Unexplainable

In this intriguing discussion, Charles Ver Straeten, a curator of sedimentary rocks, and Thomas Algeo, a geochemistry professor, explore the ancient forests that may have triggered a major mass extinction. They unravel how early trees transformed ecosystems and altered climates, possibly leading to oceanic crises. The guests share insights on the evolution of land plants, the Devonian plant explosion, and the link between ancient soil formation and today's environmental challenges, drawing compelling parallels to current ecological shifts.

Nick Moskowitz, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, dives into the intriguing world of quasi-satellites and near-Earth objects. He explores PN7, a quasi-satellite that blurs the line between mini-moons and asteroids. Nick discusses its potential origins, including lunar ejecta and space debris, and highlights how these celestial bodies serve as time capsules for solar system history. He also touches on recent successful sample-return missions that enrich our knowledge and explains the exciting scientific opportunities that these nearby objects may present.

Willoughby Britton, an associate professor studying meditation's psychological effects, and Pierce Salguero, a professor of Asian history and health humanities, explore the darker side of meditation. They discuss unexpected lab findings showing meditation may increase cortical arousal and recount alarming experiences like psychosis and cognitive loss reported by practitioners. Salguero connects these challenges to historical texts, revealing that warnings about meditation difficulties have existed for centuries. They emphasize the importance of recognizing risks and balancing practices.

Jessica Pierce, a bioethicist and author focused on animal emotions, joins to discuss whether animals experience grief. She highlights poignant examples like dogs mourning their owners and orcas carrying dead calves. The conversation explores the debate around defining grief in animals and the implications of labeling their emotions. Pierce argues that recognizing grief can enhance empathy and spark crucial ethical conversations. Meanwhile, other experts caution against oversimplifying animal behaviors, suggesting alternative ways to understand their emotional responses.

Wanda Diáz-Merced, a trailblazing astronomer who lost her sight, shares her transformative journey into the sounds of space. She developed techniques to convert astronomical data into sound, uncovering hidden discoveries. Alongside Kim Arcand, a visualization scientist at NASA, they discuss how sonification makes data more accessible and enhances understanding of celestial phenomena. They reveal how sound has led to breakthroughs like the gamma-ray burst resonances and the cosmic microwave background, reshaping both astronomy and accessibility.

Rui Zhe Goh, a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the curious relationship between silence and our psyche. He discusses a shocking study where participants preferred pain over the discomfort of silence. Rui explores auditory illusions, revealing how our brains process silence like sound. He shares his experience in an anechoic chamber, where extreme quiet amplifies internal sounds. The conversation invites us to rethink silence, showing it can be a profound, rich experience rather than mere emptiness.

Stéphane Maison, director of the tinnitus clinic at Mass Eye and Ear, and Dan Polley, tinnitus researcher and advocate, explore the mysterious world of tinnitus—a phantom noise affecting 15% of adults. They discuss how hidden hearing loss triggers these sounds in the brain and the common misconception that there's nothing that can be done about it. Stéphane shares innovative diagnostic techniques, while Dan emphasizes the need for more research funding. The conversation sheds light on coping strategies and potential treatments to improve the quality of life for those affected.

In this engaging discussion, Diana Deutsch, a pioneer in auditory research, reveals her groundbreaking work on auditory illusions that showcase how our brains interpret sound. Audiologist Matthew Winn explains how sound travels and the brain's ability to edit auditory input, while Michael Chorost shares his emotional journey of losing most of his hearing and adapting to a cochlear implant. Their insights challenge our understanding of perception, explore cultural differences in sound interpretation, and highlight the complexities of hearing and music enjoyment.

Neel Dhanesha, a science reporter focused on river avulsions, shares insights into the mysteries of shifting river courses. Sally Helm, the newest team member, navigates through the alarming decline of freshwater mussels and their vital role in ecosystems. They delve into fascinating topics like the pathogens threatening mussel populations and the surprising factors behind rivers suddenly changing direction. With a twist of humor and engaging discussions, the duo unveils the complexities of measuring the longest river and potential engineering solutions to prevent avulsions.

Mathias Clasen and Marc Andersen, co-directors of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, explore why people voluntarily seek fear through horror. They discuss how recreational fear helps people learn to cope with real threats and the intriguing Goldilocks principle of horror, which suggests that moderate fear is most enjoyable. Their research includes studying haunted house visitors to understand fear and enjoyment dynamics and even correlating horror fandom with lower distress during the pandemic. They propose new therapies utilizing controlled fear experiences.