Curiosity Weekly

Dr. Kaylee Byers, assistant professor studying urban wildlife and One Health, blends science and community action. She talks about rats as indicators of city health, a rat risk index to guide management, genomics for tracking urban animals, and equitable greening and community-driven research. Short, sharp stories about city ecosystems and practical tools for healthier urban life.

If you are curious about the innovators actively creating a better future for our world, join Alex Honnold as he hosts Planet Visionaries. The show explores bold ideas and big solutions in partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. We have become big fans this season and hope you enjoy it too.

There are always constraints when it comes to conservation. Finances, logistics, population dynamics, medicine, and general care all need to be considered when asking: how do we best care for our planet? This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Forrest Galante, a wildlife conservationist and biologist to discuss his new series Vantara: Sanctuary Stories, now streaming on HBOMax and Discovery+. Sam and Forrest talk about the peaks and valleys of modern conservation and how the animal sanctuary Vantara is unique in the way it cares for the hundreds of thousands of animals that live there. Sam also explores a new study that provides evidence that helping others slows cognitive decline and recent research on how elite performers reach the pinnacle of their fields.   Link to Show Notes HERE  Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get 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.

To understand how our universe might end, scientists often have to go back to the beginning. This episode of Curiosity Weekly, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by astrophysicist Dr. Katie Mack to discuss theoretical cosmology, astrophysics, and what scientists are thinking might happen to our universe in the distant future. Sam also explores a newly discovered fire amoeba and a recent study exploring how exercise slows cancer growth.   Link to Show Notes HERE  Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get 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.

Dr. Paul Robbins, a professor and co-director at the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging, explores why aging remains a complex topic even for scientists. He discusses the intriguing health findings from the study of a 117-year-old woman and dives into cellular aging mechanisms like mitochondrial dysfunction. Robbins also outlines the genetic advantages of centenarians and why human lifespans may cap at around 115 years. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of healthspan—maximizing quality of life rather than merely extending years.

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!