Curiosity Weekly

Discovery
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Oct 12, 2021 • 11min

Muscles Remember Training and a Black Hole Made a Star Explode

Learn how quickly previously trained muscles bounce back after inactivity; and how a black hole made a star explode.Previously trained muscles bounce back after inactivity by Grant CurrinSeaborne, R. A., Strauss, J., Cocks, M., Shepherd, S., O’Brien, T. D., van Someren, K. A., Bell, P. G., Murgatroyd, C., Morton, J. P., Stewart, C. E., & Sharples, A. P. (2018). Human Skeletal Muscle Possesses an Epigenetic Memory of Hypertrophy. Scientific Reports, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-20287-3Prior training can accelerate muscle growth even after extended idleness. (2021, August 18). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/925769Wen, Y., Dungan, C. M., Mobley, C. B., Valentino, T., von Walden, F., & Murach, K. A. (2021). Nucleus Type-Specific DNA Methylomics Reveals Epigenetic “Memory” of Prior Adaptation in Skeletal Muscle. Function, 2(5). https://doi.org/10.1093/function/zqab038Episode about previous research: https://www.curiositydaily.com/individuals-really-can-slow-climate-change-muscle-memory-is-real-and-penguin-waddles/A black hole collided with a star and made it explode in a merger-triggered supernova by Briana BrownellDong, D. Z., Hallinan, G., Nakar, E., Ho, A. Y. Q., Hughes, A. K., Hotokezaka, K., Myers, S. T., De, K., Mooley, K. P., Ravi, V., Horesh, A., Kasliwal, M. M., & Kulkarni, S. R. (2021). A transient radio source consistent with a merger-triggered core collapse supernova. Science, 373(6559), 1125–1129. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abg6037Stellar collision triggers supernova explosion. (2021, September 2). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/927166A Black Hole Triggers a Premature Supernova – First Observation of a Brand-New Kind of Supernova. (2021, September 5). A Black Hole Triggers a Premature Supernova – First Observation of a Brand-New Kind of Supernova. SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/a-black-hole-triggers-a-premature-supernova-first-observation-of-a-brand-new-kind-of-supernova/Plait, P. (2021, September 6). So, a star may have eaten a black hole and exploded. SYFY WIRE; SYFY WIRE. https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/so-a-star-may-have-eaten-a-black-hole-and-explodedFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/muscles-remember-training-and-a-black-hole-made-a-star-explode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 11, 2021 • 14min

School Should Start Later, Daydreaming Perks, Hycean Planets

Learn about why high school starts too early; why daydreaming might be a good sign; and finding life on Hycean planets.High school starts too early in all but 3 US states — but things are changing by Steffie DruckerRoy, S. (2014, August 26). AAP Recommends Delaying School Start Times to Combat Teen Sleep... Sleep Review. https://www.sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-health/demographics/age/aap-recommends-delaying-school-start-times-combat-teen-sleep-deprivation/CDC. (2020, May 29). Schools Start Too Early. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/schools-start-too-early.htmlNational Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS). (2017). Ed.gov; National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/ntps/tables/ntps1718_table_05_s1s.aspJacobs, F. (2021, August 27). Here’s how early school begins – and why it is bad for students. Big Think; Big Think. https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/heres-how-early-school-begins-and-why-it-is-bad-for-studentsSleep for Teenagers | Sleep Foundation. (2009, April 17). Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/teens-and-sleepDaydreaming Might Be a Sign of an Efficient Brain by Reuben WestmaasDaydreaming is Good. It Means You’re Smart | News Center. (2017). Gatech.edu. https://www.news.gatech.edu/news/2017/10/24/daydreaming-good-it-means-youre-smartGodwin, C. A., Hunter, M. A., Bezdek, M. A., Lieberman, G., Elkin-Frankston, S., Romero, V. L., Witkiewitz, K., Clark, V. P., & Schumacher, E. H. (2017). Functional connectivity within and between intrinsic brain networks correlates with trait mind wandering. Neuropsychologia, 103, 140–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.07.006A wandering mind reveals mental processes and priorities. (2012). Wisc.edu. https://news.wisc.edu/a-wandering-mind-reveals-mental-processes-and-priorities/Levinson, D. B., Smallwood, J., & Davidson, R. J. (2012). The Persistence of Thought. Psychological Science, 23(4), 375–380. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611431465Forget Earth-like planets — it's time to look for alien life on Hycean planets by Briana BrownellNew class of habitable exoplanets are “a big step forward” in the search for life. (2021, August 26). University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/new-class-of-habitable-exoplanets-are-a-big-step-forward-in-the-search-for-lifeMadhusudhan, N., Piette, A. A. A., & Constantinou, S. (2021). Habitability and Biosignatures of Hycean Worlds. The Astrophysical Journal, 918(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/abfd9cFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/school-should-start-later-daydreaming-perks-hycean-planets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 8, 2021 • 15min

