

Curiosity Weekly
Discovery
Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don’t need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests and investigates the research guiding some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs affecting our world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2024 • 12min
Hair Loss Treatment, Aphantasia, Ultrasound Coffee
Learn about a groundbreaking hair loss treatment for autoimmune skin disease, how aphantasia affects brain responses and motor skills, and a gadget that makes cold brew coffee in minutes using ultrasound technology.

Jul 25, 2024 • 13min
Asthma & ADHD, Whale Codas, Hidden Lithium
The podcast explores the possible link between asthma, ADHD, and income in children, the complexity of whale communication, and the discovery of hidden lithium under Pennsylvania. It discusses how family income affects the development of asthma and ADHD symptoms in children, the rising demand for lithium, and the geological formation of lithium deposits in the Marcellus Shale.

Jul 24, 2024 • 12min
Brainstem Dial, Centipedes & Kidneys, AI Ghosts
Discover how brainstem neurons control inflammation levels, centipede venom offers kidney disease treatment leads, and the ethical concerns of AI chatbots simulating deceased loved ones in the digital afterlife industry.

Jul 19, 2024 • 12min
Sleeping Brain, Bamboo Glass, Leprosy & Squirrels
Today, you’ll learn about how sleep isn’t the brain detoxifier we thought it was, a new glass made out of bamboo, and the connection between leprosy and red squirrels in medieval England. Sleeping Brain “Sleep does not help brain wash out toxins, study suggests.” by Hannah Devlin. 2024. “The sleep-deprived human brain.” by Adam J. Krause, et al. 2017. “Brain clearance is reduced during sleep and anesthesia.” by Andawei Miao, et al. 2024. Bamboo Glass “A Novel Flame-Retardant, Smoke-Suppressing, and Superhydrophobic Transparent Bamboo.” by Jiahui Su, et al. 2024. “Glass Transmittance.” Linshang Technology. 2020. “Is Bamboo Sustainable? All You Need to Know About Eco-Friendly Bamboo.” by Raf Chomsky. 2023. Leprosy & Squirrels “In medieval England, leprosy spread between red squirrels and people, genome evidence shows.” EurekAlert! 2024. “Ancient Mycobacterium leprae genome reveals medieval English red squirrels as animal leprosy host.” by Christian Urban, et al. 2024. Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive 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.

Jul 18, 2024 • 11min
Fiction Readers, Bird Flu Transmission, Beluga Heads
Explore how reading fiction can boost cognitive skills according to research. Learn about the rare transmission of bird flu from cows to humans. Discover how beluga whales communicate by manipulating their squishy heads.

Jul 17, 2024 • 12min
Tobacco Treatment, Clean Touchscreen, Parrot Stepdads
Discover how brain stimulation may aid in quitting smoking, a new copper coating making touchscreens bacteria-free, and the heartwarming story of parrot stepdads adopting young ones.

Jul 12, 2024 • 12min
Shark Oil, Eco-Friendly Lubricant, Historic Land Management
Explore the impact of squalene demand on deepwater sharks, efforts to create eco-friendly lubricants, and the historical connection between shepherds, women, and wildfire prevention. Discover the risks faced by sharks, the development of sustainable lubricants for turbines, and the importance of combining innovation with traditional land management practices.

Jul 11, 2024 • 11min
Ghost Shark, Grief Treatment, Blood Vessel Coordination
Discover a new ghost shark species with giant iridescent eyes, the best therapy for prolonged grief disorder, and how blood vessel coordination in the brain enhances brain function.

Jul 10, 2024 • 12min
Thresher Shark, Laron Syndrome, Sad Music
Discover the incredible dynamics of thresher sharks' tails and how they use them to hunt. Explore the rare growth disorder, Laron Syndrome, and its potential link to longevity. Uncover the mystery of why people find pleasure in listening to sad music and the emotions it evokes.

Jul 5, 2024 • 12min
Newborn Great White, Long-Term Flu Shot, Consciousness Map
Researchers discuss the rare sighting of a newborn Great White Shark off the coast of California, the development of a long-lasting universal flu vaccine, and the mapping of brain connections crucial for human consciousness. The podcast covers exciting scientific discoveries and potential breakthroughs in shark science, vaccine development, and neuroscience.