteristics.” by Christine Mooshammer, et al. 2024.   Memory Direction  “Brain Waves Travel in One Direction When Memories Are Made and the Opposite When Recalled.” by Grant Currin. 2024.  “Theta and Alpha Oscillations Are Traveling Waves in the Human Neocortex.” by Honghui Zhang, et al. 2018. “The direction of theta and alpha travelling waves modulates human memory processing.” by Uma R. Mohan, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a medication that can successfully treat frostbite, the study of bloodsplatter in space, and a surprising finding about the supposed benefits of small class sizes.  Frostbite Treatment  “The U.S. now has a drug for severe frostbite. How does it work?” by Saugat Bolakhe. 2024.  “Frostbite.” NIH. 2023.  “FDA Approves First Medication to Treat Severe Frostbite.” FDA. 2024.   Blood in Space   “Bloodstain pattern dynamics in microgravity: Observations of a pilot study in the next frontier of forensic science.” by Zack Kowalske, et al. 2024.  “How Did NASA’S ‘Vomit Comet’ Get Its Name? A Brief History.” GoZeroG. 2023.   Small Classes  “Small Class Sizes Not Better for Pupils’ Grades or Resilience, Says Study.” Taylor & Francis. 2024.  “Typologies of secondary school student academic resilience in science with classroom and school context predictors.” by Tao Jiang, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a skin printer that could lead to scar-free surgeries, the possibility of bringing the wooly mammoth back to life, and how to work at being happy.   Printed Skin  “Scar-free surgery prints living skin (and maybe hair) right into wounds.” by Paul McClure. 2024.  “New bioink promotes growth & regeneration of 3D-printed muscle tissue.” by Paul McClure. 2023.   Mammoth De-Extinction  “Wooly mammoth de-extinction inches closer after elephant stem cell breakthrough.” by Sascha Pare. 2024.  “Scientists Are Reincarnating the Woolly Mammoth to Return in 4 Years.” by Tim Newcomb. 2023.  “Why Are Scientists Trying to Bring Back the Woolly Mammoth?” by Teresa Ehrlich. 2022.  Learning Happiness  “Happiness can be learnt, but we have to work at it - study finds.” University of Bristol. 2024.  “Unit information: Science of Happiness.” University of Bristol. Course catalog.  “The Science of Well-Being.” Coursera Course.  “The Science of Happiness Course.” Greater Good Science Center. N.d. “Managing Happiness.” Harvard. Ongoing.    Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a radical idea for installing a curtain around a massive ice sheet, how positive vibrations might help people with social anxiety, and new tech that could remove dangerous forever chemicals from our environment.   Glacier Curtain  “Scientists want to build 62-mile-long curtains around the ‘doomsday glacier’ for a $50 billion Hail Mary to save it.” by Ellyn Lapointe. 2024.  “Thwaites Glacier Facts.” International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. N.d.  “How We Came to Know and Fear the Doomsday Glacier.” by Marissa Grunes. 2023.   Good Vibrations  “Good vibrations could hold answer to calming social anxiety.” University of Glasgow. 2024.  “Brain mechanisms of social anxiety disorder.” by D J Nutt, et al. 1998.  “Social Anxiety Disorder.” NIH. n.d.  PFAS Water Detox  “Harmful ‘forever chemicals’ removed from water with new electrocatalysis method.” by Luke Auburn. 2024.  “PFAS Explained.” EPA. n.d.  “What are PFAS?” ASTDR. 2024.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a surprising discovery inside the worms of Chernobyl, a way to protect metals at sea inspired by barnacles, and foot-eye coordination.   Chernobyl Worms  “Radiation-proof Chernobyl worms offer answers about cancer.” by Paul McClure. 2024.  “Chernobyl Accident 1986.” n.a. 2022.  “Environmental radiation exposure at Chornobyl has not systematically affected the genomes or chemical mutagen tolerance phenotypes of local worms.” by Sophia C. Tintori, et al. 2024.   Barnacle Proteins  “Barnacle proteins protect metals from corrosion in salt water.” by Prachi Patel. 2024.  “How Does Salt Water Rust Metals?” By Claire Gillespie. 