Curiosity Weekly

Edwin J. C. van Leeuwen studies chimpanzee social learning, revealing that these clever apes can teach each other when faced with challenges. Cristen Hemingway Jaynes discusses their cultural learning, showing how skills accumulate over generations. The conversation then shifts to exciting advancements in breast cancer treatments with a new hydrogel technology. Lastly, the therapeutic benefits of singing emerge, highlighting how vocal music can aid in brain recovery after a stroke, improving language abilities and fostering social connections.

Join science writer Carl Zimmer, animal behavior researcher Laura S. Lewis, and cancer scientist Marta Wegorzewska as they dive into fascinating findings. Discover how chimpanzees can recognize familiar faces for decades, revealing deep social memories. Explore the groundbreaking role of gut bacteria in enhancing immune responses against tumors, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment. The trio also discusses innovative gene therapy techniques aiming to alleviate chronic back pain, highlighting promising breakthroughs in spinal health.

Join journalist Jennifer Couzin-Frankel as she uncovers fascinating health insights. Discover why elite athletes might face unexpected heart issues like atrial fibrillation and how intense training can actually complicate heart health. Delve into the potential of oxytocin nasal sprays to combat loneliness, highlighting findings on social interactions. Plus, learn about alarming nail conditions that may signal genetic disorders linked to cancer risk, showcasing the surprising connection between fingernails and health.

Rhianna-lily Smith, a researcher focused on sleepwalking brain activity, and Jacinthe Cataldi, a co-author on EEG correlates in non-REM sleep, discuss fascinating insights. They reveal surprising brain function during sleepwalking and its safety implications. They also explore how video games improve real-world navigation skills, which is linked to less reliance on GPS. Finally, they delve into endurance hunting in early humans, showcasing its evolutionary advantages and cultural significance.

Ivan Kasamba, a researcher known for his longitudinal study on HIV treatment in rural Uganda, discusses groundbreaking advancements in HIV vaccine development. He highlights promising clinical trials that have sparked hope amid challenges. The conversation then shifts to engineers redefining carbon dioxide's role, creating useful products through innovative methods. Lastly, they explore transformative sound control fabrics made from silk and cotton, potentially turning clothing into noise-canceling technology, revolutionizing personal audio experiences.

In this engaging discussion, Johanne S. K. Nedergaard, an author studying anendophasia, and Gary Lupyan, a researcher focusing on inner voices, explore fascinating insights into the human mind. They reveal how individuals without an inner voice struggle with verbal memory. The conversation also highlights yoga's potential to clear cognitive fog in cancer survivors. Dive into the intriguing findings about hormonal influences on promiscuity in mice, comparing behaviors that shape their social structures and parenting.

Ben Coxworth, an innovative researcher, discusses a groundbreaking ingestible gel that prevents alcohol from making you drunk while protecting the liver. Jiaqi Su, who co-authored a study on these smart hydrogels, adds insights into their composition and function. The conversation also dives into ancient viruses from Yellowstone's hot springs, hinting at their relevance for extraterrestrial studies. Additionally, discover how tiger beetles use ultrasonic mimicry to confuse bats, showcasing nature's fascinating survival strategies.

Fabio Bergamin, a pioneer in blood diagnostic methods, discusses a revolutionary technique for blood sampling inspired by leeches that reduces anxiety around needles. Kimberly Alsbrooks and Klaus Hoerauf share insights into needle phobia's impact on healthcare access. The conversation also highlights blue-green algae's potential for carbon capture, which could address climate problems. Lastly, they delve into new research uncovering how chronic asthma may be linked to cell overcrowding in the airways, potentially leading to innovative treatments.

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.

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.