Today, you’ll learn about a potentially risky new idea to geoengineer our way out of extreme heat, bad news for fans of artificially sweetened drinks, and an incredible new discovery about butterflies.   Geoengineering  “Dehydrate the stratosphere to curb global warming? Scientists float new risky strategy.” by Paul Voosen. 2024.  “Contributions of Stratospheric Water Vapor to Decadal Changes in the Rate of Global Warming.” by Susan Solomon, et al. 2010.  “Considering intentional stratospheric dehydration for climate benefits.” by Joshua P. Schwarz. 2024.   Artificial Sweeteners  “Artificially sweetened drinks linked to risk of irregular heartbeat, study finds.” by Erum Salam. 2024.  “Sweetened Beverages, GEnetic Susceptibility, and Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Cohort Study.” by Ying Sun, et al. 2024.  “Atrial Fibrillation.” CDC. 2022.  Butterfly Mimicry  “Butterflies mimic each other’s flight behaviour to avoid predators.” University of York. 2024.  “Butterfly Mimicry.” by Karin Kjernsmo. 2021.  “Mimicry in viceroy butterflies is dependent on abundance of the model queen butterfly.” by Kathleen L. Prudic, et al. 2019.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about an alarming new killer behavior in orcas, a potential breakthrough for patients with one of the deadliest cancers, and the brain science behind flow.   Shark Hunter  “Orcas Demonstrating They No Longer Need to Hunt in Packs to Take Down the Great White Shark.” Taylor & Francis. 2024.  “Further insights into killer whales Orcinus orca preying on white sharks Carcharodon carcharias in South Africa.” by A Towner, et al. 2024.  “Top 10 Facts About Orcas.” WWF. 2023.  Asbestos Cancer Treatment  “Drug offers ‘wonderful’ breakthrough in treatment of asbestos-linked cancer.” by Andrew Gregory. 2024.  “Key Statistics About Malignant Mesothelioma.” American Cancer Society. 2019. “Pegargiminase Plus First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients With Nonepithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma.” by Peter W. Szlosarek, MD, PhD. et al. 2024.  Creative Flow  “Your brain in the zone: A new neuroimaging study reveals how the brain achieves a creative flow state.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Creative flow as optimized processing: Evidence from brain oscillations during jazz improvisations by expert and non-expert musicians.” by David Rosen, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy 300 episodes to our Curiosity Daily listeners! Today, you’ll learn about a massive database of human genomes that’s uncovering major new genetic discoveries, the scientists building stone age tools from scratch… and then putting them to work, and a treasure trove of deep sea discoveries in an underwater mountain range.   Human Diversity   “Ambitious survey of human diversity yields millions of undiscovered genetic variants.” by Max Kozlov. 2024.  “NIH’s All of Us Research Program Releases First Genomic Dataset of Nearly 100,000 Whole Genome Sequences.” NIH. 2022.  “About.” NIH. 2021.  Ancient Tool Use  “Scientists try out stone age tools to understand how they were used.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Experiments with replicas of Early Upper Paleolithic edge-ground stone axes and adzes provide criteria for identifying tool functions.” by Akira Iwase, et al. 2024.   Deep Sea Discoveries  “See the strange new species discovered near Chile - with the help of a deep-diving sea robot.” by Laura Baisas. 2024.  “Scientists Confirm Underwater Mountains Harbor Abundant Life Off Chile’s Coast.” Schmidt Ocean Institute. 2024.  “How much of the ocean has been explored?” NOAA. n.d.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how we learn the same information differently from people we like than from those we don’t like, a drug men already take that could have incredible added benefits, and a weed that could feed a hungry world.   Learning From Friends   “The brain is ‘programmed’ for learning from people we like.” Lund University. 2024.  “Ingroup sources enhance associative inference.” by Marius Boeltzig. 2023.   Hair & Heart   “Common hair loss and prostate drug may also cut heart disease risk in men and mice.” by Lauren Quinn. 2024.  “Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in men.” by Patrick McQueen, et al. 2024.   Feeding Weeds  “Common plant could help reduce food insecurity, researchers find.” by Jeff Mulhollem. 2024.  “Food Resilience in the Face of Catastrophic Global Events.” Penn State University. N.d.  “What You Need to Know About Food Security and Climate Change.” Worldbank. 2022.  “Valorizing staple Native American food plants as a food resilience resource.” by Daniel J. Winstead, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how ADHD might have actually helped our ancient ancestors thrive, the way pollution makes it hard for nighttime pollinators to stop and smell the flowers, and a new study that suggests lions, tigers, and other big cats can tell who’s talking to them.   ADHD Foraging  “Attention deficits linked with proclivity to explore while foraging.” by David Barack. 2024.  “What is ADHD?” NIH. n.d.  “Foraging theory upscaled: the behavioural ecology of herbivore movement.” by N. Owen-Smith, et al. 2010.   Pollution & Pollinators  “At night, pollution keeps pollinating insects from smelling the flowers.” by Elizabeth Pennisi. 2024.  “Here’s how insects help keep ecosystems in balance.” WWF. 2023.  “Nitrate radicals and biogenic volatile organic compounds: oxidation, mechanisms, and organic aerosol.” by Nga Lee Ng, et al. 2017.   Big Cats Listen  “Big cats can tell apart known and unknown human voices, study finds.” by Nicola Davis. 2024.  “Lions are the Brainiest of the Big Cats.” by Jason G. Goldman. 2016.  “Catcalls: exotic cats discriminate the voices of familiar caregivers.” by Taylor Crews, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about mind-reading machines, the brightest object in the known universe, and the potential power punch of cinnamon.  Mind-Reading  “Mind-reading devices are revealing the brain’s secrets.” by Miryam Naddaf. 2024.  “The brain-reading devices helping paralysed people to move, talk and touch.” by Liam Drew. 2022.  “The rise of brain-reading technology: what you need to know.” by Liam Drew. 2023.  “How our brains decode speech: special neurons process certain sounds.” by Saima Sidik. 2023.   