

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 19, 2018 • 9min
SpaceX’s First Private Passenger in Space, Running Myths Busted, and Bright-Line Rule Goal Setting
Discover the groundbreaking journey of the first private passenger heading to the moon with SpaceX, highlighting its artistic significance and challenges. Learn how to set tangible goals using bright line rules, making it easier to achieve your ambitions. Plus, bust common myths about running, encouraging you to embrace your unique stride for better performance and enjoyment. Get ready to expand your knowledge in just a few minutes!

Sep 18, 2018 • 8min
Why You Should Talk to Strangers, How to Find Your Strengths, and Words with Most Definitions
Discover the surprising reasons why you might enjoy talking to strangers more than you think. Learn how emphasizing your personal strengths can boost happiness and wellbeing, along with a method to identify them. Delve into the fascinating world of language as you explore English words with the most definitions, featuring 'set' and its astounding 430 meanings. This engaging discussion inspires a deeper understanding of social interactions, personal growth, and the richness of the English language.

Sep 17, 2018 • 9min
Doctors Beat AI with Swarm Intelligence (w/ Dr. Louis Rosenberg, Unanimous AI CEO); Plus, Hurricane Prediction Technology
Dr. Louis Rosenberg, the visionary founder and CEO of Unanimous AI, dives into fascinating advancements in hurricane prediction technology. He reveals how cutting-edge techniques have significantly improved forecasting, enhancing public safety. The conversation shifts to the medical field, where doctors harness swarm intelligence to boost pneumonia diagnosis accuracy. By collaborating in groups, they outperformed not only traditional methods but also state-of-the-art AI, showcasing the power of human expertise in critical situations.

Sep 16, 2018 • 10min
Pretzel History, How Earth Got Its Water, Runner’s High Origins, and Words Named After People
Discover the intriguing origins of Earth's water and how comets may have played a role. Dive into the delightful history of pretzels, invented by a 7th-century monk, and learn their meaning as a Christian symbol. Explore the fascinating science behind the 'runner's high'—is it genetic? Finally, uncover surprising words named after people, like 'mesmerize' and 'silhouette.' Each topic offers a unique glimpse into the wonders of our world, making you smarter in just a few minutes!

Sep 14, 2018 • 9min
Pavlov’s Dog Myths, Three Types of Perfectionism, and What The Universe Is Expanding Into
Uncover the surprising truths about Pavlov’s experiments, including a twist on the iconic bell myth. Dive into the three troubling types of perfectionism—how they impact mental health and why Socially Prescribed Perfectionism is rising among students. Plus, ponder a cosmic mystery: if the universe is expanding, what lies beyond it? Using a balloon analogy, explore the intriguing possibilities of infinity and the universe's shape.

Sep 13, 2018 • 9min
String Theory Primer, Night Owl and Morning Person Science, and All-Nighter Study Habits
Uncover the science behind night owls and morning people, revealing genetic factors that shape our sleep preferences. Dive into the fascinating world of string theory, where tiny vibrating strings and extra dimensions complicate our understanding of physics. Plus, learn why studying all night is a bad idea as research highlights the cognitive downsides of sleep deprivation. Emphasize the importance of proper rest for better academic performance.

Sep 12, 2018 • 9min
Saturn’s Hexagon Hurricane, Planned Obsolescence, and Kaizen for Continuous Improvement
Discover the fascinating hexagonal hurricane swirling on Saturn, revealing surprising insights from the Cassini mission. Learn about the Kaizen philosophy, emphasizing small, sustainable improvements for lasting impact. Delve into the world of planned obsolescence, exploring why many everyday products are designed to fail quickly and the historical roots of this strategy dating back to the light bulb era. It's a whirlwind of science, philosophy, and consumer behavior that will leave you both informed and intrigued!

Sep 11, 2018 • 10min
Odd Historical Overlaps, Closed Doors Save Lives, and Vacation Time Helps A Company’s Bottom Line
Discover the mind-bending historical overlaps that challenge what you think you know, like the construction of the Great Pyramid alongside woolly mammoths. Learn how a closed bedroom door can be a lifesaver during a fire, especially in today's open-plan homes. Delve into how vacation time not only boosts employee morale but also benefits companies financially, making it a win-win for everyone!

Sep 10, 2018 • 9min
Empathy-Teaching Video Games, Chile Pepper Origins, and A Simple Word Swap to Take Control
Discover how scientists used video games to enhance empathy in children, revealing the positive impact of gameplay on emotional skills. Learn about a simple yet effective word swap that empowers individuals to assert their boundaries better. Dive into the rich history of chili peppers and how they transformed from ancient harvests in Mexico to beloved culinary staples today. Get smarter while enjoying these intriguing insights!

Sep 9, 2018 • 10min
Contagious Yawning, Conformal Cyclic Cosmology, Exercising for Mental Health, and Why Glitches Are “Bugs”
Dive into a mind-bending theory suggesting our universe is just one among many previous ones. Discover the quirky origin of the term 'bug' in computing, sparked by a famous moth incident. Unpack a groundbreaking study showing the powerful link between exercise and mental health, revealing how physical activity can improve your mental well-being. Finally, unravel the mystery behind contagious yawning and what it says about our brains—and maybe even our empathy!


