SciShow Tangents

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!

This podcast delves into the darkness of the ocean and space, with a fun quiz on the winter solstice. They also discuss the myth of carrots improving night vision, unique burial choices, and the history of fecal sludge management.

Topics explored in this lively episode include quantum computers, thermoacoustics, molecular chemistry, and the influence of refrigeration on the environment. The hosts also discuss using sound waves for cooling and the formation of 'freezer taste' in frozen food.

The podcast explores the concept of 'quiet' and its scientific definition, along with the role of sound and quiet in animal behavior. It also discusses how rockets are made quiet during launches, the concept of quiet in geology, and the quietest time during the pandemic.

The podcast delves into the fascinating history of oil, debunking the common misconception that it comes from dinosaurs. They discuss the origins and uses of oil, including its presence in food oils. The hosts also explore the impact of dry weather on olive oil production, the increase in olive oil prices, and a recent incident of olive oil theft in Spain. They touch on the environmental disaster in Times Beach caused by dioxin contamination and challenge the oversimplification of labeling certain oils or fats as 'bad'.

Guest Julian Huguet, along with the hosts, discusses the exciting world of telescopes. They touch on topics such as studying changes in the Earth's crust, unexpected uses of telescopes, and transporting the James Williams face telescope. They also explore adaptive optics and artificial stars.