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
Mar 13, 2024 • 11min
Fentanyl Rapid Test, Lead Detector, Bach & Math
Today's podcast discusses a new rapid test for detecting fentanyl, a hyper-sensitive lead detector, and the mathematical proof that Bach was a great composer. Topics include the opioid epidemic, water quality monitoring, and the synchronization of heartbeats with classical music.
Mar 8, 2024 • 12min
Chimp Menopause, Ancient Tsunami, Sexism in Science
Female chimps experience menopause, living beyond reproductive years. Devastation of ancient tsunami on Stone Age communities. Systemic sexism in science and its impact on women researchers. Exploration of gender diversity and empowerment in STEM fields.
Mar 7, 2024 • 11min
Ovarian Cancer Treatment, Passive Learning, Lions & Ants
Breakthrough in ovarian cancer treatment using mRNA, passive learning accelerates skill acquisition, invasive ant alters lion's diet - all discussed in this engaging podcast.
Mar 6, 2024 • 11min
Aging & Colors, First Continents, Phones & Infant Health
Learn how our perception of colors changes with age, the origins of the first continents on Earth, and the surprising link between mobile phone ownership and higher birth weights in infants. Dive into color perception in older adults, the geological history of Earth's crust, and the impact of technology on infant health.
Mar 1, 2024 • 11min
Microgravity Gardening, AI Learns Language, Elephant Numbers
Topics include microgravity gardening and the dangers of pathogens in space, AI learning language from toddlers, and conservation efforts for African Savannah elephants
Feb 29, 2024 • 12min
Leap Year, Tailored Microgreens, Teenage Advice
Exploring leap year origins, custom microgreens for diets, and tips on getting teens to listen to advice
Feb 28, 2024 • 12min
Racism & The Brain, Rhino Embryos, Handwriting
Learn how racism can alter brain chemistry, the first successful rhino embryo transfer, and how handwriting boosts brain connectivity. Discover the impact of racism on neural response, the potential for cloning to save rhinos, and the benefits of handwriting over typing for memory retention.
7 snips
Feb 23, 2024 • 11min
Silk-Making Bacteria, Deep Coral, CRISPR Agriculture
Learn about bacteria turning plastic into spider silk, massive deep-sea coral discovery near US coast, and CRISPR's potential in reshaping agriculture for Africa.
Feb 22, 2024 • 10min
Hunter-Gatherer Diets, Self-Checkouts, Penguin Colonies
Discover a new study challenging hunter-gatherer diet norms, revealing ancient Andeans' plant-based diet. Explore the effect of self-checkouts on customer loyalty and service perceptions. Learn about new Emperor penguin colonies discovered and the threats they face from climate change.
5 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 11min
Insect Robots, Bigfoot & Bears, Chronic Stress
Micro robots modeled after insects, fastest and lightest ever developed. Bigfoot sightings may actually be bears, correlated with black bear populations. Financial stress linked to poorer health, affecting immune system and overall well-being.
