Curiosity Weekly

Join wildlife biologist Corina Newsome, co-founder of Black Birders Week, and Miyoko Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as they explore the joys of birdwatching. They discuss the accessibility of birding and its role in environmental justice. Delve into the unique adaptations of birds, the importance of making birding inclusive, and the urgent conservation challenges posed by climate change. With tips for beginners and exciting insights on the emotional connection people share with birds, this conversation is a must for nature lovers!

Dr. James Zou, an Associate Professor of Biomedical Data Science at Stanford and creator of an AI scientist research lab, discusses the evolving role of AI in scientific inquiry. He explores AI's limitations in mimicking scientific methodology and the importance of validating AI-generated findings through real-world experiments. The conversation also touches on lab-grown meat as a sustainable food solution and the promising use of MDMA in treating PTSD, highlighting the intersection of technology and healthcare.

When tackling solutions to climate change, we tend to focus on westernized approaches rather than listening to Indigenous Peoples about the best ways to protect our earth. So, today, just in time for Earth Day, Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Myrle Ballard about natural resource and environmental management from Indigenous perspectives. Then, Sam gets into a new AI-powered brain implant that was able to translate thought into speech and how thawing permafrost in the arctic has the potential to release ancient viruses.  Link to Show Notes HERE  Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teresa Carey, a seasoned sailor and producer, shares thrilling tales from her iceberg-laden voyages. She highlights the beauty and peril of these colossal ice masses shaped by climate change. Meanwhile, microbiologist Beth Culp unpacks her groundbreaking study on how food molecules interact with gut bacteria, revealing why our bodies react differently to the same meals. The discussion also dives into the rise of non-alcoholic wine, exploring innovative techniques that maintain flavor while reducing alcohol content, reflecting changing cultural attitudes.

Dr. Carolyn Elya, a Harvard mycologist, dives into the bizarre world of fungi that hijack insect brains, drawing eerie comparisons to 'The Last of Us.' They discuss the broader implications of these 'zombie fungi' for understanding neurological diseases. The conversation also touches on how rising temperatures may make fungi more dangerous as pathogens. Additionally, the host explores new tech like 'Audible Enclaves,' and breaks down the science behind how mRNA vaccines prepare our immune systems, debunking common misconceptions.

Join infectious disease epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera as she sheds light on the recent measles resurgence linked to declining vaccination rates. She tackles misconceptions about the MMR vaccine and underscores the importance of herd immunity. The conversation also touches on the fascinating journey of juvenile sea turtles from their nests to the ocean, highlighting conservation efforts. Plus, discover the intriguing differences between lab-grown diamonds and their natural counterparts, unveiling ethical concerns and technological advancements in the diamond industry.

In this engaging discussion, author Amy Stewart reveals the hidden complexities of the global flower trade, shedding light on its environmental and ethical impacts. She advocates for the slow flower movement, promoting local flower farming. Meanwhile, producer Teresa Carey introduces fascinating climate tech innovations, like artificial clouds and carbon-capturing trees, adding a playful twist to the conversation. The show also uncovers the magic of aquafaba, a versatile vegan ingredient, demonstrating its culinary potential. It's a colorful blend of botany and tech!

It’s Women’s History Month and to celebrate we have Katie Hafner on Curiosity Weekly to discuss the history of women in STEM and ways we can highlight their contributions today. Then, Sam looks into the Wooly Devil, aka the first new plant genus found in a national park in almost 50 years. Finally, Sam and producer Teresa Carey talk about what to know regarding male contraception. Link to Show Notes HERE. Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cells may be the building blocks of life (and highschool biology), but who knew they were so complicated? Dr. Samantha Yammine digs into different types of cells and their functions with editorial correspondent Teresa Carey as they discuss the difficulties in defining what a cell even is. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, a pathogen evolutionary biologist about his work investigating diseases from history. Finally, some curious researchers and entrepreneurs are cultivating actual salmon meat in bioreactors so Sam investigates the process behind growing fish in a lab including the potential ecological effects of cell-cultured salmon hitting the market.   Link to Show Notes HERE  Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new season of Naked and Afraid premieres Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 8pm EST on Discovery.   To celebrate, host Dr. Samantha Yammine talks to legendary survivalist Rob Nelson about his experiences thriving in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Rob also gets into some of the facts and myths behind common survival techniques. Then, Sam is joined by Naked and Afraid survivalist, Mandy Horvath. Mandy is the show’s first bi-lateral amputee contestant and she speaks on the physical, environmental, and emotional challenges of participating on the show. Sam also digs into the science behind what’s really going on with our bodies when trapped in the wilderness.   Link to Show Notes HERE  Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.