Universe’s Brightest Object  “Astronomers discover universe’s brightest object - a quasar powered by a black hole that eats a sun a day.” by Tory Shepherd. 2024.  “What is a quasar?” by Andy Briggs. 2021.  “Revealed: the oldest black hole ever observed, dating to dawn of universe.” by Hannah Devlin. 2023.   Cinnamon  “Cinnamon supplements reduce blood glucose in people with prediabetes.” by Dani Mann. 2024.  “Cinnamon and Diabetes.” n.a. 2023. “Prediabetes (Borderline Diabetes).” by Mike Watts. 2022.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about hurricanes so powerful they need a new category, bacteria linked to young-onset colo-rectal cancer, and ancient treasures made out of meteorites.   Category 6  “In a warming world, climate scientists consider category 6 hurricanes.” EurekAlert! 2024. “How do hurricanes form?” NOAA. 2023.  “AMCR’s Wehner Explores Impact of ‘Extreme Event Attribution’ on Climate Science Research.” by Kathy Kincade. 2023.  “Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.” NOAA. n.d.  Colo-Rectal Bacteria  “Cleveland Clinic Research reveals unique tumor-related bacteria tied to young-onset colorectal cancer.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Colorectal (Colon) Cancer.” Cleveland Clinic. 2022.  “Distinct intratumoral microbiome of young-onset and average-onset colorectal cancer.” by Shimoli V. Barot, et al. 2024.  “The microbiome and human cancer.” by Gregory D. Sepich-Poore, et al. 2022.   Meteorite Loot  “These 3,000-Year-Old Treasures Were Forged From Meteoritic Iron.” by Sonja Anderson. 2024.  “Bronze Age artifacts used meteoric iron.” Science Daily. 2017.  “Treasure of Villena and Jose Maria Soler Archaeological Museum.” Turismo Villena. N.d.  “Bronze Age ‘treasure’ was crafted with extraterrestrial metal.” by Jennifer Nalewicki. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the surprising effect our immune system has on our emotional health, a new discovery about the biological clock of plants, and how researchers are rediscovering the science of psychedelics.   Stress & Immunity  “Mount Sinai Study Shows That Circulating Immune Cells Drawn to the Brain During Stress Can Control Emotional Behaviors.” Mt. Sinai. 2024.  “Major Depressive Disorder.” by Navneet Bains & Sara Abdijadid. 2023.  “Circulating myeloid-derived MMP8 in stress susceptibility and depression.” by Flurin Cathomas, et al. 2024.   Crop Resilience  “USC researchers uncover biological circuit that protects plants from extreme conditions.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply.” EPA. 2023.  “The interplay between the circadian clock and abiotic stress responses mediated by ABF3 and CCA1/LHY.” by Tong Liang, et al. 2024.   Psychedelic Scale  “An intriguing psychedelic assessment is back from the dead, thanks to Swiss scientists.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “The Psychedelic Integration Scales: Tools for Measuring Psychedelic Integration Behaviors and Experiences.” by Tomas Frymann, et al. 2022.  “The revival of the psychedelic experience scale: Revealing its extended-mystical, visual, and distressing experiential spectrum with LSD and psilocybin studies.” by Kurt Stocker, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the link between body temperature and depression, how taking the the Polar Bear Plunge could soothe symptoms of menopause, and a new sticker that can detect organ failure.   Depression Temp  “Are Body Temperature and Depression Linked? Science Says, Yes.” by Jess Berthold. 2024.  “Surprising Link Discovered Between Body Temperature and Depression.” by Jess Berthold. 2024.   Cold Water Menopause  “Cold water swimming improves menopause symptoms.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Is cold water swimming in the winter healthy?” by Bard Amundsen. 2021.   Ultrasound Sticker  “This ultrasound sticker senses changing stiffness of deep internal organs.” by Jennifer Chu. 2024.  “Wearable bioadhesive ultrasound shear wave elastography.” by Hsiao-Chuan Liu, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new blood test that can detect signs of psychosis and guide precision treatment, a gene mutation that happened in two different high altitude populations thousands of years apart, and new findings of the mental impacts of polycystic ovary syndrome.   Psychosis Blood Test  “Blood test predicts psychosis risk, most effective treatments.” UI School of Medicine. 2024.  “The Link Between Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder: A Unifying Hypothesis.” by Jibran Y. Khokhar, et al. 2019.  “Precision medicine for psychotic disorders: objective assessment, risk prediction, and pharmacogenomics.” by M.D. Hill, et all. 2024.   Altitude Genes  “Mutations in same gene allow two different groups of humans to thrive at extreme altitudes.” by Phie Jacobs. 2024.  “High-altitude living has changed more than just the genes of some Peruvians.” by Freda Kreier. 2020.  “How the people of the Andes evolved to live in high altitudes.” by Lizzie Wade. 2018.  “Mutations may reveal how Tibetans can live on world’s highest plateau.” by Michael Price. 2017.   PCOS Cognition  “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Linked to Cognitive Decline in Midlife.” by Rhianna-lily Smith. 2024.  “Associations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With Indicators of Brain Health at Midlife in the CARDIA Cohort.” by Heather G. Huddleston, MD, et al. 2024.  “White Matter Microstructure and Cognitive Function in Young Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” by D. Aled Rees, et al. 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new rapid test for detecting fentanyl, a hyper-sensitive new lead detector, and the mathematical proof that Bach… was a great composer.   Fentanyl Rapid Test    “Researchers Develop Rapid Test for Detecting Fentanyl.” by Kim Horner. 2024.  “Fentanyl and the U.S. Opioid Epidemic.” Claire Klobucista & Mariel Ferragamo. 2023.  “Naloxone-AuNPs@ZIF-8-Based Impedimetric Sensor Platform for Ultrasensitive Detection of Fentanyl and Fabrication of Fen-Track Prototype for Real-Field Analysis.” by Anirban Paul, et al. 2024.   Lead Detector   “Ultra-sensitive lead detector could significantly improve water quality monitoring.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Toward the Ultimate Limit of Analyte Detection, in Graphene-Based Field-Effect Transistors.” by Alex W. Lee, et al. 2024.  “Lead in Drinking Water.” CDC. 2023. “Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.” EPA. 2024. “EPA finds more than 9 million lead pipes supplying drinking water throughout the U.S.” by Li Cohen. 2023.   Bach & Math  “Mathematicians have finally proved that Bach was a great composer.” by Kamela Padavic-Callaghan. 2024.  “Classical music synchronises the audience’s heartbeats and sweating.” By Jason Arunn Murugesu. 2023.  “Johann Sebastian Bach.” by Mark Cartwright. 2023.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how a population of female chimps have surprisingly been found to go through menopause and live well beyond their reproductive years, an ancient tsunami and its devastating impact on stone age populations, and the dire effects of sexism in science.   Chimp Menopause   “Surprisingly long-lived wild female chimps go through menopause.” by Bruce Bower. 2023.  “Wild Chimps Shown to Undergo Menopause for the First Time.” by Joanna Thompson. 2023.  “Evolutionarily, grandmas are good for grandkids - up to a point.” by Sujata Gupta. 2019.  “Why postmenopausal women are so crucial to our evolutionary success.” by Alice Klein. 2024.   Ancient Tsunami  “Tsunami 8,000 Years Ago May Have Devastated Stone Age Community - Study.” by Aristos Georgiou. 2024.  “Possible Tsunami Risk as Geologists Discover 45-Mile-Long Hidden Fault.” by Jess Thomson. 2023.  “The Historic Storegga Slide & Tsunamis.” by David Nikel. 2021.   Sexism in Science  “How centuries of sexism excluded women from science.” by Karly Pitman. 2023.  “Study shows gender bias in science is real. Here’s why it matters.” by Ilana Yurkiewicz. 2012.  “What science has gotten wrong by ignoring women.” by Catherine Zuckerman. 2018.  “Confronting Sexism in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): What Are the Consequences? By Eden J.V. Hennessey. 2018.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a potential breakthrough in the treatment of ovarian cancer, how just passively listening can help you learn things much more quickly, and the ant that changed the lion’s cuisine.   Ovarian Cancer Treatment  “mRNA therapeutic successfully combats ovarian cancer in mice.” by Monika Raab, et al. 2023.  “Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer.” by American Cancer Society. 2024.  “The Long History of mRNA Vaccines.” by Chris Beyrer. 2021.   Passive Learning  “Passive exposure can speed up learning, new research shows.” by Laurel Hamers. 2024.  “Boosting Learning With the Power of Passive Exposure.” Neurosciencenews.com. 2024.   Lions & Ants  “How an invasive ant changed a lion’s dinner menu.” by Bethany Brookshire. 2024.  “Disruption of an ant-plant mutualism shapes interactions between lions and their primary prey.” by Douglas N. Kamaru, et al. 2024.  “How Wolves Change Rivers - video.” By GrrlScientist. 2014.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how we experience colors differently as we age, a discovery from the time of the very first continents on Earth, and the impact of mobile phones on infant health - it’s not what you might expect.  Aging & Colors   “Colours fade as people age.” UCL. 2024.  “Pupil responses to colorfulness are selectively reduced in healthy older adults.” By Janneke E. P. van Leeuwen, et al. 2023.   First Continents  “Researchers uncover source rocks of the first real continents.” The University of British Columbia. 2024.  “Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite.” by Herve Martin & Nicholas Arndt. Reference work entry. N.d. “What was it like when life first sprang forth on Earth?” by Ethan Siegel. 2024.  “Archaean continental crust formed from mafic cumulates.” by Matthijs A. Smit, et al. 2024.   Phones & Infant Health  “How does owning a mobile phone impact infant health?” McGill University. 2024.  “Mobile phones and infant health at birth.” by Luca Maria Pesando & Komin Qiyomiddin. 2023.  “Prevalence of low birth weight and its associated factors: Hospital based cross sectional study in Nepal.” by Pratibha Thapa, et al. 2022.  “National, regional, and worldwide estimates of low birthweight in 2015, with trends from 2000: a systematic analysis.” by Hannah Blencowe, et al. 2019.  “Low birth weight.” World Health Organization. N.d.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the possible dangers of growing leafy greens in microgravity, a study that let AI tag along with a toddler to learn language the human way, and research on stabilizing elephant populations on the African savannah.   Microgravity Gardening  “Simulated microgravity facilitates stomatal ingression by Salmonella in lettuce and suppresses a biocontrol agent.” by Noah Totsline, et al. 2024.  “The Future.” NASA. N.D.  “What will astronauts eat during long missions in space?” Leidos. 2023.   AI Learns Language  “AI learns language through the experience of a single child in groundbreaking study.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2024.  “Grounded language acquisition through the eyes and ears of a single child.” by Wai Keen Vong, et al. 2024.   Elephant Numbers  “Protecting and connecting landscapes stabilizes populations of the Endangered savannah elephant.” by Ryan M. Huang, et al. 2024.  “The African Savanna.” by Michael Swiderek. 2021.  “Africa’s great savannahs may be more endangered than the world’s rainforests.” by Jeremy Hance. 2012.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the reason and the history of leap year, how scientists could tailor microgreens to your own personal dietary needs, and a lesson in getting teens to listen to your advice.   Leap Year  “Why do we have leap years? And how did they come about?” by Harry Baker. 2024.  “Which years are leap years?” Royal Museums Greenwich. N.d.  Tailored Microgreens  “Microgreens made to order: Italian scientists have tailored iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, rocket and chard.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Soilless cultivation systems to produce tailored microgreens for specific nutritional needs.” by Massimiliano D’Imperio, et al. 2023.  “Why You Should Eat Microgreens.” Cleveland Clinic. 2023.   Teenage Advice  “Got advice? Here’s how to get teens to listen.” by J.D. Warren. 2024.  “Relations Between Daily Activities and Adolescent Mood: The Role of Autonomy.” by Sally M. Weinstein & Robin Mermelstein. 2008.