2018.  “What are barnacles?” NOAA. 2023.   Foot-Eye Coordination  “Foot-eye coordination: how our vision changes in rhythm with our walking.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Neuroscience research shows the brain is strobing, not constant.” n.a. 2017.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the magic of the upcoming solar eclipse, a simple way to reduce the amount of microplastics in your drinking water, and the connection between self-control and the perception of power. Livestream of the total solar eclipse on Discovery’s YouTube channel on April 8 at 2:15pm ET here!Eclipse 2024  “What this solar eclipse can teach us about our planet and beyond.” by Kasha Patel. 2024.  “Eclipse Soundscapes Project.” 2024.  “Globe Observer: Eclipse.” 2024.  “Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project Objectives.” 2024.   Boiling Microplastics  “Concerned About Microplastics in Your Water? Consider Boiling It First.” by Alexander Beadle. 2024.  “Microplastics in freshwaters and drink water: Critical review and assessment of data quality.” by Albert A. Koelmans, et al. 2019.  “The Impact of Microplastics on the Gut Microbiome and Health.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2023.  “Drinking Boiled Tap Water Reduces Human Intake of Nanoplastics and Microplastics.” by Zimin Yu, et al. 2024.   Self-Control  “Having Self-Control Leads to Power.” by Jenn Riggle. 2024.  “Self-control signals and affords power.” by Wu, S. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a potentially risky new idea to geoengineer our way out of extreme heat, bad news for fans of artificially sweetened drinks, and an incredible new discovery about butterflies.   Geoengineering  “Dehydrate the stratosphere to curb global warming? Scientists float new risky strategy.” by Paul Voosen. 2024.  “Contributions of Stratospheric Water Vapor to Decadal Changes in the Rate of Global Warming.” by Susan Solomon, et al. 2010.  “Considering intentional stratospheric dehydration for climate benefits.” by Joshua P. Schwarz. 2024.   Artificial Sweeteners  “Artificially sweetened drinks linked to risk of irregular heartbeat, study finds.” by Erum Salam. 2024.  “Sweetened Beverages, GEnetic Susceptibility, and Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Cohort Study.” by Ying Sun, et al. 2024.  “Atrial Fibrillation.” CDC. 2022.  Butterfly Mimicry  “Butterflies mimic each other’s flight behaviour to avoid predators.” University of York. 2024.  “Butterfly Mimicry.” by Karin Kjernsmo. 2021.  “Mimicry in viceroy butterflies is dependent on abundance of the model queen butterfly.” by Kathleen L. Prudic, et al. 2019.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about an alarming new killer behavior in orcas, a potential breakthrough for patients with one of the deadliest cancers, and the brain science behind flow.   Shark Hunter  “Orcas Demonstrating They No Longer Need to Hunt in Packs to Take Down the Great White Shark.” Taylor & Francis. 2024.  “Further insights into killer whales Orcinus orca preying on white sharks Carcharodon carcharias in South Africa.” by A Towner, et al. 2024.  “Top 10 Facts About Orcas.” WWF. 2023.  Asbestos Cancer Treatment  “Drug offers ‘wonderful’ breakthrough in treatment of asbestos-linked cancer.” by Andrew Gregory. 2024.  “Key Statistics About Malignant Mesothelioma.” American Cancer Society. 2019. “Pegargiminase Plus First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients With Nonepithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma.” by Peter W. Szlosarek, MD, PhD. et al. 2024.  Creative Flow  “Your brain in the zone: A new neuroimaging study reveals how the brain achieves a creative flow state.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Creative flow as optimized processing: Evidence from brain oscillations during jazz improvisations by expert and non-expert musicians.” by David Rosen, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy 300 episodes to our Curiosity Daily listeners! Today, you’ll learn about a massive database of human genomes that’s uncovering major new genetic discoveries, the scientists building stone age tools from scratch… and then putting them to work, and a treasure trove of deep sea discoveries in an underwater mountain range.   