

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

Mar 20, 2024 • 24min
The bleeding edge, part two
The podcast discusses using menstrual fluid for easier endometriosis detection, breaking societal stigmas around the topic. Researchers explore unique cell patterns in patients and discuss the challenges and triumphs of studying menstrual blood.

15 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 19min
The bleeding edge
Researchers explore the potential medical benefits of menstrual fluid, facing societal stigmas and research challenges. Endometriosis diagnosis is improved through innovative genetic research and non-invasive menstrual fluid analysis. The podcast discusses the importance of overcoming taboos and obstacles to advance menstrual health research.

39 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 27min
Aliens from Earth?
The podcast explores the intriguing concept of aliens causing climate change and the possibility of pre-human technologically advanced civilizations. It also delves into detecting long-lived civilizations in the geologic record and contemplates the Silurian hypothesis for modern society.

11 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 17min
How scientists are searching for aliens
Scientists discuss their serious efforts to search for extraterrestrial intelligence, using massive antennas to detect potential alien signals. The podcast also explores the challenges of differentiating signals from natural phenomena and the optimism towards encountering extraterrestrial intelligence in our solar system.

11 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 24min
A universal virus-killer?
Scientists explore using UV light as a virus-killer for airborne diseases, discussing efficacy, safety concerns, and potential impacts on air pollution. Historical research supports UV light's ability to sterilize air, prompting discussions on its ethical and practical use in various sectors.

8 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 24min
Why do we cry?
Exploring the power and mystery of crying, including its purpose and evolution. Reconnecting with emotions through induced crying. The impact of crying on relationships and social support. The significance of studying crying. QuickBooks Money and Factor sponsorship.

39 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 26min
Should you quit Diet Coke?
Exploring the safety concerns of aspartame as a possible carcinogen and the influence of the beverage industry. Discusses conflicting studies, industry funding of research, and biases in food and nutrition studies. Provides advice on evaluating research and mentions a women's marathon event.

7 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 28min
The case for cursing
This podcast explores the impact of swearing on pain tolerance, the connection between swearing and brain activity, and the benefits of swearing in conveying emotions. It also mentions the formation of Team Milk and the inaugural Every Woman's Marathon.

37 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 39min
The math problem that could break the internet
The podcast discusses the importance of encryption in protecting private information online, the history and significance of encryption in finance, the early days of cryptography and public key encryption, the reliance on mathematical functions for encryption, the security of internet encryption and the potential impact of quantum computers, and the future of building lives and relationships online with encryption

9 snips
Jan 17, 2024 • 20min
Garbage patch kids
Scientists discover new ecosystems thriving on plastic debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, raising questions about the survival and interactions of these species. The podcast also discusses advertisements, insufficient retirement savings, and the implications of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. It highlights the role of plastic waste as a habitat for coastal species and emphasizes the importance of rallying together to fight plastic pollution.