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how feeling the effects of racism might actually change the victim’s brain chemistry, how scientists have successfully completed the first embryo transfer in an endangered rhino, and how handwriting increases brain connectivity.  Racism & The Brain  “Experiencing racism may physically change your brain.” by Jon Hamilton, Rachel Carlson, & Rebecca Ramirez. 2024.  “Association of Racial Discrimination With Neural Response to Threat in Black Women in the US Exposed to Trauma.” by Negar Fani, PhD. et al. 2021.   Rhino Embryos  “World's first successful embryo transfer in rhinos paves the way for saving the northern white rhinos from extinction.” ScienceDaily. 2024.  “Southern white rhinoceros.” National Geographic. N.d.  “Northern white rhino.” Fauna & Flora. N.d.   Handwriting  “Writing by hand may increase brain connectivity more than typing on a keyboard.” by Deborah Pirchner. 2024.  “Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: a high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom.” by F.R. (Ruud) Van der Weel & Audrey L.H. Van der Meer. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a bacteria that turns plastic into spider webs, a massive deep-sea discovery right in our own backyard, and how CRISPR could reshape agriculture for an entire continent.  Silk-Making Bacteria  “Researchers Engineer Bacteria That Eat Plastic, Make Multipurpose Spider Silk.” Technology Networks. 2024.  “Two-step conversion of polyethylene into recombinant proteins using a microbial platform.” by Alexander Connor, et al. 2023. “Our planet is choking on plastic.” UNEP. n.d.  “In Images: Plastic is Forever.” UN. n.d.  Deep Coral  “World’s largest deep-sea coral reef found lurking beneath the Gulf Stream ‘right on the doorstep’ of US coast.” by Harry Baker. 2024.  “Status of Coral Reefs.” Reef Resilience Network. N.d.  “Life Below Water.” UN. 2020.   CRISPR Agriculture  “CRISPR-edited crops break new ground in Africa.” by Heidi Ledford. 2024.  “Witchweed.” USDA. n.d.  “Africa’s agricultural revolution: From self-sufficiency to global food powerhouse.” By Gareth Hodder & Brenda Migwalla. 2023.  “GMOs or non-GMOs? The CRISPR Conundrum.” By Aftab Ahmad, et al. 2023.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new discovery that turns our understanding of hunter-gatherer diets on its head, the effect of self-checkout on our sense of loyalty to grocery stores, and some good news about the majestic emperor penguin.   Hunter-Gatherer Diets  “Hunter-gatherers were mostly gatherers, says archaeologist.” by Hannah Devlin. 2024.  “Paleo diet: What is it and why is it so popular?” by Mayo Clinic Staff. 2022.  “What Paleo diets get wrong: We’re not evolved for meat, and our ancestors ate carbs.” by Julia Belluz. 2015.   Self-Checkouts  “Does Self-Checkout Impact Grocery Store Loyalty?” Drexel News. 2024.  “Must-Know Self Checkout Statistics [Latest Report].” by Lorena Castillo. 2023.  “Self-checkout now comprises nearly 40% of grocery checkout options, study says.” by Catherine Douglas Moran. 2022.  “Feeling rewarded and entitled to be served: Understanding the influence of self- versus regular checkout on customer loyalty.” by Farhana Nusrat & Yanliu Huang. 2024.  Penguin Colonies  “Scientists Discover Four New Emperor Penguin Colonies From Satellite Images of Antarctica.” by Sarah Kuta. 2024.  “Top 10 Facts About Emperor Penguins.” WWF. 2023.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the fastest mini robots ever created, how Bigfoot sightings may help scientists study bear populations, and the link between financial stress and poor health.  Insect Robots  Mini-robots modeled on insects may be smallest, lightest, fastest ever developed.” Washington State University. 2024.  “A New 1-mg Fast Unimorph SMA-Based Actuator for Microrobotics.” by Conor K. Trygstad, et al. 2023.   Bigfoot & Bears  “Bigfoot: If it’s there, could it be a bear?” by Floe Foxon. 2024.  “Study finds bigfoot sightings correlate with black bear populations.” by John Timmer. 2024.  “All 3,313 Sasquatch sightings, mapped.” PBS. 2013.   Chronic Stress  “Financial stress linked to worse biological health.” UCL. 2024.  “Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior.” Mayo Clinic Staff. 2023.  “How stress affects your health.” APA. Updated 2022.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new test that can show how well each of your organs are aging, some interesting links between comfort food and stress, and a surprising finding about certain snails.  Organ Age  “Are your organs ageing well? The blood holds clues.” by Max Kozlov. 2023.  “Blood test shows if organs are ageing fast or slowly.” by Michelle Roberts. 2023.   Comfort Food   “Comfort eating can impair body’s recovery from stress, study shows..” by Rachel Hall. 2023.  “Stress and Eating Behaviors.” by Yvonne H. C. Yau & Marc N. Potenza. 2013.  “Fatty foods can impair the body’s response to everyday stress - study.” by Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten. 2023.   Speedy Snails   “Japanese snail adaptation and speciation in anti-predation escape behavior.” by Yuta Morii. 2023.  “The divergence of mobility and activity associated with anti-predator adaptation in land snails.” by Yuta Morii, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about ants that play doctor to their fellow ants after going into battle, a possible game-changing way to sequester carbon at the bottom of the ocean, and the changes that can happen in the female mind during menstruation.   Ant Doctors  “Ants Recognize Infected Wounds and Treat Them.” Universitat Wurzburg. 2024.  “Innovative drugs, chemicals, and enzymes within the animal production chain.” by Yousef I. Hassan, et al. 2018.  “Targeted treatment of injured nestmates with antimicrobial compounds in ant society.” by Erik. T. Frank, et al. 2023.  Ant Video. N.d.   Sequestered Carbon  “To combat climate change, companies bury plant waste at sea.” by Saima Sidik. 2023.  “Biomass Storage in Anoxic Marine Basins: Initial estimates of geochemical impacts and CO2 sequestration capacity.” by Morgan Reed Raven, et al. 2023.  “2023 Global Carbon Budget Report Emphasizes Urgent Need to Reduce Global Emissions.” by Laura Chaibongsai. 2023.   Menstrual Brain  “The menstrual rhythm of the brain.” Max Planck Gesellschaft. 2023.  “Ultra-high-field 7T MRI reveals changes in human medial temporal lobe volume in female adults during menstrual cycle.” by Rachel G. Zsido, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a breakthrough in our understanding of how the brain creates long-term memories, the effect of chronic childhood ear infections on the development of language, and how salt may have helped shape the planet Mercury.   