Unexplainable

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.

Is it worse to kill one person than many? This podcast dives into the moral complexities of saving lives against the staggering number of crustaceans humans kill annually. It highlights the shocking statistics behind shrimp farming's impact on animal welfare. Listen as a former finance professional shares his journey to advocate for shrimp rights and explore whether these creatures can feel pain. The backlash against shrimp welfare advocacy sparks intriguing debates on public perception and prioritization of animal rights.

In this engaging discussion, former Major League Baseball player Rick Ankiel shares his extraordinary journey from pitching prodigy to struggling with the yips. He recounts the heart-wrenching moment his skills vanished and explores the psychological toll it took. Psychologist Sally Akehurst and neurologist Steven Frucht delve into the nuances of choking vs. the yips, illuminating the mysterious links between the brain and motor skills. The conversation ultimately reveals insights about talent, resilience, and unexpected comebacks in the world of sports.

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.