Human Diversity   “Ambitious survey of human diversity yields millions of undiscovered genetic variants.” by Max Kozlov. 2024.  “NIH’s All of Us Research Program Releases First Genomic Dataset of Nearly 100,000 Whole Genome Sequences.” NIH. 2022.  “About.” NIH. 2021.  Ancient Tool Use  “Scientists try out stone age tools to understand how they were used.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Experiments with replicas of Early Upper Paleolithic edge-ground stone axes and adzes provide criteria for identifying tool functions.” by Akira Iwase, et al. 2024.   Deep Sea Discoveries  “See the strange new species discovered near Chile - with the help of a deep-diving sea robot.” by Laura Baisas. 2024.  “Scientists Confirm Underwater Mountains Harbor Abundant Life Off Chile’s Coast.” Schmidt Ocean Institute. 2024.  “How much of the ocean has been explored?” NOAA. n.d.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how we learn the same information differently from people we like than from those we don’t like, a drug men already take that could have incredible added benefits, and a weed that could feed a hungry world.   Learning From Friends   “The brain is ‘programmed’ for learning from people we like.” Lund University. 2024.  “Ingroup sources enhance associative inference.” by Marius Boeltzig. 2023.   Hair & Heart   “Common hair loss and prostate drug may also cut heart disease risk in men and mice.” by Lauren Quinn. 2024.  “Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in men.” by Patrick McQueen, et al. 2024.   Feeding Weeds  “Common plant could help reduce food insecurity, researchers find.” by Jeff Mulhollem. 2024.  “Food Resilience in the Face of Catastrophic Global Events.” Penn State University. N.d.  “What You Need to Know About Food Security and Climate Change.” Worldbank. 2022.  “Valorizing staple Native American food plants as a food resilience resource.” by Daniel J. Winstead, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how ADHD might have actually helped our ancient ancestors thrive, the way pollution makes it hard for nighttime pollinators to stop and smell the flowers, and a new study that suggests lions, tigers, and other big cats can tell who’s talking to them.   ADHD Foraging  “Attention deficits linked with proclivity to explore while foraging.” by David Barack. 2024.  “What is ADHD?” NIH. n.d.  “Foraging theory upscaled: the behavioural ecology of herbivore movement.” by N. Owen-Smith, et al. 2010.   Pollution & Pollinators  “At night, pollution keeps pollinating insects from smelling the flowers.” by Elizabeth Pennisi. 2024.  “Here’s how insects help keep ecosystems in balance.” WWF. 2023.  “Nitrate radicals and biogenic volatile organic compounds: oxidation, mechanisms, and organic aerosol.” by Nga Lee Ng, et al. 2017.   Big Cats Listen  “Big cats can tell apart known and unknown human voices, study finds.” by Nicola Davis. 2024.  “Lions are the Brainiest of the Big Cats.” by Jason G. Goldman. 2016.  “Catcalls: exotic cats discriminate the voices of familiar caregivers.” by Taylor Crews, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about mind-reading machines, the brightest object in the known universe, and the potential power punch of cinnamon.  Mind-Reading  “Mind-reading devices are revealing the brain’s secrets.” by Miryam Naddaf. 2024.  “The brain-reading devices helping paralysed people to move, talk and touch.” by Liam Drew. 2022.  “The rise of brain-reading technology: what you need to know.” by Liam Drew. 2023.  “How our brains decode speech: special neurons process certain sounds.” by Saima Sidik. 2023.   Universe’s Brightest Object  “Astronomers discover universe’s brightest object - a quasar powered by a black hole that eats a sun a day.” by Tory Shepherd. 2024.  “What is a quasar?” by Andy Briggs. 2021.  “Revealed: the oldest black hole ever observed, dating to dawn of universe.” by Hannah Devlin. 2023.   Cinnamon  “Cinnamon supplements reduce blood glucose in people with prediabetes.” by Dani Mann. 2024.  “Cinnamon and Diabetes.” n.a. 2023. “Prediabetes (Borderline Diabetes).” by Mike Watts. 2022.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about hurricanes so powerful they need a new category, bacteria linked to young-onset colo-rectal cancer, and ancient treasures made out of meteorites.   Category 6  “In a warming world, climate scientists consider category 6 hurricanes.” EurekAlert! 2024. “How do hurricanes form?” NOAA. 2023.  “AMCR’s Wehner Explores Impact of ‘Extreme Event Attribution’ on Climate Science Research.” by Kathy Kincade. 2023.  “Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.” NOAA. n.d.  Colo-Rectal Bacteria  “Cleveland Clinic Research reveals unique tumor-related bacteria tied to young-onset colorectal cancer.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Colorectal (Colon) Cancer.” Cleveland Clinic. 2022.  “Distinct intratumoral microbiome of young-onset and average-onset colorectal cancer.” by Shimoli V. Barot, et al. 2024.  “The microbiome and human cancer.” by Gregory D. Sepich-Poore, et al. 2022.   Meteorite Loot  “These 3,000-Year-Old Treasures Were Forged From Meteoritic Iron.” by Sonja Anderson. 2024.  “Bronze Age artifacts used meteoric iron.” Science Daily. 2017.  “Treasure of Villena and Jose Maria Soler Archaeological Museum.” Turismo Villena. N.d.  “Bronze Age ‘treasure’ was crafted with extraterrestrial metal.” by Jennifer Nalewicki. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the surprising effect our immune system has on our emotional health, a new discovery about the biological clock of plants, and how researchers are rediscovering the science of psychedelics.   Stress & Immunity  “Mount Sinai Study Shows That Circulating Immune Cells Drawn to the Brain During Stress Can Control Emotional Behaviors.” Mt. Sinai. 2024.  “Major Depressive Disorder.” by Navneet Bains & Sara Abdijadid. 2023.  “Circulating myeloid-derived MMP8 in stress susceptibility and depression.” by Flurin Cathomas, et al. 2024.   Crop Resilience  “USC researchers uncover biological circuit that protects plants from extreme conditions.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply.” EPA. 2023.  “The interplay between the circadian clock and abiotic stress responses mediated by ABF3 and CCA1/LHY.” by Tong Liang, et al. 2024.   Psychedelic Scale  “An intriguing psychedelic assessment is back from the dead, thanks to Swiss scientists.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “The Psychedelic Integration Scales: Tools for Measuring Psychedelic Integration Behaviors and Experiences.” by Tomas Frymann, et al. 2022.  “The revival of the psychedelic experience scale: Revealing its extended-mystical, visual, and distressing experiential spectrum with LSD and psilocybin studies.” by Kurt Stocker, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the link between body temperature and depression, how taking the the Polar Bear Plunge could soothe symptoms of menopause, and a new sticker that can detect organ failure.   Depression Temp  “Are Body Temperature and Depression Linked? Science Says, Yes.” by Jess Berthold. 2024.  “Surprising Link Discovered Between Body Temperature and Depression.” by Jess Berthold. 2024.   Cold Water Menopause  “Cold water swimming improves menopause symptoms.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Is cold water swimming in the winter healthy?” by Bard Amundsen. 2021.   Ultrasound Sticker  “This ultrasound sticker senses changing stiffness of deep internal organs.” by Jennifer Chu. 2024.  “Wearable bioadhesive ultrasound shear wave elastography.” by Hsiao-Chuan Liu, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new blood test that can detect signs of psychosis and guide precision treatment, a gene mutation that happened in two different high altitude populations thousands of years apart, and new findings of the mental impacts of polycystic ovary syndrome.   