Long-Term Memories  “Neurons aren’t the only cells that make memories in the brain, rodent study reveals.” by Emily Cooke. 2023.  “Brain Microvascular Pericytes in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.” by Maiko T. Uemura, et al. 2020.  “All you need to know about neurons.” by Tim Newman. 2023.   Ear Infections  “Chronic childhood ear infections delay language development.” by Eric Hamilton. 2024.  “Ear Infections in Children.” NIH. 2022.  “Early otitis media puts children at risk for later auditory and language deficits.” by Susan Nittrouer & Joanna H. Lowenstein. 2024.  Mercury Salt  “Salt may have carved out Mercury’s terrains, including glacierlike features.” by Shi En Kim. 2024.  “The Chaotic Terrains of Mercury Reveal a History of Planetary Volatile Retention and Loss in the Innermost Solar System.” by J. Alexis P. Rodrigues, et al. 2020.  “Mercury’s stunning landscape mapped.” by Christopher Crockett. 2016.  “Mercury Facts.” NASA. n.d.    Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new polymer that could battle antibiotic resistant infections, a possible new way to detect life on other planets from afar, and what to expect when you’re expecting to adopt a furry friend,   Powerful Polymer  “Texas A&M Team Develops Polymers That Can Kill Bacteria.” by Shana K. Hutchins. 2023.  “The global threat of antibiotic resistance.” ReAct. N.d.  “Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of N-methylpyridinium-fused norbornenes to access antibacterial main-chain cationic polymers.” by Sarah N. Hancock, et al. 2023.   Exoplanet CO2   “A carbon-lite atmosphere could be a sign of water and life on other terrestrial planets, MIT study finds.” by Jennifer Chu. 2023.  “Atmospheric carbon depletion as a tracer of water oceans and biomass on temperate terrestrial exoplanets.” by Amaury H.M.J. Triaud, et al. 2023.  “How do astronomers find exoplanets?” by Daniela Breitman. 2017.   Adoption Science   “What To Expect When You Adopt A Shelter Pet, According To Scientists.” by Holly Large. 2023.  “18 Interesting Pet Adoption Statistics & Facts to Know in 2024.” by Misty Layne. 2024.  “Do Dogs Cry? Signs Your Beloved Pup Might Be Sad.” by Tom Hale. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how hearing aids may help you live longer, a potential breakthrough that could help usher in the age of quantum computing, and the incredible power of simply saying, “Hi”.   Hearing Aids  “Hearing aids may help people live longer.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Association between hearing aid use and mortality in adults with hearing loss in the USA: a mortality follow-up study of a cross-sectional cohort.” by Janet S. Choi, M.D. et al. 2024.  “The Impact of Hearing Loss and Its Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life Utility: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.” by Ethan D. Borre, et al. 2023.   Quantum Error Eraser   “Quantum computers inch closer to viability with new ‘error eraser’.” by H. Hannan. 2024.  “40 years of quantum computing.” Nature Reviews Physics. 2022.  “Erasure conversion in a high-fidelity Rydberg quantum simulator.” by Pascal Scholl, et al. 2023.   Smalltalk  “New study highlights the psychological power of minimal social interactions.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2023.  “Minimal Social Interactions and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Greeting, Thanking, and Conversing.” by Esra Ascigil, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about communicating with sleepers, a possible new miracle cure for skin injuries called super melanin, and the secret social lives of garter snakes.   Dreamtalk  “The study of dreams: Scientists uncover new communication channels with dreamers.” by Basak Turker & Delphine Oudiette. 2024.  “Behavioral and brain responses to verbal stimuli reveal transient periods of cognitive integration of the external world during sleep.” by Basak Turker, et al. 2023.  “Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50years of research.” by David T. Saunders, et al. 2016.  “Lucid Dreaming Verified by Volitional Communication during REM Sleep.” by Stephen P. La Berge, et al. 1981.   Super Melanin  “‘Super melanin’ heals skin injuries from sunburn, chemical burns.” by Marla Paul. 2023.  “Topical application of synthetic melanin promotes tissue repair.” by Dauren Biyashev, et al. 2023.  “Molecules in focus: Melanin.” by P. Riley. 1997.  “Inhibitors of Melanogenesis: An Updated Review.” by Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar, et al. 2018.   Garter Snakes   “Garter snakes make friends, organize their society around females.” by Joseph Howlett. 2023.  “Social networks reveal sex- and age-patterned social structure in Butler’s gartersnakes.” by Morgan Skinner, et al. 2024.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a bacterial discovery that challenges our understanding of how and when life formed on Earth, the importance difference between self control and willpower, and the truth about whether or not your dog really loves you.   Origin of Life  “Scientists Just Made a 1.75 Billion-Year-Old Discovery About the Origin of Life.” by Mirjam Guesgen. 2024.  “The Great Oxygenation Event as a consequence of ecological dynamics modulated by planetary change.” by Jason Olejarz, et al. 2021.  “Microbes and minerals may have set off Earth’s oxygenation.” by Jennifer Chu. 2022.   Self Control vs Willpower  “Most people say self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree.” by Sujata Gupta. 2024.  “Nearly two in five Americans have a New Year’s Resolution planned for 2021.” Ipsos. 2020.  “New Year’s resolution statistics.” finder. 2021.  “What’s inside is all that counts? The contours of everyday thinking about self-control.” by Juan Pablo Bermudez, et al. 2023.   Puppy Love  “Does Your Dog Truly Love You? Science Has the Answer.” by Adam Piore. 2023.  “Machine learning gives glimpse of how a dog’s brain represents what it sees.” ScienceDaily. 2022.  “A glimpse into the dog’s mind: A new study reveals how dogs think of their toys.” by Eotvos Lorand University. 2022.    Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a supervitamin you might already be taking some good news about the health of the world’s forests, and a new study that mapped ketamine’s effects on the brain.   B12  “Vitamin B12 emerges as key player during cellular reprogramming.” by Alba Vilchez-Acosta. 2023.  “Vitamin B12: A key player in cellular reprogramming and tissue regeneration.” ScienceDaily. 2023.   Healthy Forests  “Twenty-year study confirms California forests are healthier when burned - or thinned.” by Kara Manke. 2023.  “2023 North American Wildfires.” CDP. 2023.  “Forest restoration and fuels reduction work: Different pathways for achieving success in the Sierra Nevada.” by Scott L. Stephens, et al. 2023.   Ketamine & the Brain  “New Study Maps Ketamine’s Effects on Brain.” by Christopher D. Shea. 2023.  “Ketamine.” reviewed by Melisa Puckey. 2023.  “Whole-brain mapping reveals the divergent impact of ketamine on the dopamine system.” by Malika S. Datta, et al. 2023.  “Understanding Ketamine Treatment for Depression.” n.a. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how your ears are eavesdropping on your eyes, a bold new study on the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics, and an astonishing new discovery linking hoarding disorder with ADHD.  Ears & Eyes   “Your Eyes Talk to Your Ears. Scientists Know What They’re Saying.” by Dan Vahaba. 2023.  “Research Discovery: Astonishing Connection Between Vision and Hearing.” by Doug Garfield. 2023.  “Parametric information about eye movements is sent to the ears.” by Stephanie N. Lovich, et al. 2023.   Psilocybin & Depression   “Psilocybin induces acute and persisting alterations in immune status in healthy volunteers: An experimental, placebo-controlled study.” by N.L. Mason, et al. 2023.  “Study suggests single dose of psilocybin safe and effective as treatment for major depressive disorder.” by Justin Jackson. 2023.  “Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression.” by Richard E. Daws, et al. 2022.   ADHD & Hoarding  “Strong connection found between ADHD and hoarding disorder.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2023.  “Hoarding disorder.” by Mayo Clinic Staff. 2023.  “Who really hoards? Hoarding symptoms in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls.” by Giacomo Grassi, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new ink that can 3D print inside your body using soundwaves, why saying no to invitations isn’t as bad as you might think, and some new drugs that could potentially make your dog live longer.   3D Ink  “Soundwaves Harden 3D-Printed Treatments in Deep Tissues.” by Michaela Martinez. 2023.  “Dental curing light.” Wikipedia.  “Self-enhancing sono-inks enable deep-penetration acoustic volumetric printing.” by Xiao Kuang, et al. 2023.    RSVP No  “Just say no to that invitation.” n.a. 2023.  “Saying No: The Negative Ramifications From Invitation Declines Are Less Severe Than We Think.” By Julian Givi & Colleen P. Kirk. 2023.   Old Dogs  “Could a Drug Give Your Pet More Dog Years?” by Emily Anthes. 2023.  “Forget Botox. Anti-Aging Pills May Be Next.” by Andrew Pollack. 2023.  “We’re helping dogs like yours live longer.” Loyal website. N.d.  “Discovering the keys to a healthy lifespan.” Dog Aging Project website. 2023.  Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about why you may want to consider letting yourself daydream, how a sense of humor might protect you from depression and anxiety, and the effects of caffeine on the performance of soccer players.   Daydream Brain   “What Happens in the Brain While Daydreaming?” by Catherine Caruso. 2023.  “Is the role of sleep in memory consolidation overrated?” by Mohammad Dastgheib, et al. 2022.  “Cortical reactivations predict future sensory responses.” by Nghia D. Nguyen, et al. 2023.  “Why Daydreaming Is Good For Us.” by David B. Feldman Ph.D. 2017.   Power of a Laugh  “Your type of humor might say something about your risk of depression and anxiety.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2023.  “Understanding the Association Between Humor and Emotional Distress: The Role of Light and Dark Humor in Predicting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress.” by Alberto Dionigi, et al. 2023.   Caffeine & Soccer   “Caffeine highs and lows footballers should be aware of.” n.a. 2023.  “The effects of acute caffeine ingestion on decision-making and pass accuracy in young soccer players: A preliminary randomized controlled trial.” by Negar Jafari, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the 139 genes that set the human mind apart from our primate cousins, a new gel that could change the game for those suffering from dry mouth, and why psychopaths could be immune from the contagious yawn.  Human Genes   “139 Genes Set Human Cognitive Ability Apart From Other Primates.” by Sarah Whelan, PhD. 2023.  “Comparative single-cell transcriptomic analysis of primate brains highlights human-specific regulatory evolution.” by Hamsini Suresh, et al. 2023.  “Middle Temporal Gyrus.” by Kostas Konstantopoulos & Dimitrios Giakoumettis. 2023.   Dry Mouth Relief   “New Microgel Lubricant Could Provide Relief From Dry Mouth.” by Alexander Beadle. 2023.  “How Common is Dry Mouth? Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Prevalence Estimates.” by Bernardo Antonio Agostini, et al. 2018.  “Benchmarking of a microgel-reinforced hydrogel-based aqueous lubricant against commercial saliva substitutes.” by Olivia Pabois, et al. 2023.   Yawning Psychopaths   “Why Psychopaths Are Immune to Contagious Yawning.” by Gary Drevitch. 2015.  “Psychopathy.” n.a. N.d.  “Contagious and spontaneous yawning in autistic and typically developing children.” by Fiorenza Giganti & Maria Esposito Ziello. 2009.    Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how the bilingual brain might be better at multitasking, good news for women who are at risk for morning sickness, and the strangely complex science behind cat purring.  Bilingual Brain  “The bilingual brain may be better at ignoring irrelevant information.” EurekAlert!. 2023.  “Bilingual attentional control: Evidence from the Partial Repetition Cost paradigm.” by Grace deMeurisse & Edith Kaan. 2023.    Morning Sickness  “Cause of Morning Sickness and a Potential Treatment Identified.” by Rhianna-lily Smith. 2023. “GDF15: emerging biology and therapeutic applications for obesity and cardiometabolic disease.” by Dongdong Wang, et al. 2021.  “GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.” by M. Fejzo, et al. 2023.  