Curiosity Weekly

Dr. Gregory Hampikian, a biological sciences and criminal justice professor, dives into the complexities of forensic DNA in criminal investigations. He discusses why DNA evidence can lead to false convictions and questions its reliability. The conversation also covers the rise of AI in forensics and the surprising psychological insights of the 'effort paradox.' Additionally, there's a critique of the outdated RICE method for injury treatment, emphasizing the importance of movement for recovery. Tune in for a blend of science and critical thinking!

Sharks are vanishing from South Africa’s coast and Alison Towner knows why. One of the world’s top great white experts and a leading woman in STEM, Alison joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to break down her new Shark Week specials: Air Jaws: Return of Colossus and Great White Assassins and reveal what’s really happening to these iconic predators. Then, Sam dives into new findings about hammerhead shark migration and why that little blue seafood label matters for ocean conservation. Plus, Paul de Gelder shares what to watch for in How to Survive a Shark Attack. All premiering during Shark Week, starting July 20, 2025 on Discovery!   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.

Shark Week returns July 20 on Discovery!   This episode is the Shark Week audio companion Part 1! Dr. Samantha Yammine dives into the most surprising shark science of 2025, from sharks that make noise to the nano-scale ‘sharkitecture’ inside their skeletons. Sam also interviews Forrest Galante, wildlife biologist and featured Shark Week expert in Alien Sharks. Plus, Luke Tipple, an underwater face on this year’s Shark Week, explains why people are Dancing With Sharks in 2025. Don’t miss it!   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. Michelle Wong, a skincare expert with a PhD in chemistry and the face behind Lab Muffin Beauty Science, joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to debunk skincare myths. They dive into the surprising links between collagen production and Amazon deforestation. Wong explains the science of SPF ratings and shares the secrets to effective sunscreen application. They also discuss the pitfalls of social media misinformation in skincare and the crucial role of vitamin D for overall health. Tune in for a blend of science and beauty wisdom!

Dr. Cansu Canca, founder of the AI Ethics Lab, joins the discussion on the evolution from an attention economy to an intention economy, where AI predicts our purchasing habits. She emphasizes the ethical implications of this shift, advocating for fair AI development. The conversation also dives into the unsettling trend of bedtime procrastination and its health impacts, alongside a fun spotlight on the creative Dance Your PhD contest. Expect insights that challenge your views on technology and personal agency!

Genetic testing has had some ups and downs over the past few years, with wide swaths of data sets setting a precedent for potential individualized healthcare. But, oftentimes, that data misrepresents African-descended individuals and doesn’t paint the whole picture. Population geneticist Dr. Janina Jeff Ringo joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss what we can learn from genetic testing, and the gaps that sociologists are trying to fill in.   Sam also explores a fascinating new study that claims to have nailed down the perfect cacio e pepe recipe and a potential solution to the growing strain on global rice yields.   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. Shawn Hercules, a queer, non-binary clinical epidemiologist, dives into the critical intersection of cancer research and health equity. They highlight their findings on breast cancer in people of African ancestry and discuss how gender-affirming care can enhance overall healthcare. The conversation also touches on the importance of diverse voices in science. Additionally, Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the need for employees to disconnect from work to improve mental well-being and unveils the complexities of deep-sea mining and its environmental impacts.

The key to protecting our oceans is understanding them. So, today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine leans into learning about the power and struggles of the environments that keep our planet blue. From the power of bioluminescence and how it’s changed how we study molecular biology to the importance of salt for our bodies and cultures, there is so much to absorb when it comes to our oceans. Then, producer Teresa Carey speaks with Dr. Gabby Ahmadia from the World Wildlife Fund about the importance of community-based conservation, research in coastal communities and how, with the right methodologies and funding, there is hope for our ocean’s health in the future. 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.

You might think you have nothing to hide on your devices but everyone does. From bank accounts to passwords to travel plans, protecting your digital privacy is one of the biggest issues we face today. Digital privacy expert Eva Galperin joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss the importance of protecting your data and how to best do so. Sam also explores recent updates on a nuclear battery that can keep devices charged for years as well as a man who might be the key behind creating a universal antivenom to protect against snakebites.   Be sure to watch #ImplosionTheTitanicSubDisaster on Wednesday, May 28 at 9pm on Discovery. It's a two-hour special that uncovers the extraordinary story of what caused the OceanGate disaster in 2023 and how it might have been prevented. For the first time ever, Josh Gates unveils groundbreaking new footage including an unsettling interview and a problematic test dive inside the Titan only months before the submersible started missions to the Titanic shipwreck.  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. John Crassidis, a distinguished professor at the University at Buffalo, tackles the pressing issue of space debris and its threat to satellites. He discusses innovative methods aerospace engineers are developing to manage this 'cosmic clutter.' The conversation highlights the significance of international cooperation and new tracking technologies. Additionally, explore the recent landmark discovery of the elusive colossal squid, shedding light on its biology and impact on marine conservation. Prepare for a dive into space safety and deep-sea wonders!