

Unexplainable
Vox
Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott — tackles scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and everything we learn diving into the unknown. New episodes Mondays and Wednesdays.From Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

26 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 29min
The ice cream effect
The podcast explores the surprising finding that eating ice cream may reduce the risk of diabetes, despite its high fat and sugar content. They discuss the assumptions and uncertainties surrounding ice cream nutrition and the challenges of conducting nutrition science research. The hosts question the ability of nutrition science to provide concrete answers and express their curiosity about the ongoing study on the 'ice cream effect'. They also discuss their ice cream preferences and provide show information.

26 snips
Nov 8, 2023 • 32min
The data vigilantes
Exploring scientific misconduct and fraud through examples like a Harvard scholar accused of fabricating findings and issues with randomized controlled trials. Highlighting the work of data sleuths who uncover duplicated photos and data issues in scientific papers. Discussing the need for collective responsibility and proposing ideas to improve the peer review system. Exploring the evolution and issues of Twitter, from a platform with great potential to a global and volatile mob.

Nov 1, 2023 • 27min
Trouble on Pickles Reef
Explore the decline of coral reefs in the Florida Keys and the efforts to restore them. Learn about the benefits of the Apple Card and the future of email. Discover the challenges and excitement of breeding heat-resistant corals. Dive into the uncertainties of restoring coral reefs in the face of climate change.

13 snips
Oct 25, 2023 • 34min
Redefining death
This podcast explores the concept of death and how technology is forcing us to redefine it. It delves into the controversy surrounding brain death, the impact of technology on health and communication, and the potential for reversible death. It also discusses an experiment injecting a solution into dead pigs to revive their cells and organs, and the efforts to redefine the definition of death in America.

6 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 22min
The Orcanizing
This podcast explores the mysterious increase in orca attacks on boats and speculates on whether the orcas are seeking revenge for pollution. It delves into the concept of whale culture and argues that animals can exhibit cultural behavior. The episode discusses the distinct languages, customs, and hunting techniques of different orca groups. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the culture of animals, like orcas, for their survival.

5 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 34min
Unexplainable or Not with Wyatt Cenac
Comedian Wyatt Cenac plays a game show guessing climate mysteries. Exploring photosynthesis and clean fuel alternatives. Discussing carbon sinks and unexplained explosions in Siberia. Introduction to another podcast and sponsorship. Discovering missing carbon and the importance of tropical forests. Progress and gratitude in a long-term scientific project.

Sep 27, 2023 • 28min
Rogue waves
This podcast explores the mystery of rogue waves, including the baffling disappearance of the MS Munchen. It delves into the science behind rogue wave formation, the recreation of the first recorded rogue wave, and introduces the concept of Crucible Moments in business decisions. It also mentions the Doctorpus Bird War and offers a quick news update recommendation.

13 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 31min
Does garlic break magnets?
The podcast explores topics like the afterlife and the Battle of Actium, the forces of attraction and repulsion, wacky science and ancient philosophers' rational thinking, ancient belief systems and changing paradigms in science, Roman beliefs about garlic and magnets, and breakthroughs in understanding the universe and particle behavior.

42 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 32min
How to decode a thought
This podcast explores the fascinating field of decoding people's thoughts using brain scans and AI. It discusses breakthroughs in translating brain signals into language, the privacy concerns surrounding thought decoding, and the potential of building a mind reading device. The podcast also delves into the use of everyday wearables to track brain activity and the ethical considerations in advancing neurotechnology.

18 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 21min
It’s getting harder to see
Discussion on the increasing rates of nearsightedness worldwide and potential factors contributing to it such as excessive screen time and lack of outdoor activities. Exploring solutions for eye problems including reducing screen time and increasing outdoor activities. Exploring new treatments for myopia control such as eye drops, special contact lenses, and ortho K lenses. Speculation on the benefits of understanding the cause of myopia.