Cat Purrs  “How do cats purr? New finding challenges long-held assumptions.” by Phie Jacobs. 2023.  “Domestic cat larynges can produce purring frequencies without neural input.” by Christian T. Herbst, et al. 2023.  “How Low Can You Go? Physical Production Mechanism of Elephant Infrasonic Vocalizations.” by Christian T. Herbst, et al. 2012.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how babies pick up language before they’re even born, an AI that takes on the busy work for doctors, and new insight into how humans collaborate.   Baby Language  “Babies’ Brains Are Primed For Their Native Language Before Birth.” by Nyla Husain. 2023.  “Prenatal experience with language shapes the brain.” by Benedetta Mariani. 2023.  “The What and When of Universal Perception: A Review of Early Speech Sound Acquisition.” by Katerina Chladkova & Nikola Paillereau. 2020.   AI Medicine  “Medical AI tool from UF, NVIDIA gets human thumbs-up in first study.” by Jim W. Harper. 2023.  “AI Training AI: GatorTronGPT at the Forefront of University of Florida’s Medical AI Innovations.” by Mona Flores. 2023.  “A study of generative large language model for medical research and healthcare.” by Cheng Peng, et al. 2023.  “Physicians, paperwork, and paying attention to patients.” by Dr. Monique Tello. 2016.   Human Collaboration   “How we play together.” n.a. 2023.  “The evolution of human cooperation.” Coren L. Apicella & Joan B. Silk. 2019.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new brain interface that allows people to play games with their minds, how bad luck might make you less committed to achieving greatness, and some alarming news about how the way humans use salt is not just bad for our bodies, but the planet as well.   Brain Game   “New brain-computer interface allows people to play a game using their thoughts.” by Vladimir Hedrih. 2023.  “Combining brain-computer interfaces and multiplayer video games: an application based on c-VEPs.” by Selene Moreno-Calderon, et al. 2023.   Goal Paralysis   “Goal paralysis: How bad luck affects goal commitment.” by Cony M. Ho, et al. 2023.  “Today Is Just Not My Day: Bad Luck’s Effect on Goal Pursuit.” by Cony M. Ho, et al. 2023.  Salt Cycle  “Humans are disrupting natural ‘salt cycle’ on a global scale, new study shows.” EurekAlert! 2023.  “Cary Institute Report on Sustainable Road Salt Use.” Cary Institute. 2019.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the brain’s ability - or inability - to rewire itself, the imagination of rats, and how dogs can have a positive effect on those suffering from PTSD.   Brain Rewiring   “Our brains are not able to ‘rewire’ themselves, despite what most scientists believe, new study argues.” University of Cambridge. 2023.  “Against cortical reorganisation.” by Tamar R. Makin & John W. Krakauer. 2023.   Rat Imagination   “Rats have an imagination, new research finds.” EurekAlert! 2023.  “Volitional activation of remote place representations with a hippocampal brain-machine interface.” by Chongxi Lai, et al. 2023.   Dogs & PTSD  “Contact with a service dog might help individuals with PTSD sleep better, study finds.” by Vladimir Hedrih. 2023.  “Paws for Purple Hearts - Service Dogs for our Warriors.” Website. 2023. “Heart rate during sleep in PTSD patients: Moderation by contact with a service dog.” by Steven H. Woodward, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a microchip-sized laboratory, how childhood traumas can lead to a lifetime of headaches, and strange blobs in the Earth’s mantle.   Lab on a Chip  “‘Lab on a chip’ genetic test device can identify viruses within three minutes with highest accuracy.” University of Bath. 2023.  “LoCKAmp: lab-on-PCB technology for <3 minute virus genetic detection.” by Sotirios Papamatthaiou, et al. 2023.  “What’s the difference between a PCR and antigen COVID-19 test?” by Nate Hafer, PhD. 2021.   Trauma Headaches  “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Primary Headache Disorders.” by Claudia Sikorski, et al. 2023.  “The global prevalence of headache: an update, with analysis of the influences of methodological factors on prevalence estimates.” by Lars Jacob Stovner, et al. 2022.   Mantle Blobs  “Strange blobs in Earth’s mantle are relics of a massive collision.” by Anil Oza. 2023.  “Earth’s Hidden Guests: Strange Blobs in Deep Mantle Are the Remains of an Ancient Planet.” by California Institute of Technology. 2023.  “How and When the Earth and Moon Formed.” by Sasha Warren. 2021.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about a new blood test that could revolutionize bipolar diagnoses, how music could help knock out pain, and how a changing climate is changing puffins.   Bipolar Blood Test  “Simple blood test can help diagnose bipolar disorder.” University of Cambridge. 2023.  “Bipolar Disorder.” NIH. n..d. “Diagnosis and management of bipolar disorders.” by Fernando S. Goes. 2023.   Music & Pain  “Emotional responses to favorite and relaxing music predict music-induced hypoalgesia.” by Darius Valevicius, et al. 2023.  “Editorial: Perspectives on music and pain: from evidence to theory and application.” by Annabel J. Cohen, et al. 2023.   Puffin Hybrid  “Hybridization of Atlantic puffins in the Arctic coincides with 20th-century climate change.” by Oliver Kersten, et al. 2023.  “Atlantic Puffin.” n.a. N.d.  “Puffin FAQs.” Audubon. N.d.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about an ancient diagnostic tool getting an AI upgrade, the world’s slipperiest surface, and some insight into the minds of everyone who loves this show!   Healthy Tongue “Eyes may be the window to your soul, but the tongue mirrors your health.” University of South Australia. 2023.  “Ancient tongue diagnosis for the 21st century dental hygienist.” by Kathryn Gilliam. 2023.  “Analysis of Tongue Color-Associated Features among Patients with PCR-Confirmed COVID-19 Infection in Ukraine.” by Liudmyla Horzov. 2021.  Slippery Surface “Droplet slipperiness despite surface heterogeneity at molecular scale.” by Sakari Lepikko, et al. 2023.  “Slippery Science: Crafting the World’s Most Water-Repellent Surface.” by Aalto University. 2023.   Curious for Answers “Curiosity evolves as information unfolds.” by Abigail Hsiung, et al. 2023.  “Unraveling Curiosity: Why We Savor the Suspense and Shun Spoilers.” Neuroscience.com. