
Curiosity Weekly
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.
Latest episodes

24 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 12min
Water Breakthrough, Suppress Stress, Ancient Wood
In this podcast, they discuss a new method for purifying drinking water, the potential benefits of suppressing negative thoughts for mental health, and the groundbreaking discovery of a 476,000-year-old wooden structure. They also touch on the use of wood by early humans, innovations in water desalination, and even throw in a call for a five-star podcast review.

Nov 2, 2023 • 13min
Nano Zit Zapper, Super Strong Silk, Plant Communication
Today, you’ll learn about a teensy tiny cure for zits, superpower spider webs, and how scientists have begun having conversations with plants. Nano Zit Zapper “Tiny nanocarriers could prove the magic bullet for acne sufferers.” by UNISA. 2023. “Why is acne *so* hard to get rid of? Dermatologists explain.” by Maddy Sims. 2023. “Nanotechnology and narasin: a powerful combination against acne.” by Fatima Abid, et al. 2023. Super Strong Silk “High-Strength and ultra-tough whole spider silk fibers spun from transgenic silkworms.” by Junpeng Mi, et al. 2023. “Spider silk is spun by silkworms for the first time, offering a green alternative to synthetic fibers.” EurekAlert! 2023. Plant Communication “Conversations with plants: Can we provide plants with advance warning of impending dangers?” EurekAlert! 2023. “Highligher: An optogenetic system for high-resolution gene expression control in plants.” by Bo Larsen, et al. 2023. Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive 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.

Nov 1, 2023 • 13min
Leaf Swab Tell All, Taffy Science, Persistence of Memory
Darren Incorvaia, a podcaster, discusses the potential of a new DNA leaf swab technique to revolutionize biodiversity monitoring. Topics include swabbing leaves to map biodiversity, the science of saltwater taffy, and the accuracy of our childhood memories.

Oct 27, 2023 • 12min
Misophonia, Self-Relevant Artwork, Ancient Artillery
Today, you’ll learn about the sounds that make some people want to run for the hills, how our sense of self determines what we find beautiful, and an ancient naval cannon with some secrets of its own. Misophonia “A symptom network model of misophonia: From heightened sensory sensitivity to clinical comorbidity.” by Nora Andermane, et al. 2023. “Misophonia: When sounds really do make you ‘crazy’.” by James Cartreine, PhD. 2019. Self-Relevant Artwork “In the ‘I’ of the beholder: People believe self-relevant artwork is more beautiful.” EurekAlert! 2023. “Art and Identity: The Profound Link Between Self-Relevance and Aesthetic Appeal Unveiled by AI.” by Niharika Singh. 2023. “Self-Relevance Makes Art More Appealing.” n.a. 2023. Ancient Artillery “Early Artillery Piece Recovered Near Sweden.” n.a. 2023. “The Marstrand Cannon: The earliest evidence of shipboard artillery in Europe?” by Staffan von Arbin, et al. 2023. Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive 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.

5 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 13min
Dirty Toothbrush, Smart Crows, Rare Supermassive Black Hole
The podcast discusses toothbrush contamination and hygiene, revealing that toothbrushes can become filled with millions of bacteria. It also explores the surprising discovery of a lower number of active supermassive black holes, as well as the intelligence of wild crows.

Oct 25, 2023 • 14min
Death Experiences, Breast Milk Cancer Test, Job Skill Value
Rachel Nuwer, journalist and author, talks about near-death experiences and memories in the dying brain. The podcast also discusses testing for cancer in breast milk and the potential for early detection. They explore the use of liquid biopsy and DNA in breast milk for detecting breast cancer. The episode concludes with a discussion on hiring based on organizational fit and the importance of focusing on skills and abilities rather than personal likability.

Oct 20, 2023 • 14min
False Memory, Logic in Toddlers, Cake Cutting Math
This podcast explores the fallibility of memory and how it leads to the creation of false memories. It also discusses the logical reasoning abilities of toddlers and their impact on language development. Additionally, it delves into the problem of fair division in cake cutting and land allocation, highlighting different methods and concepts of fairness.

10 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 13min
Microbot Tumor Killer, Keto & PCOS, Do Opposites Attract?
Brain cancer treatment researchers discuss a tiny device to fight brain cancer. Keto diet may improve fertility in women with PCOS. Study debunks the idea that opposites attract in relationships.

6 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 14min
Embryo Model, Breathing Ball, End of a Dynasty
Scientists discuss breakthrough in embryo modeling using stem cells, the potential implications for understanding early pregnancy and ethical concerns. The podcast also explores the rise and fall of the Qing dynasty, highlighting factors like population growth, stratification, and limited leadership opportunities. Scientific advancements include the development of a synthetic human embryo model and a breathing ball for anxiety relief.

12 snips
Oct 13, 2023 • 12min
Depression, Penguin Chicks, Peeing In The Cold
Avoiding sugary sodas is linked to decreased risk of depression. Cold weather can cause increased urine production. Melting sea ice has severe consequences for emperor penguin chicks.
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