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 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!
Sep 7, 2018 • 9min
What Would Happen if You Stopped Time, Secret Room of Mount Rushmore, and Dialect Benefits
What if you could stop time? Explore the surprising complexities and consequences of such a phenomenon beyond what movies portray. Discover the cognitive perks of speaking multiple dialects, especially how Greek speakers in Cyprus boost their brainpower by switching between dialects. Uncover the secrets behind Mount Rushmore, including the mysterious unfinished Hall of Records designed to preserve American history for future generations. Who knew history and language had such captivating twists?
Sep 6, 2018 • 7min
Lost National Museum of Brazil Artifacts, Swimming After You Eat, and Weird U.S. State Laws
Discover the tragic loss of artifacts from Brazil's National Museum due to a devastating fire, and the efforts to preserve its memory through collected photos. Uncover the truth behind the myth of waiting to swim after eating—it's generally safe! Finally, dive into some of the quirkiest laws across all 50 U.S. states, from bans on frog-eating in California to strange ownership regulations in Illinois. These fascinating stories will leave you both enlightened and entertained!
Sep 5, 2018 • 9min
NASA’s Voyager Golden Records, Why Cats Love Boxes, and Bacteria Hot Spots in Your Office
Discover the intriguing journey of NASA's Voyager probes and their iconic Golden Records, sending Earth's music into the cosmos. Uncover the surprising bacteria hotspots lurking in your office, from keyboards to break rooms, and learn how to combat them. Dive into the curious world of cats as they reveal their love for boxes, driven by instinct and stress relief. This podcast is packed with fascinating insights that will enlighten and entertain!
Sep 4, 2018 • 8min
Multitasking Is Impossible, How A Flat Earth Would Even Work, and Nearly Every Country’s Name Origin
Ever wondered how a flat Earth could possibly function? This podcast explores the scientific absurdities behind that idea. It also reveals why multitasking is a myth and offers effective time management tips through task batching. Plus, discover the intriguing origins of nearly every country’s name, classified into four main categories. It’s a whirlwind of knowledge that makes you rethink what you thought you knew!
Sep 3, 2018 • 8min
What Came Before the Big Bang, Diner Designs, and The Ancient Greek Crocodile Paradox
Discover the intriguing design choices behind classic diners shaped like train cars. Dive into the fascinating theories of what might have existed before the Big Bang, like the Big Bounce and multiverse concepts. Explore the age-old crocodile paradox from ancient Greece, a perplexing logical dilemma that still puzzles thinkers today. Each story invites you to expand your knowledge in just a few engaging minutes.
Sep 2, 2018 • 10min
Infidelity Predictors, Buzz Aldrin’s Moon Mementos, Running May Be Good for Your Knees, and Hand/Eye Dominance
Discover why running might actually be beneficial for your knee health, challenging long-held misconceptions. Delve into Buzz Aldrin's amusing travel expenses from his moon trip, featuring his quirky car rental voucher. Explore the intriguing traits linked to infidelity in relationships, revealing how subconscious behaviors play a role in commitment. Finally, unpack the fascinating world of hand and eye dominance, examining the genetic and environmental influences shaping these traits.
Aug 31, 2018 • 8min
How Long to Date Before Marriage, The NSF 2026 Idea Machine, and Why Buses Cluster
Discover why late buses tend to arrive in clusters and which one is your best bet to hop on. Unravel the National Science Foundation's quest for innovative ideas from the public, regardless of their backgrounds. Explore research findings on the ideal length of dating before marriage, revealing that couples who date for one to two years may lower their divorce risk by 20%. Plus, get a sneak peek into fascinating weekend topics like the science of colds and color perception!
Aug 30, 2018 • 8min
Microvacations, Why Sand Matters and Why We’re Running Out of It (w/ Vince Beiser), and Savings Plan Tricks
Vince Beiser, author of "The World in a Grain," dives into the surprising significance of sand in modern civilization and the alarming reality of its scarcity. He discusses how sand is not just for beaches but is essential for construction and infrastructure. The conversation also explores the concept of microvacations as a remedy for work stress, emphasizing their benefits for mental health. Additionally, listeners learn effective savings strategies that encourage a focus on present actions over future projections.
Aug 29, 2018 • 8min
Neural Networks, Why You Get Brain Freeze, and A Science-Based Trick for Learning a New Language
Ever wondered why biting into a cold treat gives you brain freeze? The science behind this painful phenomenon is fascinating! Neural networks are advancing rapidly, raising intriguing and somewhat terrifying questions about their unpredictability. Plus, if you're trying to learn a new language, spaced repetition could be your secret weapon, backed by solid research. Tune in for a bite-sized exploration of these captivating topics!
