Curiosity Weekly

Discover how side effects might surprisingly enhance treatment efficacy, turning a medical curse into a potential blessing. Uncover the historical impact of mega El Niños that once triggered mass extinction events. The podcast also dives into the latest advancements aimed at protecting bees from harmful pesticides, showcasing a revolutionary hydrogel microparticle solution. Tune in for a fascinating blend of health insights and environmental innovation!

Discover how bacteria navigate their environment, potentially transforming infection treatments. Unveil the shocking survival tactics of ant queens, who cannibalize sick larvae to protect their colonies from disease. Explore the unsettling truth about microplastics infiltrating human brains and their possible health implications. These fascinating insights reveal the complex interplay of nature and technology, shedding light on urgent health challenges we face.

Dive into the intriguing link between chronic sinus infections and anxiety. Discover a revolutionary process that vaporizes plastic waste for recycling. And meet marmosets, the chatty primates that use name-like calls in their social interactions. This episode connects mental health, environmental innovation, and animal communication in a fascinating exploration of how everything is interlinked.

Dive into the surprising role of common table salt in enhancing T-cell function and its potential in cancer therapy. Discover an ancient submerged bridge in Majorca that reshapes our understanding of early human migration. Uncover cutting-edge advancements in nuclear clocks that promise unparalleled precision in timekeeping. Each topic brings fascinating insights connecting our health, history, and future technology!

Today, you’ll learn about an injectable pacemaker that dissolves after 5 days, how a black hole is starving a galaxy to death, and the bats with record-high blood sugar levels.   Injectable Pacemaker  “Injectable pacemaker regulates heartbeat for 5 days then dissolves.” by Michael Irving. 2024.  “In situ assembly of an injectable cardiac stimulator.” by Umut Aydemir, et al. 2024.  “Arrythmia.” Cleveland Clinic. N.d.   Black Hole Starves  “Astronomers detect black hole ‘starving’ its host galaxy to death.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “A fast-rotator post-starburst galaxy quenched by supermassive black-hole feedback at z=3.” by Francesco D’Eugenio, et al. 2024.   Bat Blood Sugar  “Sugar assimilation underlying dietary evolution of Neotropical bats.” by Jasmin Camacho, et al. 2024.  “Some bats are surviving and thriving with blood sugar levels that would be lethal for other mammals.” Stowers Institute for Medical Research. 2024.   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.

Ellen Phiddian, a pioneer in innovative cooling technology, discusses a groundbreaking air conditioner that cools without conditioning the air. Alongside her is Xinyao Zheng, a co-author of research on efficient radiant cooling devices. They explore how false memories can enhance problem-solving skills, shedding light on cognitive processes. Additionally, they examine intriguing research suggesting that cats do grieve for their lost companions, challenging the belief that felines are emotionless. The blend of technology, psychology, and emotional depth makes for a captivating discussion.

Susan Murphy, a pioneering researcher in gut health, discusses her groundbreaking tool that maps the human microbiome, shedding light on its health implications. Listeners learn how metalworkers are innovating by mimicking insects, revolutionizing metal shaping at room temperature. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as the psychology behind our reactions to uniquely colored animals is explored, revealing how color influences fear and protection in wildlife conservation efforts.

Join Mike Grace, an engineer merging nature and technology, Dana O'Driscoll, a fungi expert focused on their healing properties, and David Nield, a researcher on fungal communication. They share amazing insights about mushrooms controlling robots and their potential to talk like humans. Horses are revealed to be strategic thinkers, showcasing surprising intelligence worth noting for training. Finally, discover the fascinating anatomy of strongmen, uncovering the secrets behind their exceptional strength with cutting-edge research.

Sarah Loughran, an expert on mobile phone and brain cancer research, joins Ken Karipidis, a researcher on brain tumor risks. They discuss a groundbreaking study that alleviates fears linking cell phones to cancer. Additionally, a fluffy orange fungus is highlighted for its potential to transform food waste into delicious meals, promoting sustainability. Finally, innovations to help crocodiles combat the invasive cane toad crisis through taste aversion training are explored, showcasing a creative approach to wildlife preservation.

John Timmer, a researcher on lunar time synchronization, joins Neil Ashby and Bijunath R. Patla to tackle the complexities of syncing Earth and Moon clocks, shedding light on unique gravitational challenges. Jim Lynch discusses innovative nanoparticles aimed at alleviating tick-borne red meat allergies by retraining the immune system. Lastly, the fascinating cultural behaviors of white-browed sparrow weavers in the Kalahari reveal how animals pass down nest-building techniques, showcasing a remarkable link between creativity and culture in nature.