SciShow Tangents

No, your eyes and ears don't deceive you - this is, in fact, a super special cross-feed treat from our friends over at Crash Course in the form of the first episode of their brand new show, "Crash Course Pods: The Universe." Hosted by novelist John Green and astrophysicist Dr. Katie Mack, "The Universe" is a podcast about the history of the entire universe, from its explosive beginnings to its mysterious, but inevitable, end. In this first episode Dr. Mack walks John through the Big Bang and the very first micro-moments of the universe, and some of the ways that that ancient event is actually still connected to us, here, today. It's great, we really like it, we're really proud of the Crash Course team, and we thought you guys would also really enjoy the show! So to make it easy, we put the entire first episode right here! The rest of John and Dr. Mack's conversation will cover 11 episodes airing every other week on the Crash Course YouTube channel at youtube.com/crashcourse or wherever you get your podcasts. Give it a listen, and we hope you enjoy!

Dive into the quirky world of machine learning as experts explore how AI draws inspiration from animal behavior, like raccoons and dolphins. Discover the humorous side of algorithms, along with ethical dilemmas and societal pressures shaping AI's role. They break down the mysteries between machine learning and AI, tackle the nuances of supervised learning, and even play a game separating real studies from fakes. Plus, the fascinating applications of AI in health give a glimpse into its future, all wrapped in engaging discussions!

Another wild teaser appears! This little snippet is the first part of our revisit of Hygiene and answering even more questions that we didn't get to in the episode. You can listen to the rest, and also a bunch more bonus content, on our Patreon. It's one of the best ways you can support the show and keep Tangents going and free for everyone. Head over to Patreon.com/scishowtangents and join in all the learning and shenanigans! Thank you so much to all our Patrons - we genuinely would not get to do this without you, and we really like doing this, so it rocks that we can. THANK YOU!

Dive into the world of turtles with light-hearted banter and intriguing topics including fossilized turtle poop, crushed shells, and the misunderstood Bowser from Super Mario. Learn about turtle robots, communication among turtles, and even a study on sea turtles' poop.

The podcast features casual banter about crunchy snacks and childhood soda stories. They discuss celebrities not watching their own movies and ponder the smallest possible measurement. Exclusive bonus content is available on their Patreon.

The podcast explores the significance of textiles in human experience, from fashion expression to protection. Topics include fabric shoe sole tariff, water-soluble fiber in Finnish textiles, and innovative medical devices. They discuss nostalgic tales of favorite shirts and the challenges of laundry in space, along with unconventional textile experiments.

Discover the enchanting world of feathers, from their intricate structures to their evolutionary history linked to dinosaurs. Enjoy whimsical musings on cryptids and amusing anecdotes about mythical creatures, all while diving deep into fascinating bird behaviors. Engage in lighthearted discussions about unconventional food sources like chicken feathers and humorous takes on animals, including a 'hairy dolphin.' With trivia and comedy blended seamlessly, this exploration offers laughter and learning in equal measure.

Dive into the fascinating world of garbage! Discover the whimsical history behind terms like 'poubelle' and the hilarious traits of beans. Learn about sulfur-crested cockatoos mastering garbage can openings and the troubling trend of hermit crabs using plastic shells. Engage in humor-laden discussions on innovative waste management solutions, including lasers for decluttering space. From recycling to ecological impacts, the podcast tackles it all with a blend of science and whimsy!

In this lively discussion, guest Deboki Chakravarti, a former editorial assistant with a knack for exploring fundamental human questions, dives into the layered world of hormones. The talk oscillates from the whimsical concept of crispy sauces to a thought-provoking look at oxytocin, the love hormone, and its role in social bonding. With humor and engaging anecdotes, they also discuss the intricate connections between hormones, stress, and parenting insights, offering a delightful blend of science and personal storytelling.

Get ready for a cheesy adventure! Explore the whimsical names of cheeses, including the luxurious pule and quirky Cornish Yarg. Discover surprising links between cheese and sound with a unique taste test experiment. Learn the hilarious history of Cougar Gold cheese, created for troops in the 1940s. Delve into the science of cheese flavors, including how mites play a role in production. It’s a melty, tangy, and slightly stinky exploration that will leave you craving a cheese board!