Unexplainable

Sperm counts have been declining over the last four decades, creating buzz about a potential 'spermageddon.' Various factors like environmental influences and lifestyle choices are explored. Despite alarming headlines, the scientific community is divided, pointing out inconsistencies in research. Historical biases and funding disparities in sperm studies raise critical questions about male fertility. The impact of IVF on sperm research and the need for a more nuanced discussion about reproductive health are also highlighted.

Umair Irfan, a senior science reporter at Vox, dives into the exciting world of fusion power, the technology that mimics the sun's energy. He discusses the potential of fusion as a clean solution to the climate crisis and explores the ambitious projects, like the National Ignition Facility, striving for breakthroughs. Irfan highlights both the challenges and the recent advancements in the field, emphasizing the need for robust funding and international collaboration to make sustainable fusion energy a reality.

Noam wrote an end-of-year song with Today, Explained host Sean Rameswaram, so we thought to drop it here as a little end-of-year surprise.Lyrics:2021, it was gonna be funGet a couple shots and then you’re doneThen the second the year’d begunWe had an insurrection2021, it was gonna be funGet a couple shots and then you’re doneThen the second the year’d begunWe had an insurrectionYeah it wasn’t just what we hoped to seeWe might have started too optimisticallySo if we keep our expectations lowMaybe the world won’t seem so terribleYeah it wasn’t just what we hoped to seeWe might have started too optimisticallySo if we keep our expectations lowMaybe the world won’t seem so terribleDial back to when the year had begunWe were looking forward to the end of hibernation But it didn’t even last a weekNo it didn’t even last a week, mm-hmmOn the sixth day of 2021Vanilla Isis tried to flip the electionBut looking back we can’t agree On the facts, no, we can’t agree, mm-mmPretty soon we were signing up for shots (shots!)Talking about shots (shots!)Shots shots shots (shots!)Everyone was a pharma fanWith the Pfizer fam, the Moderna clan (J&J)But we should have known Delta would happen Most of humanity not getting vaxxed andFourth wave — fifth wave, in rhythmThat’s one more wave than feminism!2021, it was gonna be funGet a couple shots and then you’re doneBut according to Joe Ro-gunYou should take IvermectinYeah it wasn’t just what we hoped to seeWe might have started too optimisticallyBut if we keep our expectations lowMaybe the world won’t seem so terribleA booster, I’m not sure I need it. Dune on the IMAX, I seen it.Back to the good life, I dreamed it. (Arrakis)Wake up, reality, don’t fit.Hope you don’t need a house or a condo (a condo)Hope you don’t need a trip to Toronto (Toronto)Hope you don’t need some gas for your Durango (Durango) Hope you don’t need a can of dried mangos (dried mangos)Everyone is feeling frustrationQuitting jobs — the Great ResignationBlaming Biden for rising inflationWhile billionaires shoot off to space, racingDid we fix the grid in Texas? (yes)Figure out how wide the Suez is? (yes)Don’t ask meAll I see on TV It's just fights on Critical Race Theory2021, it was gonna be funGet a couple shots and then you’re doneMoving onto issue number one:Whether to allow abortions!Yeah it wasn’t just what we hoped to seeWe might have started too optimisticallyBut if we keep our expectations lowMaybe the world won’t seem so terribleI just want to be freeOf thinking about Covid-19I just want to seeSomething done about global warmingAnd I still don’t get NFT’sCan’t understand crypto currency andAnd we can’t agree on anythingBut at least we got together to free Britney(Oh baby baby)2021, it was gonna be funGet a couple shots and then you’re doneThen the second as the year’d begunWe had an insurrectionAnd people lied about the last electionAnd made it harder to vote in electionsAt least we don’t have another electionWait, I think there’s another election...2021, it was gonna be funGet a couple shots and then you’re doneThen the second we thought we’d wonWe’re learning how to say "Omicron"Guess you never know what’s gonna come throughMaking plans for things you’ll never do But take it from a brown guy (and a Jew)There’s always 2022.This song was written and performed by Sean Rameswaram and Noam Hassenfeld, produced by Noam, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and features additional vocals from Christina Animashaun.For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.comWe read every email.Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox!bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Resnick, a Vox science reporter, and Jessica Esquivel, a physicist at Fermilab, dive into the mysterious realm of dark matter and groundbreaking particle physics. They discuss the elusiveness of dark matter and the significant discoveries by Vera Rubin that challenge our understanding of the universe. Jessica explains the intriguing findings from the muon g-2 experiment, revealing unexpected behaviors that could reshape the standard model of physics. Together, they unpack the wonders of cosmic mysteries and the quest to comprehend our universe.

Erik van Sebeel, an oceanographer from Utrecht University, unpacks the mystery of missing ocean plastic. He shares personal anecdotes, including a transformative man overboard drill that ignited his passion for marine science. The discussion reveals alarming discrepancies in plastic accumulation, particularly in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Erik emphasizes the unseen impacts on marine life and human health, stressing the urgent need for accurate data and innovative solutions to tackle this pressing environmental crisis.

Jillian Weinberger, a reporter focused on women's health advocacy, sheds light on the historical exclusion of women from clinical drug trials. She discusses the tragic consequences of this oversight, including reproductive health failures and misdiagnosed heart disease in women. The conversation highlights the 1993 legislation that mandated women's inclusion in research and emphasizes the ongoing need for better representation, particularly for diverse populations. Weinberger also advocates for improved medical education to empower women in their health journeys.

Venus was once a lush, Earth-like world, but it transformed into the hottest planet in our solar system. The harsh volcanic landscape raises crucial questions about climate change and Earth’s potential future. Discover the controversial discovery of phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere, hinting at possible microbial life. Scientists debate whether life could exist in its clouds, surviving extreme conditions. The episode serves as a thrilling reminder of the mysteries within our solar system and the urgent implications for our planet.

In this engaging discussion, Matthew Cobb, the author of "The Idea of the Brain," dives into the evolution of brain research. He explores the intriguing interplay between genius and mental illness while delving into historical figures like Einstein. The conversation highlights how groundbreaking imaging technologies like MRI have transformed our understanding of brain function. Cobb emphasizes the critical role metaphors play in scientific progress, revealing how past technological advances have shaped our comprehension of neural communication.

Dive into the extraordinary world of slime molds, those brainless organisms capable of navigating mazes and even controlling robots! Discover how they exhibit intelligent behaviors that challenge our understanding of decision-making and resource optimization. The discussion unveils surprising parallels between slime molds and human cognition, inviting listeners to rethink intelligence itself. Additionally, intriguing insights from experiments on single-celled organisms reveal a complex landscape of learning and adaptation in the simplest of life forms.

Dive into the mystery of why whales beach themselves, uncovering the complex interplay of human activities and natural factors. Explore how agricultural runoff and noise pollution might contribute to these strandings. Join an expert as she shares both emotional insights and quirky field experiences while investigating these marine mammal tragedies. Plus, learn about the unique beaked whales and the alarming impact of sonar technology on their well-being. It's a captivating blend of science, mystery, and conservation.