Tiny Matters cover image

Tiny Matters

Listener Q&A: Methanol poisoning, quantum entanglement, biomimicry, sea foam snakes, tiny discoveries in 2023, and more!

Feb 21, 2024
Curious about the science of memory? Discover how our recollections change over time and affect eyewitness testimonies. Explore the surprising link between a cat's coat color and its personality, and unravel the complexities of quantum entanglement. Learn about biomimicry and how nature inspires innovative solutions, plus the stark differences between methanol and ethanol. Dive into groundbreaking medical innovations, and get tips for aspiring science podcasters on community building and production strategies.
45:54

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Quick takeaways

  • The act of recalling memories can lead to distortions as neural circuits reactivate, impacting the reliability of eyewitness accounts.
  • Quantum entanglement illustrates how interconnected particles can influence each other regardless of distance, essential for advancements in quantum computing.

Deep dives

The Nature of Memory Recall

When recalling a memory, the brain reactivates the neural circuits associated with that memory, which can lead to altered recollections over time. Research indicates that each instance of remembering can modify the original memory, potentially making it less accurate. A study from Northwestern University demonstrated that participants were more likely to misplace objects they had previously recalled inaccurately in follow-up tests. This phenomenon explains why eyewitness testimonies can be unreliable, as individuals may inadvertently remember their last recollection rather than the actual event.

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