Simple Wildlife Solutions, Sunlight’s Sexy Hormones, Trivia

Learn about simple solutions for resolving human-wildlife conflict; and how exposure to sunlight can increase romance. Plus: Trivia!More from “America’s funniest science writer” Mary Roach:Pick up "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law" at your local bookstore to learn more about the weird world of human-wildlife conflict: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781324001935Mary Roach’s official website: https://maryroach.net/Follow @mary_roach on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mary_roachExposure to sunlight releases sexy hormones, leading to more romantic passion by Grant CurrinExposure to sunlight enhances romantic passion in humans. (2021, August 25). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/926348Parikh, R., Sorek, E., Parikh, S., Michael, K., Bikovski, L., Tshori, S., Shefer, G., Mingelgreen, S., Zornitzki, T., Knobler, H., Chodick, G., Mardamshina, M., Boonman, A., Kronfeld-Schor, N., Bar-Joseph, H., Ben-Yosef, D., Amir, H., Pavlovsky, M., Matz, H., & Ben-Dov, T. (2021). Skin exposure to UVB light induces a skin-brain-gonad axis and sexual behavior. Cell Reports, 36(8), 109579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109579Episodes referenced in Curiosity Challenge Trivia game:One purchase leads to more: https://www.curiositydaily.com/diderot-effect-animated-cave-art-running-benefits-your-knees/Cells kill bacteria: https://www.curiositydaily.com/mapping-the-ocean-soap-making-cells-crows-comprehend-zero/Mountains on neutron stars: https://www.curiositydaily.com/backward-letters-dogs-detect-lies-neutron-star-mountains/Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/simple-wildlife-solutions-sunlights-sexy-hormones-trivia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 7, 2021 • 14min

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Believing Leisure Is a Waste of Time

Learn about the science of human-wildlife conflicts; and what you risk by believing that leisure is a waste of time.More from “America’s funniest science writer” Mary Roach:Pick up "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law" at your local bookstore: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781324001935Mary Roach’s official website: https://maryroach.net/Follow @mary_roach on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mary_roachBelieving leisure is a waste of time makes you less happy by Steffie DruckerBelieving leisure is wasteful reduces happiness. (2021, August 24). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/926261Selin Malkoc. (2021, August 25). I studied people who think leisure is a waste of time – here’s what I found. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/i-studied-people-who-think-leisure-is-a-waste-of-time-heres-what-i-found-165929Tonietto, G. N., Malkoc, S. A., Reczek, R. W., & Norton, M. I. (2021). Viewing leisure as wasteful undermines enjoyment. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 97, 104198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2021.104198Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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.Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/human-wildlife-conflict-and-believing-leisure-is-a-waste-of-time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 6, 2021 • 15min

Pills Can Detect Radiation, Metabolism Myth, Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed

Learn about how our metabolism changes; waking up on the wrong side of the bed; and painkillers as radiation dosimeters.The metabolism changes much more gradually as we get older than we thought by Grant CurrinMetabolism changes with age, just not when you might think. (2021, August 12). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/925132Pontzer, H., et. al. (2021). Daily energy expenditure through the human life course. Science, 373(6556), 808–812. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abe5017Mazhukhina, K. (2021). When does metabolism start to drop? It’s much later than you might think, study shows. The Sacramento Bee; The Sacramento Bee. https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article253549369.htmlWaking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed Is Totally Real by Reuben Westmaas originally aired July 23, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/nasa-s-sun-probe-waking-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-thIf you're exposed to radiation, pop some painkillers into your pocket by Briana BrownellRemember: A personal dosimeter is waiting in your first aid kit! (2021, August 12). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/925145Mrozik, A., & Bilski, P. (2021). Popular Medicines as Radiation Sensors. IEEE Sensors Journal, 21(15), 16637–16643. https://doi.org/10.1109/jsen.2021.3082285Radiation sickness - Symptoms and causes. (2020). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/radiation-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20377058Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/pills-can-detect-radiation-metabolism-myth-waking-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 5, 2021 • 10min

