Curiosity Weekly

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the rare study of hammerhead shark embryos and their skull development, how physical touch from teammates can improve free throw accuracy in basketball, and the exceptional fracture resistance of a kink-promoting super allow.

Uncover the mystery of a 30-foot prehistoric shark with massive teeth from Mexico quarry. Explore the controversy of killing millions of barred owls. Learn how misophonia may be linked to stress and trauma.