

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

Sep 30, 2018 • 10min
Microwaveable Metals, Athlete Nature vs. Nurture, The House On The Rock, and Supernova-Skipping Stars
Astronomers have captured a star transforming into a black hole, offering new insights into cosmic events. Explore the whimsical House on the Rock, a quirky tourist attraction filled with eclectic artifacts. Delve into the nature vs. nurture debate surrounding athletic ability, supported by intriguing twin studies. Plus, learn which metals are safe for microwaving and why some materials should definitely stay out of your kitchen gadget. Each topic invites a fascinating glimpse into science and the unexpected.

Sep 29, 2018 • 10min
Hank Green Talks About His Writing Process and His Debut Novel, “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing”
Hank Green, a renowned science communicator and author, dives into his debut novel, 'An Absolutely Remarkable Thing.' He shares insights on writing from a female perspective and the importance of female feedback. The conversation unveils the journey of creating his protagonist, April May, and the blending of past ideas. Themes of connection, friendship, and the complexities of identity in a digital world are explored, all with Hank's signature humor and creativity. Plus, he teases a surprising link to being a pet detective!

Sep 28, 2018 • 10min
How Adderall Hurts Studying, 3 Gym Class Mistakes, and How Much Coffee You Should Drink
Discover why Adderall may not be the best study aid, as it can interfere with long-term memory despite boosting attention. Explore three common misconceptions in gym class practices and learn about more effective health assessments than BMI. Plus, find out the healthiest amount of coffee to drink daily, informed by extensive research. This lively discussion offers fresh insights into academic success, fitness education, and optimal caffeine consumption!

Sep 27, 2018 • 9min
5-Minute Hack to Beat Procrastination, Spider Benefits and Dangers, and Philosophical Disciplines
Discover a quick five-minute strategy to conquer procrastination, inspired by Instagram's co-founder. Uncover the surprising benefits of spiders in your home and learn humane ways to coexist with them. Delve into the fascinating world of philosophy with insights into key disciplines like ethics and metaphysics, along with book recommendations for those looking to explore more. This discussion is packed with practical tips and intriguing knowledge to enhance your everyday life!

Sep 26, 2018 • 9min
Gardening with Martian Soil, How to Stop Overspending, and a Technique for Remembering Things
Dive into the fascinating concept of gardening with Martian soil, exploring how regolith can inspire cosmic green thumbs. Learn a unique approach to tackle overspending by equating money with the hours of your life, prompting smarter financial choices. Discover the ancient Memory Palace technique, a clever way to enhance your recall skills, which originates from a captivating story about a Greek poet. Get ready to grow your knowledge and skills with these intriguing insights!

Sep 25, 2018 • 9min
First All-Female North Pole Expedition, Humans on the Food Chain, and How to Measure Your Meaning in Life
Discover the groundbreaking all-female expedition to the North Pole, highlighting women's strength in extreme conditions. Delve into where humans fall in the food chain, revealing our surprising ranking below apex predators. Explore the science behind finding meaning in life, with a quiz designed to assess your sense of purpose. These fascinating discussions promise to ignite your curiosity and inspire reflection on our place in the world.

Sep 24, 2018 • 9min
How to Stop Procrastinating, Astronauts Seeing Cosmic Rays, and What Causes That Fresh Rain Smell
Discover the science behind the fresh rain smell, known as petrichor, caused by geosmin and ozone. Learn about the 'Frog Rule,' a productivity hack that encourages tackling tough tasks first thing in the morning. Explore how astronauts can actually see cosmic rays, revealing the mysteries of high-energy particles in space. This engaging discussion promises to make you both smarter and more inspired to take on your day!

Sep 23, 2018 • 10min
Sleep vs. Exercise, Milky Way Pictures, Military Method for Sleeping Anywhere, and Voice Recording Science (w/ Matthan Ring Black)
Is sleep or exercise more vital for your health? Discover the striking relationship between the two. Learn a military-tested technique to help you fall asleep anywhere and at any time. Ever wonder why you've never seen a picture of the entire Milky Way? The cosmos remains elusive! Plus, dive into the science of voice perception and why your recorded voice sounds so different. This engaging discussion with an opera singer adds a melodic twist to your understanding of sound.

Sep 21, 2018 • 9min
Hangover Impairment, Moon Landings in the 1600s, and Harmful Effects of 24/7 Workplaces
Explore the downside of a 24/7 work culture, revealing how constant connectivity can harm mental health and teamwork. Discover the ambitious plans of a 17th-century theologian who dreamed of reaching the moon, showcasing humanity's long-held fascination with space. Learn how being hungover can significantly impair judgment, posing dangers akin to being intoxicated. These intriguing topics provide a blend of historical curiosity and modern relevance!

Sep 20, 2018 • 8min
Why There Are Monkeys If We Evolved From Them (w/ Natalia Reagan), Adult Chickenpox, and Disaster Survival Traits
Discover the traits that help people survive disasters, including resilience and leadership skills. Unravel the myth of human evolution with a special guest, highlighting how we share common ancestors with monkeys rather than evolving from them. Learn why chickenpox hits adults harder than kids and the critical role vaccines play in preventing complications. Enjoy a blend of science and humor as expert insights illuminate these fascinating topics!


