Unexplainable

Rebecca Boyle, a science journalist and author of 'Our Moon,' explores the moon’s profound influence on life and biology. She discusses how lunar cycles affect everything from ocean tides to plant gene expression and even human health behaviors. Boyle also highlights surprising connections between the moon and our emotions, fertility, and sleep patterns. Her insights urge us to appreciate the moon's vital role in our lives and evolution, making us reconsider this celestial companion’s impact on our daily existence.

Dive into the curious world of hiccups, where personal anecdotes reveal quirky triggers like baby carrots and stress. Discover the surprising evolutionary roots linked to our amphibian ancestors and learn how the diaphragm and glottis play key roles. Explore effective remedies, including innovative devices and home tricks that just might stop those pesky interruptions. With humor and expert insights, the discussion unravels the complex nature of hiccups and their impact on individual identity.

In a lighthearted twist, the show introduces 'Nobody' as an imaginary sponsor to explore the perks of solitude. Listeners discover how time alone can spark creativity and self-reflection. The conversation also highlights the significance of independent journalism, urging support for unique content through membership. It’s a fun mix of humor and insight, revealing how personal time and responsible journalism intertwine.

Karen Lloyd, a microbiologist and author of "Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth," discusses the remarkable life forms found in ocean mud that defy classification. She reveals how these so-called intraterrestrials survive for eons without reproduction and reshape our understanding of evolution. Lloyd highlights the tranquility of single-celled organisms in the deep sea and how their resilience poses intriguing questions about natural selection. This captivating journey explores the hidden microbial world and its mysteries.

Scientists explore how to communicate with potential alien civilizations. They discuss past attempts, like the Arecibo message, and the challenges of conveying meaning across vast distances. A linguist shares insights on how misunderstandings can arise, highlighting the complexities of interpreting messages in space. The concept of xenolinguistics is introduced, examining fundamental language components to aid interstellar communication. The conversation is filled with humor and imaginative perspectives on the ambitious quest for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Daniel Cocotelo, a former OpenAI employee and AI safety researcher, joins Sneha Revenor, founder of the youth advocacy group Encode Justice. They discuss the pressing need for safety regulations in AI development and express concerns about how humanity can control robots as they become more ubiquitous. The conversation highlights the importance of youth-led initiatives, including a collaborative AI 2030 plan, and emphasizes the ethical implications of AI while advocating for a balance between innovation and safeguarding our humanity.

Join philosopher Peter Singer, a key figure in effective altruism and thought experiments, as he dives into the moral complexities of saving a drowning child. He challenges listeners to consider the impact of AI on global challenges. Discussions shift from the responsibilities of wealthy philanthropists to the ethical dilemmas posed by advancing technology. Explore how Singer's ideas inspire a new generation to navigate the balance of addressing current crises while preparing for potential AI threats. This thought-provoking conversation is not to be missed!

In this discussion, AI research scientist Margaret Mitchell, linguistics professor Emily M. Bender, and Vox's Seagal Samuel examine the unsettling consequences of AI. They delve into ethics and responsibility when AI causes harm, reflecting on real-world impacts on minority populations. The trio also tackles biases in technology, the challenges of emotional complexity in AI, and the urgent need for ethical oversight. Their candid insights stress the pressing concerns over AI's future and highlight the balance between innovation and societal responsibility.

Kelsey Piper, a writer for Vox's Future Perfect, dives into the fascinating world of AI and the rationalist community. She discusses the quirky 'paperclip maximizer' thought experiment and its implications for the future of superintelligent AI. Piper navigates the existential fears surrounding AI advancements, blending personal experiences with philosophical insights. She highlights the need for responsible AI development, the evolution of language models, and the broader societal impact of these technologies.

A new team member dives into an exciting game of 'Unexplainable or Not,' investigating three alluring scientific enigmas. Explore the intriguing rectangular holes on the ocean floor and their possible origins. Discover the impressive resilience of ancient Roman concrete, which boasts self-healing properties and better sustainability than modern alternatives. Finally, ponder the mysterious Wow signal and its implications for extraterrestrial communication. The conversation is packed with humor, curiosity, and intriguing theories!