“Mini Brains” That Grew Eyes and How the FDA Saved Babies

Learn about stem cell “mini brains” that grew eyes and how the FDA prevented an epidemic of birth defects in the 1960s.Scientists grew stem cell 'mini brains' that developed mini-eyes on their own by Cameron DukeGabriel, E., Albanna, W., Pasquini, G., Ramani, A., Josipovic, N., Mariappan, A., Schinzel, F., Karch, C. M., Bao, G., Gottardo, M., Suren, A. A., Hescheler, J., Nagel-Wolfrum, K., Persico, V., Rizzoli, S. O., Altmüller, J., Riparbelli, M. G., Callaini, G., Goureau, O., & Papantonis, A. (2021). Human brain organoids assemble functionally integrated bilateral optic vesicles. Cell Stem Cell. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2021.07.010Starr, M. (2021). Scientists Grew Stem Cell “Mini Brains”. Then, The Brains Sort-of Developed Eyes. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-used-stem-cells-to-make-mini-brains-they-grew-rudimentary-eyesThe FDA never approved thalidomide, and that saved American babies by Briana BrownellJames, A. J. (2021, August 17). How a “stubborn” Canadian saved thousands of American babies from birth defects. Nationalpost; National Post. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/how-a-stubborn-canadian-saved-thousands-of-american-babies-from-birth-defectsPhillips, S. (2020, March 9). How a courageous physician-scientist saved the U.S. from a birth-defects catastrophe. Uchicagomedicine.org; UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/biological-sciences-articles/courageous-physician-scientist-saved-the-us-from-a-birth-defects-catastropheOffice of the Commissioner. (2019). Frances O. Kelsey. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-history-exhibits/frances-oldham-kelsey-medical-reviewer-famous-averting-public-health-tragedyMcNeill, L. (2017, May 8). The Woman Who Stood Between America and a Generation of “Thalidomide Babies.” Smithsonian Magazine; Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/woman-who-stood-between-america-and-epidemic-birth-defects-180963165/Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/mini-brains-that-grew-eyes-and-how-the-fda-saved-babies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 4, 2021 • 14min

Psychology of Online Trolls, Rattlesnake Illusions, Blazars

Learn about what online trolls are like in real life; an auditory illusion rattlesnakes use to trick humans; and blazars.Online trolling might be due to personality rather than the anonymity of the internet by Steffie DruckerNew research: The internet does not turn people into trolls – it just makes real-life trolls more visible. (2021, August 26). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/926582BOR, A., & PETERSEN, M. B. (2021). The Psychology of Online Political Hostility: A Comprehensive, Cross-National Test of the Mismatch Hypothesis. American Political Science Review, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0003055421000885Rattlesnake rattles use auditory illusion to trick human brains by Cameron DukeForsthofer, M., Schutte, M., Luksch, H., Kohl, T., Wiegrebe, L., & Chagnaud, B. P. (2021). Frequency modulation of rattlesnake acoustic display affects acoustic distance perception in humans. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.07.018Turner, B. (2021, August 19). Rattlesnake rattles use auditory illusion to trick human brains. Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/rattlesnakes-trick-brains-auditory-illusion.htmlIntroducing The Universe’s Most Epic Object: The Blazar by Ashley HamerAtkinson, Nancy. (2009, March 19). Astronomers Observe Bizarre Blazar with Battery of Telescopes. Universe Today. https://www.universetoday.com/27518/astronomers-observe-bizarre-blazar-with-battery-of-telescopes/Carlson, E. K. (2018, July 12). Blazars explained. Astronomy.com. https://astronomy.com/news/2018/07/what-is-a-blazarFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/psychology-of-online-trolls-rattlesnake-illusions-blazars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 1, 2021 • 16min

