Curiosity Weekly

Teresa Carey, a senior producer and editorial correspondent, interviews Dr. Samira Jeimy, an allergist and associate professor. They delve into why allergies are often minimized in society, discussing the challenges patients face with vague food labeling and advocacy for better recognition. Dr. Jeimy shares insights on allergic reactions, new treatments like oral immunotherapy, and the mental health toll of living with allergies. They also highlight advancements in epinephrine delivery options, ensuring safety for those at risk.

In a fascinating discussion with Adam Aleksic, an etymologist and author known for his insights into internet slang, listeners explore how technology reshapes language faster than ever. Adam delves into the emergence of 'AlgoSpeak'—new slang influenced by algorithms and social media. He discusses how these platforms cultivate unique accents and speech patterns, and emphasizes the cultural significance of slang. Plus, they touch on the role of media literacy in understanding this linguistic evolution, while also diving into unexpected topics like a fungus linked to cancer research.

Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, discusses the urgent health impacts of climate change and emphasizes the need for community resilience. He highlights practical strategies for vulnerable populations during climate events, such as smart surfaces to reduce heat and the importance of mutual aid. Benjamin also expresses hope in younger generations driving change and the growing recognition of climate issues in public health. Additionally, intriguing studies on vision restoration and energy expenditure in athletes are explored.

Dr. Jeffrey Iliff, a neuroscientist from the University of Washington, dives into the fascinating world of sleep and its impact on brain health. He explains the discovery of the glymphatic system and how sleep helps clear brain waste. The discussion touches on animal sleep patterns for insights into human sleep. Iliff also highlights the link between poor sleep and dementia risk, explores individual sleep profiles, and shares practical tips to enhance sleep quality, emphasizing the importance of long-term sleep habits for overall brain health.

Join meteorologist Dr. Reed Timmer, a professional storm chaser and star of Discovery's In the Eye of the Storm, as he dives into the thrilling world of extreme weather. He discusses the engineering marvel of his armored 'Dominator' vehicles, designed to collect vital tornado data right in the storm's path. Reed also shares epic tales from the field, the perils of storm chasing, and insights on the behavior of hurricanes. Get ready for a wild ride into the science of storms!

Arielle Johnson, a flavor scientist and co-founder of Noma’s Fermentation Lab, explores the fascinating intersection of food and science. She explains how our sense of smell plays a crucial role in flavor perception and shares insights on how aroma compounds can mimic tastes like lemon. The conversation also delves into fermentation as a creative process in flavor design and the complexities of microbial interactions. Plus, they discuss the implications of ultra-processed foods on health, advocating for moderation rather than complete elimination.

Kyne Santos, known as the Math Queen, is a math communicator and drag performer with a flair for making numbers fun. They explore the joy of math, from its creative overlaps with art and drag to its everyday applications in decisions like weather and traffic. Kyne also discusses the significance of zero and prime numbers in cryptography, the common causes of math anxiety, and how to reshape our relationship with math. Plus, there's intriguing talk about caffeine's role in tackling daunting tasks and the latest findings on microplastics in the brain.

Kim Stanley Robinson, an acclaimed science fiction author celebrated for his Mars trilogy, joins the discussion to explore the intriguing overlap between science and science fiction. He emphasizes how fiction can help us simulate societal consequences and serve as a tool for ethical reflection, particularly regarding genetics and AI. The conversation highlights how his work informs real scientific ideas and frames climate issues, advocating for fiction as a serious means of thinking about our future. Additionally, there's a fascinating look at green sea turtles migrating to urban waters.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Harland Patch, an expert in agricultural sciences, sheds light on the alarming decline of insect populations and the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystems. He shares insights on effective urban gardening practices to support pollinator diversity and explains the differences between ground and stem-nesting bees. Dr. Patch emphasizes the importance of native plants and highlights the overlooked pollinators like flies and beetles. Tune in to learn how we can all contribute to restoring habitats for these vital creatures!

Logan Scott, a GPS and timing expert with over 40 years in navigation systems, discusses the surprising vulnerabilities of GPS technology. He explains how spoofing and jamming can disrupt critical services, and why nanosecond precision in timing is essential. The conversation also covers the innovative eLoran system as a potential backup for GPS, and the future of private low-Earth orbit navigation satellites. Scott emphasizes the need for a resilient, layered navigation strategy to safeguard against potential failures.