Curiosity Weekly

Some of society’s greatest scientific achievements were made based on research that might sound silly or bizarre to the average person. But curiosity-driven exploration is just as important to science as research that starts out with clear-cut applications in mind.   So, this episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Carly Anne York. Dr. York wrote The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog: And Other Serious Discoveries of Silly Science and they talk about how crucial curiosity is when it comes to learning about the world around us. Then, speaking of silly science, Sam and the production team dig into some of the winners of this year’s Ig Nobel Prize. After that, Sam explores a study that proves the communication between moths and tomato plants.  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.

Understanding exactly how the billions of neurons and trillions of connections in our brains could be one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history. And, surprisingly, we’re not as far off from that as you might think. In episode 2 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Forrest Collman who helped create the most detailed brain diagram ever made. Sam also digs into how much microplastic is really in our heads and how our brain might be an unreliable narrator.  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.

Neuroscience is tricky… to say the least. Dedicated scientists have been exploring the organ since ancient times but there is still so much we don’t know about what goes on between our ears. In part 1 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Toker about his research on consciousness through experimenting with lab-grown organoids. He explains what we can learn about the brain from better understanding consciousness. Then, Sam explores why our brains love to fixate on the mistakes we make and whether or not we can actually perceive more than five senses in our bodies.   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.

There’s no real replacement for traditional medicine, but what if there was an intuitive way to prevent the effects of things like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain? Social prescription is the act of being prescribed activities that center around connection with community, art, and nature. And it’s backed by science! Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by author Julia Hotz to talk about the ins and outs of social prescription and how becoming more active in your environment and community can help prevent certain health outcomes. Then, Sam explores a fascinating new vaccine side effect and what fanfiction can tell us about how we experience art and culture.   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.

Join neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf, a champion for children’s literacy, and psychology professor Daniel Willingham as they tackle the pressing issue of technology's impact on young minds. They explore how screen time is affecting attention spans and critical thinking skills in children. The experts discuss the importance of cultivating deep reading habits to enhance cognitive development and empathy. They also highlight the cultural shifts in literacy due to digital distractions, leaving listeners with actionable strategies for fostering healthier tech habits in kids.

Literacy is murkier than we think. This episode, as a part one of our literacy series, we explore recent research related to one of the most important milestones in our academic lives: learning to read. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Emily Wood, a speech language pathologist who studies the methods we use for testing literacy in kids. She speaks with Sam about how we can better address gaps in reading among children and what options are available for multilingual kids in the classroom. Sam also looks into a study that reports on the benefits of handwriting vs typing while learning to read and a study about how using AI in the classroom might not be the best idea.   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.

Discover the intriguing connection between genetics and how long babies cry. Dive into the psychology of nostalgia with insights from experts on its power to boost mood and personal growth. Explore how reflecting on cherished memories fosters hope and enhances social connections. Learn about the bittersweet nature of nostalgia as a coping mechanism for insecurities. Finally, uncover the fascinating relationship between juggling and neuroplasticity, revealing how this skill can transform your brain.

Los Angeles is home to the only place in the world where ancient fossils are being actively excavated in the middle of the city: The La Brea Tar Pits. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks to the deputy director and assistant curator of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Dr. Regan Dunn. They talk about what makes this site so fascinating and what we can learn from what we find hidden in the tar. Sam also explores a recent study on methane capturing at a California dairy farm. Then, she is joined by Aly Moore to discuss the benefits of entomophagy aka eating insects.    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. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist from the University of New South Wales and author of "You Are More Than What You Eat," delves into the truth behind Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications. She explains their unexpected rise as weight loss solutions, originally designed for diabetes treatment, and discusses the importance of a holistic approach to weight loss. The conversation also touches on innovative mosquito control strategies, including a new drug that may make human blood toxic to mosquitoes, aiming to combat disease spread.

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!