Unexplainable

Mathias Clasen and Marc Andersen, co-directors of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, dive into the thrill of horror. They explore why we both seek and avoid fear, discussing how haunted houses and roller coasters provide unique enjoyment. Their research reveals that mild fear can enhance curiosity and fun. They also highlight how horror can serve as a tool for stress management, especially during tough times like the COVID pandemic, suggesting therapeutic benefits in facing fear through storytelling.

Jonathan Lambert, a science journalist specializing in psychedelics and mental health, dives into the promising potential of substances like ecstasy and mushrooms in treating conditions such as PTSD and depression. He discusses the complexities of conducting unbiased clinical trials and the influence of participants’ knowledge on research outcomes. The conversation also emphasizes the vital role of therapeutic context, innovative study designs, and the need for a reevaluation of current research models to better understand the healing power of psychedelics.

Michael Gershon, a pathology professor at Columbia University, discusses the surprising connection between our gut health and emotional well-being. He explores how the gut microbiome affects mood and personality, suggesting that unseen microbial life might influence how we feel. Gershon examines fascinating studies linking gut bacteria to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The conversation also touches on the potential of probiotics for enhancing mood, although they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Umair Irfan, a Vox correspondent, joins Joe Scuba, an insurance executive from New Orleans, and Carolyn Kuski from the Environmental Defense Fund, to explore the crisis in the insurance industry amid climate change. They discuss soaring premiums and the emotional toll on homeowners as properties become uninsurable. The conversation highlights the outdated risk models used by insurers, the dire need for policy reforms, and the potential for the insurance sector to invest in sustainable practices, offering a glimmer of hope amid the storm.

In this engaging discussion, Mandy Nguyen, a reporter covering xenotransplantation, teams up with Muhammad Mohiuddin, a pioneering surgeon in the field. They dive into the groundbreaking procedure of using pig hearts for human transplants as a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. The conversation highlights the revolutionary genetic modifications made with CRISPR, the ethical dilemmas posed by such practices, and the intricate balance between medical advancements and moral responsibility. Tune in for a blend of science, ethics, and the future of transplantation!

Umair Irfan, a correspondent at Vox, delves into the complexities of climate modeling and what it reveals about rising global temperatures. He discusses the challenges scientists face in predicting future climate scenarios and the significance of different modeling approaches. The conversation also explores the controversial concept of solar geoengineering and its potential implications. Irfan emphasizes the urgent need for diverse and reliable climate predictions to inform policymakers and address the critical state of our planet.

In a daring experiment, Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz steps into the wild world of poison oak, seeking to answer a bizarre question: can eating it build immunity? He shares his hilarious and harrowing foraging escapades, showcasing the skin reactions that accompany his unconventional method. Joined by Mahmoud ElSohly, they dive into the history and challenges of poison oak treatments, reflecting on both personal anecdotes and scientific insights. Together, they explore the absurd lengths some go to in the pursuit of immunity and relief.

Alycia Smith, a deep sea ecologist at Heriot-Watt University, reveals groundbreaking research about 'dark oxygen' being generated without sunlight on the ocean floor. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of life on Earth and beyond. The discussion shifts to the role of deep-sea nodules in oxygen production and the environmental risks associated with their extraction. Smith emphasizes the need for further scientific exploration amidst corporate interests, shedding light on the fragile balance of our ocean ecosystems.

Paul Doherty, a search and rescue researcher, discusses the evolution of finding lost individuals in the wilderness using digital maps and data analysis. He shares insights from analyzing over 300,000 missing persons cases, revealing distinct behaviors critical to search strategies. The conversation highlights the blend of traditional methods and innovative technology in rescue missions. Additionally, the emotional toll on families and the importance of learning from past cases to enhance efficiency in searches are emphasized.

In this engaging conversation, Nicola Twilley, host of the Gastropod podcast and author of "Frostbite," dives into the fascinating world of phage therapy. She discusses the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections and how phages—viruses that target bacteria—may be the key to combating this crisis. Twilley shares compelling stories, including a young man's battle with a drug-resistant infection, while highlighting the promise and challenges of integrating phage therapy into modern medicine. The discussion also touches on the ecological importance of understanding viral dark matter.