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
Jun 28, 2024 • 12min
Robotic Nerve Cuffs, Orangutan Medicine, Ritual Nostalgia
A podcast discusses the development of robotic nerve cuffs for neurological conditions and an orangutan using a medicinal plant. It explores nostalgia's impact on engaging in rituals and finding meaning in life.
Jun 27, 2024 • 11min
Universal Donors, Exercise & Time, Eggshell Plastic
In this episode, learn about converting blood types into universal donors, how exercise alters our sense of time, and a new eggshell-based plastic to combat pollution. Discover advancements in blood compatibility and time perception during exercise, as well as the development of a sustainable bioplastic from eggshells to clean up waterways.
Jun 26, 2024 • 11min
Microgravity Effects, Octocoral, Menstrual Sync
Learn how microgravity affects sleep and physiological rhythms, the origins of bioluminescence in octocorals, and the truth about women's synchronized menstrual cycles. Discover the challenges astronauts face in maintaining normal sleep patterns in space, the evolutionary timeline of bioluminescence in corals, and the debunking of the myth of menstrual synchrony among women.
Jun 21, 2024 • 11min
Venus Environment, Forest Stewardship, Auto-Brewery Syndrome
Discover the extreme conditions on Venus that could offer clues about life beyond Earth, the importance of indigenous cultural fire burning for healthier forests, and the fascinating phenomenon of Auto-Brewery Syndrome where people brew beer in their stomachs.
Jun 20, 2024 • 11min
Thistle Extract, Artificial Cells, Autism Language
Learn about the regenerative effects of thistle extract on damaged nerves, synthetic lab-made cells, and new insights into language development in people with autism. Explore the potential of thistle extract for nerve regeneration, the creation of artificial cells mimicking living cells, and the distinct language comprehension phenotypes in autistic children.
Jun 19, 2024 • 11min
Clean Water Walking, Metafluid, Underwater Bees
Discover a new way to purify water through walking, robots operated by metafluid, and bumblebees with astonishing underwater survival skills. Explore innovative solutions for clean water, adaptable metafluid technology, and the resilience of bumblebee queens.
Jun 14, 2024 • 12min
Dragon History, Gold Atom Layer, Low Pressure Diamonds
Explore the history of dragons and the symbolic significance across different cultures. Learn about the creation of a single-atom thick gold layer and the innovation in two-dimensional gold semiconductors. Discover a new low-pressure method for growing diamonds and its potential applications in various industries.
Jun 13, 2024 • 11min
CO2 Into Electricity, Shapeshifting Cancer, Zebrafish
Discover new tech that turns CO2 into electricity, genes behind cancer metastasis, and zebrafish's incredible heart healing abilities. Learn how carbon sequestration could combat climate change, cancer cells' shapeshifting tactics, and the regenerative powers of zebrafish hearts.
Jun 12, 2024 • 13min
Left Hand Gene, Heat Wave Trees, Europa
Discover the genetic factors of left-handedness, tree adaptations to withstand heat waves, and the possibility of life under Europa's icy surface. Dive into brain symmetry, climate change impact on trees, and exciting prospects for habitability on Jupiter's moon.
Jun 7, 2024 • 11min
When is Old Age?, Sensitive Mothers, Neanderthal Homes
Explore how our perception of old age is shifting, the impact of maternal sensitivity on infant brain responses, and the structured living habits of Neanderthals. Discover the changing societal views on aging, the link between responsive caregiving and emotional resilience in babies, and the similarities in spatial organization between Neanderthals and modern humans.
