

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

Dec 12, 2024 • 13min
Re-release: 3D Ink, RSVP No, Old Dogs
Today, you’ll learn about a new ink that can 3D print inside your body using soundwaves, why saying no to invitations isn’t as bad as you might think, and some new drugs that could potentially make your dog live longer. 3D Ink •“Soundwaves Harden 3D-Printed Treatments in Deep Tissues.” by Michaela Martinez. 2023. •“Dental curing light.” Wikipedia. •“Self-enhancing sono-inks enable deep-penetration acoustic volumetric printing.” by Xiao Kuang, et al. 2023. RSVP No •“Just say no to that invitation.” n.a. 2023. •“Saying No: The Negative Ramifications From Invitation Declines Are Less Severe Than We Think.” By Julian Givi & Colleen P. Kirk. 2023. Old Dogs •“Could a Drug Give Your Pet More Dog Years?” by Emily Anthes. 2023. •“Forget Botox. Anti-Aging Pills May Be Next.” by Andrew Pollack. 2023. •“We’re helping dogs like yours live longer.” Loyal website. N.d. •“Discovering the keys to a healthy lifespan.” Dog Aging Project website. 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 2024 • 12min
Re-release: Healthy Tongue, Slippery Surface, Curious for Answers
Discover how an ancient tool for diagnosing health through tongue analysis is getting a high-tech upgrade with AI. Uncover the science behind the world's slipperiest surfaces and its potential for self-cleaning materials. Explore the intriguing nature of curiosity and why we often seek spoilers while loving the thrill of suspense. Learn how curiosity drives our quest for knowledge and shapes our experiences as we navigate learning and discovery in an ever-evolving world.

Dec 6, 2024 • 13min
Re-release: Brain Rewiring, Rat Imagination, Dogs & PTSD
Discover the surprising limitations of brain rewiring, as recent studies challenge long-held beliefs about our brain's adaptability. A fascinating exploration into rat imagination reveals their surprising cognitive abilities through virtual reality experiments. Plus, learn how service dogs can significantly improve the lives of veterans with PTSD, enhancing sleep quality and reducing stress responses. This blend of animal cognition and mental health insights offers a thought-provoking look into the connections between brains, imagination, and companionship.

5 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 12min
Re-release: Bilingual Brain, Morning Sickness, Cat Purrs
Discover how bilingual brains excel at multitasking and filtering out distractions, thanks to their unique cognitive advantages. Dive into the latest findings on morning sickness, revealing the role of the hormone GDF-15 and potential future treatments. Unravel the mysteries of cat purring, with surprising insights into its mechanics that challenge long-held beliefs. This podcast offers a whirlwind of fascinating science connecting language, pregnancy, and our feline companions.

Dec 4, 2024 • 15min
Re-release: Origin of Life, Self Control vs Willpower, Puppy Love
Discover how a surprising bacterial find is reshaping theories on life's origins on Earth. Learn the critical differences between self-control and willpower, illustrated by the mythical tale of Odysseus. The podcast also unpacks the science behind canine love, revealing that dogs possess emotional intelligence similar to humans. Dive into their cognitive abilities and the profound bonds they share with us. This mix of science and heartwarming insights makes for a captivating listen!

4 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 13min
Liquid Cats, Spider Silk, Sound Printing
Uncover the fascinating science of cats literally flowing like liquid through tight spaces! Discover the impressive properties of spider silk, which can lift 80 times its weight, and how it’s inspiring new, super-sticky adhesives. Plus, dive into a revolutionary sound-based 3D printing technique that transforms liquid into solid forms almost instantly. With a blend of humor and cutting-edge research, prepare to be amazed by the wonders of nature and technology!

Nov 28, 2024 • 12min
Barnacle Polymers, Two Week Brain, Elephant Memory
Discover a fascinating new polymer inspired by barnacles that could help tackle antibiotic resistance. Learn how daily behaviors, especially sleep, can shape your brain's functions for weeks to come. Delve into the incredible memory of African elephants, revealing their ability to recognize beloved caregivers and recall important resources over time. This exploration of natural wonders highlights the interplay between biology and behavior, offering insights into health and memory on both human and animal fronts.

Nov 27, 2024 • 11min
Tractor Beam, Crystal Palace, Botany Dark Spots
Discover an innovative tractor beam from MIT poised to revolutionize disease diagnosis by capturing biological particles with light. Dive into the fascinating history of London's Crystal Palace, which was built in record time thanks to standardized screws. Finally, scientists raise alarms over 33 ‘dark spots’ around the globe, home to countless unknown plant species, highlighting the critical need for exploration and conservation in biodiversity-rich areas.

Nov 22, 2024 • 12min
Whale Talk, Foster Care History, Blood Pressure Test
Today, you’ll learn about how whales could be carrying on conversations from over 60 miles away, the struggles of foster moms in the 1600s, and why your blood pressure reading might be way off. Whale Talk “Whales May Be Communicating Across Vast Distances.” by Joanna Thompson. 2024. “Alaska’s Population of Bowhead Whales Rebounding.” by Riley Woodford. 2003. “Orientation by means of long range acoustic signaling in baleen whales.” by Roger Payne & Douglas Webb. 1971. “Synchronization of bowhead whales.” by Evgeny A. Podolskiy, et al. 2024. Foster Care History “Early foster care gave poor women power, 17th-century records reveal.” EurekAlert! 2024. “History of Foster Care in the United States.” NEPA. N.D. Blood Pressure Test “Blood pressure may read falsely high if the arm isn’t positioned properly.” by Aimee Cunningham. 2024. “Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings.” by Hairong Liu, MHS. 2024. “Estimated Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment, and Control Among U.S. Adults.” MillionHearts. 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 21, 2024 • 11min
Fly Brains, Comb Jelly Fusion, Dog Voice
Discover how researchers have created a neuron-for-neuron model of a fly brain, shedding light on potential human brain insights. Learn about the fascinating fusion of comb jellies, able to merge into a single organism after injury. Plus, uncover the surprising purpose behind those cutesy voices we use when talking to our dogs, showing how our speech patterns adapt to connect better with them. It's a delightful exploration of brains, bonds, and bizarre biology!