Unexplainable

Evan Ziporyn, a renowned composer and clarinetist, shares his insights on Terry Riley's groundbreaking piece, In C. He explores the unpredictability of its aleatoric structure, illustrating how each performance breathes new life into the music. Evan highlights the beauty of spontaneity, discussing how small performer decisions create emergent chaos. He reflects on how the piece mirrors life's complex events and emphasizes the importance of listening and presence among musicians. Tune in for a fascinating journey through sound and spontaneity!

Meryl Horn, a senior producer at Science Vs, dives into the complex debate about acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism. She discusses initial studies linking the pain reliever to neurodevelopment issues, as well as the mixed evidence from recent research. Meryl highlights the importance of considering genetic and familial factors that may confound observations. She emphasizes that current expert guidance suggests Tylenol is safe when used as needed during pregnancy, despite public concerns.

Mindy Weisberger, a science writer and author of *Rise of the Zombie Bugs*, dives into the fascinating world of parasitic organisms that manipulate insect behavior. She reveals how a fungus can zombify flies, forcing them to climb high and die for spore dispersion. Explore the eerie life cycles of hairworms that commandeer crickets, and how wasps influence spiders to build webs for their larvae. Mindy discusses the implications for understanding neurology and the ethical concerns around engineered zombifiers. Plus, she hints at how some pathogens might alter human behavior!

Olga Khazan, a staff writer and author of "Me, But Better," dives into the intriguing concept of personality change. She shares her personal journey, driven by high neuroticism and a desire for deeper connections. Discussing the limits of the Big Five traits, she highlights how neuroticism is particularly challenging to alter. Through meditation and improv, Olga explores effective strategies for change, emphasizing the need for belief in one's agency. Her insights reveal that while shifting personality traits is tough, it's not impossible, and each small step matters.

Fanny Gribenski, a historical musicologist and author of Tuning the World, dives into the fascinating and complex history of musical pitch standards. She explores why orchestras tune to an oboe and the historical variations of the A note. Discover the aesthetic and political debates surrounding pitch, from France's attempts for a rational standard to the U.S. push for A440. Fanny also discusses the 1939 BBC conference, the cultural anxieties surrounding pitch changes, and how modern conspiracies still grapple with these age-old standards.

NASA has uncovered a Martian rock that could hold traces of ancient life, stirring excitement in the scientific community. The discussion dives into the significance of the Jezero Crater and its mysterious 'leopard spots' that hint at past biosignatures. Experts explore the history of the quest for life on Mars and the innovative technology behind the Perseverance rover's sample collection. The implications of finding Martian life are profound, potentially reshaping our understanding of life's origins across the universe.

Discover the surprising truths about metabolism that challenge long-held beliefs. Personal stories reveal the impact of societal pressures on body image and dieting misconceptions. Learn about a dangerous weight loss chemical from history and the severe health risks it posed. Delve into how extreme dieting on reality TV affects metabolic rates and long-term health. This engaging discussion unpacks the complexities of metabolism, highlighting the need to rethink common myths around weight loss and food environments.

Hillary Frank, host of The Longest Shortest Time, and Rachel E. Gross, science writer and author of Vagina Obscura, dive into the intriguing world of vaginas. They explore historical misconceptions surrounding female anatomy, including the clitoral structure and misguided medical practices. The conversation reveals surprising topics like the 'wandering womb' and new research into vaginal health. With humor and insight, they highlight the importance of understanding female pleasure, health, and the need for better research in women's reproductive systems.

Discover how childhood bedtime stories shape our narratives today. The whimsical tale of 'The Lorax' highlights nostalgia and environmental consciousness, linking personal memories with industrial change. Explore the life of a rabbi with mystical experiences and humorous lore, revealing profound insights from Talmudic stories. Delve into the enigma of dark energy, mixing scientific discovery with storytelling. The discussion also touches on innovation in production and the joy of communal traditions, rounding out a captivating exploration of life and meaning.

Two researchers debate whether a little alcohol is harmful, yet both acknowledge the challenges in getting clear answers. They discuss the complexities of alcohol research, highlighting often conflicting findings about its health effects. Personal stories emphasize moderation in a society where alcohol use is common. The conversation also explores the nuanced relationship between moderate drinking and heart health, calling for better research methodologies to discern the true impact of alcohol on well-being.