Blowhole Origins, Weather Manipulation, How to Slow Aging

Learn about how brushing your teeth can slow aging; how blowholes start as noses; and how humans manipulate the weather.Additional resources from Andrew Steele:Pick up "Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old" at your local bookstore: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385544924Website: https://andrewsteele.co.uk/Follow @statto on Twitter https://twitter.com/stattoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrAndrewSteeleWhales and dolphins in the womb start with nostrils on the tip of their noses by Grant CurrinUrton, J. (2021). Now how did that get up there? New study sheds light on development and evolution of dolphin, whale blowholes. UW News. https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/08/05/dolphin-whale-blowholes/Roston, R. A., & Roth, V. L. (2021). Different transformations underlie blowhole and nasal passage development in a toothed whale (Odontoceti: Stenella attenuata ) and a baleen whale (Mysticeti: Balaenoptera physalus ). Journal of Anatomy. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13492How weather manipulation works by Ashley Hamer (Listener question from Joseph in Peoria, Illinois)Is weather control a dream or nightmare? (2017, October 19). Science News for Students. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/weather-control-dream-or-nightmareEoin O'Carroll, & Paulson, A. (2018, October 15). Unintended consequences: Climate-hacking poses big ethical questions. The Christian Science Monitor; The Christian Science Monitor. https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2018/1015/Unintended-consequences-Climate-hacking-poses-big-ethical-questionsOur Mission Modification ? (2013). Noaa.gov. https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hrd_sub/modification.htmlCool Science: How Kurt Vonnegut’s Brother Tried To Break Up Hurricanes | GE News. (2020). Ge.com. https://www.ge.com/news/reports/cool-science-vonnegut-ge-researchFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/blowhole-origins-weather-manipulation-how-to-slow-aging Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 30, 2021 • 16min

Could Science Stop Aging? And the Milky Way’s “Broken Arm”

Learn about how research into senescent cells and senolytic drugs could change aging. Plus: the Milky Way’s broken arm.Additional resources from Andrew Steele:Pick up "Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old" at your local bookstore: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385544924Website: https://andrewsteele.co.uk/Follow @statto on Twitter https://twitter.com/stattoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrAndrewSteeleThe Milky Way has a 3,000-light-year-long "break" in its arm, and we don’t know why by Briana BrownellSpecktor, B. (2021, August 19). Milky Way has a 3,000-light-year-long splinter in its arm, and astronomers don’t know why. Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/milky-way-sagittarius-arm-breakAstronomers Find a “Break” in One of the Milky Way’s Spiral Arms. (2018). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/astronomers-find-a-break-in-one-of-the-milky-way-s-spiral-armsThe Milky Way Galaxy | NASA Solar System Exploration. (2017). NASA Solar System Exploration. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/285/the-milky-way-galaxy/Kuhn, M. A., Benjamin, R. A., Zucker, C., Krone-Martins, A., de Souza, R. S., Castro-Ginard, A., Ishida, E. E. O., Povich, M. S., & Hillenbrand, L. A. (2021). A high pitch angle structure in the Sagittarius Arm. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 651, L10. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202141198Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/could-science-stop-aging-and-the-milky-ways-broken-arm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 29, 2021 • 14min

Future You Is a Stranger, Babylonian Trig, Reversed Organs

Learn about why it’s hard to save money for our future; how Babylonians knew the Pythagorean theorem; and situs inversus.It's hard to save money because we see our future selves as strangers by Steffie DruckerJohnson, S. (2021, August 10). Brain hacks for saving money. Big Think; Big Think. https://bigthink.com/personal-growth/how-to-save-moneyQin, P., & Northoff, G. (2011). How is our self related to midline regions and the default-mode network? NeuroImage, 57(3), 1221–1233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.05.028Did the ancient Babylonians discover the Pythagorean theorem before Pythagoras did? by Briana BrownellCalabretto, S. (2021, August 13). A new angle on ancient trigonometry. Cosmos Magazine. https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/mathematics/babylonian-tablet-trigonometry-pythagorean-triplets/Plimpton 322. (2021). Math.ubc.ca. https://personal.math.ubc.ca/~cass/courses/m446-03/pl322/pl322.htmlMansfield, D. F., & Wildberger, N. J. (2017). Plimpton 322 is Babylonian exact sexagesimal trigonometry. Historia Mathematica, 44(4), 395–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hm.2017.08.001Mansfield, D. F. (2021). Plimpton 322: A Study of Rectangles. Foundations of Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10699-021-09806-0Pythagorean theorem | Definition & History | Britannica. (2021). In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/Pythagorean-theoremSome People Are Born With Their Organs Reversed by Reuben Westmaas originally aired June 1, 2018 https://omnystudio.com/p/curiosity-daily/clips/b453641c-9bf5-427e-acbd-ab530157338aFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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. Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/future-you-is-a-stranger-babylonian-trig-reversed-organs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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