Psychosis Blood Test  “Blood test predicts psychosis risk, most effective treatments.” UI School of Medicine. 2024.  “The Link Between Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder: A Unifying Hypothesis.” by Jibran Y. Khokhar, et al. 2019.  “Precision medicine for psychotic disorders: objective assessment, risk prediction, and pharmacogenomics.” by M.D. Hill, et all. 2024.   Altitude Genes  “Mutations in same gene allow two different groups of humans to thrive at extreme altitudes.” by Phie Jacobs. 2024.  “High-altitude living has changed more than just the genes of some Peruvians.” by Freda Kreier. 2020.  “How the people of the Andes evolved to live in high altitudes.” by Lizzie Wade. 2018.  “Mutations may reveal how Tibetans can live on world’s highest plateau.” by Michael Price. 2017.   PCOS Cognition  “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Linked to Cognitive Decline in Midlife.” by Rhianna-lily Smith. 2024.  “Associations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With Indicators of Brain Health at Midlife in the CARDIA Cohort.” by Heather G. Huddleston, MD, et al. 2024.  “White Matter Microstructure and Cognitive Function in Young Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” by D. Aled Rees, et al. 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new rapid test for detecting fentanyl, a hyper-sensitive new lead detector, and the mathematical proof that Bach… was a great composer.   Fentanyl Rapid Test    “Researchers Develop Rapid Test for Detecting Fentanyl.” by Kim Horner. 2024.  “Fentanyl and the U.S. Opioid Epidemic.” Claire Klobucista & Mariel Ferragamo. 2023.  “Naloxone-AuNPs@ZIF-8-Based Impedimetric Sensor Platform for Ultrasensitive Detection of Fentanyl and Fabrication of Fen-Track Prototype for Real-Field Analysis.” by Anirban Paul, et al. 2024.   Lead Detector   “Ultra-sensitive lead detector could significantly improve water quality monitoring.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Toward the Ultimate Limit of Analyte Detection, in Graphene-Based Field-Effect Transistors.” by Alex W. Lee, et al. 2024.  “Lead in Drinking Water.” CDC. 2023. “Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.” EPA. 2024. “EPA finds more than 9 million lead pipes supplying drinking water throughout the U.S.” by Li Cohen. 2023.   Bach & Math  “Mathematicians have finally proved that Bach was a great composer.” by Kamela Padavic-Callaghan. 2024.  “Classical music synchronises the audience’s heartbeats and sweating.” By Jason Arunn Murugesu. 2023.  “Johann Sebastian Bach.” by Mark Cartwright. 2023.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how a population of female chimps have surprisingly been found to go through menopause and live well beyond their reproductive years, an ancient tsunami and its devastating impact on stone age populations, and the dire effects of sexism in science.   Chimp Menopause   “Surprisingly long-lived wild female chimps go through menopause.” by Bruce Bower. 2023.  “Wild Chimps Shown to Undergo Menopause for the First Time.” by Joanna Thompson. 2023.  “Evolutionarily, grandmas are good for grandkids - up to a point.” by Sujata Gupta. 2019.  “Why postmenopausal women are so crucial to our evolutionary success.” by Alice Klein. 2024.   Ancient Tsunami  “Tsunami 8,000 Years Ago May Have Devastated Stone Age Community - Study.” by Aristos Georgiou. 2024.  “Possible Tsunami Risk as Geologists Discover 45-Mile-Long Hidden Fault.” by Jess Thomson. 2023.  “The Historic Storegga Slide & Tsunamis.” by David Nikel. 2021.   Sexism in Science  “How centuries of sexism excluded women from science.” by Karly Pitman. 2023.  “Study shows gender bias in science is real. Here’s why it matters.” by Ilana Yurkiewicz. 2012.  “What science has gotten wrong by ignoring women.” by Catherine Zuckerman. 2018.  “Confronting Sexism in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): What Are the Consequences? By Eden J.V. Hennessey. 2018.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.