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how people who have lost the power of speech could get their voices back through AI, the cool truth about the weighted blanket fad, and an 8-billion-year-old blast from outer space.   Speech Reconstruction  “Neural Networks Help Reconstruct Speech From Brain Activity.” Technology Networks. 2023.  “How Intel Gave Stephen Hawking a Voice.” by Joao Medeiros. 2015.  “Distributed feedforward and feedback cortical processing supports human speech production.” by Ran Wang, et al. 2023.  Weighted Blankets  “Weighted blankets improve sleep in children with ADHD, study shows.” by Stacey Coleen Lubag. 2023.  “The Problem With This Year’s Most Comfortable Holiday Fad.” by Ashley Fetters. 2018.  “The Origin Of Weighted Blankets - How Did It All Start? A History Lesson.” by Larry. 2023.  “The efficacy of weighted blankets for sleep in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—A randomized controlled crossover trial.” by Maria Lonn, et al. 2023.   Space Radio Burst  “A radio burst traveled 8 billion years to reach Earth. It’s the farthest ever detected.” by Eric Lagatta. 2023.  “A luminous fast radio burst that probes the Universe at redshift 1.” by S.D. Ryder, et al. 2023.  “Record-breaking fast radio burst offers path to weigh the Universe.” EurekAlert! 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about the hunt for the elusive sixth taste, a new discovery showing how HIV keeps fighting the immune system even with effective treatment, and the altruism of bees.   Sixth Taste  “And then there were 6 - kinds of taste, that is.” by Darrin S. Joy. 2023.  “How does our sense of taste work?” NIH. 2020.  “Researchers Say Ammonium Is the Sixth Basic Taste: Here’s What to Know.” by Julia Ries. 2023.   HIV Immunity Battle  “‘Dormant’ HIV has ongoing skirmishes with the body’s immune system.” by John Carey. 2023.  “10 Things to Know About HIV Suppression.” NIH. 2020. “Spontaneous HIV expression during suppressive ART is associated with the magnitude of function of HIV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells.” by Mathieu Dube, et al. 2023.   Altruistic Bees  “Honey bees may inherit altruistic behavior from their mothers.” by Katie Bohn. 2023.  “Beyond conflict: Kinship theory of intragenomic conflict predicts individual variation in altruistic behaviour.” by Sean T. Bresnahan, et al. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today you’ll learn about how scientists are using a drug meant for arthritis to mimic blood transfusions, how cinnamon could potentially be improving our brain’s health, and how a new filter is capable of removing 99% of microplastics from water.     Young Blood    “Arthritis drug mimics "young blood" transfusions to reverse aging in mice” By Michael Irving  “Stromal niche inflammation mediated by IL-1 signalling is a targetable driver of haematopoietic ageing” by Carl A. Mitchell et al.  “Will revitalizing old blood slow aging?” by COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IRVING MEDICAL CENTER    Cinnamon Memory     “Cinnamon and cognitive function: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies” by Samaneh Nakhaee et al.  “Cinnamon Improves Your Memory And Cognition” by GrrlScientist    Microplastic Filter    “High-efficiency water filter removes 99.9% of microplastics in 10 seconds” By Michael Irving  “Supramolecular Engineering of Amorphous Porous Polymers for Rapid Adsorption of Micropollutants and Solar-Powered Volatile Organic Compounds Management” by Wansu Cho et al.  “Meet Gilbert: The robotic fish designed to help clean plastic from our waterways” by Steven Yabionski  “What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?” by EPA  “Eco-friendly materials capable of purifying water at high speed with inexpensive raw materials” by DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)    Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today you’ll learn about a zombie virus recovered from the arctic permafrost and brought back to life, some good news about 26 Australian animal species that have been brought back from the brink, and how a new pill could potentially limit the levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body.     Zombie Virus     “Scientists have revived a ‘zombie’ virus that spent 48,500 years frozen in permafrost.” By Katie Hunt. 2023.   “Arctic permafrost is thawing rapidly. It affects us all.” By Katie Hunt. 2022.     Back From the Brink    “Researchers find 26 Australian species recovered from the brink of extinction.” abc.net. 2023.   “Lights at the end of the tunnel: The incidence and characteristics of recovery for Australian threatened animals.” by Woinarski, et al. 2023.   “Humpback whales no longer listed as endangered after major recovery.” by Claudia Long. 2022.   “Red List: Summary Statistics.” n.a. N.d.     Bad Cholesterol    “Oral pill cuts bad cholesterol by 60% in phase 2 clinical trial” By Michael Irving  “Efficacy and safety of the oral PCSK9 inhibitor MK-0616: a phase 2b randomized controlled trial” by Christie M. Ballantyne et al.  “What Is the Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol?” by Keck Medicine of USC  “Coronary artery disease” by Mayo Clinic  “PCSK9 gene” by MedLine Plus   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today you’ll learn about how ancient Roman concrete can heal itself, the recent discovery of a virovore, and how a new study looks into whether or not we can control feelings of guilt through the placebo effect.     Roman Concrete Magic     “Scientists may have found magic ingredient behind ancient Rome’s self-healing concrete” by Jacklin Kwan  “Why modern mortar crumbles, but Roman concrete lasts millennia” by ZAHRA AHMAD    Virovore     “First "virovore" discovered: An organism that eats viruses” By Michael Irving  “The consumption of viruses returns energy to food chains” by John P. DeLong et al.    Placebo Guilt    “Placebos reduce feelings of guilt – even when people know they’re taking one” by Jeremy Howick  “Deceptive and open-label placebo effects in experimentally induced guilt: a randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects” by Dilan Sezer, Cosima Locher & Jens Gaab    Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today you’ll learn about how scientists are using AI to talk to animals, the discovery of new, very big, very old candidate galaxies, and how there just may be an extra layer in the earth’s inner core.    AI Animal Translator     “How Scientists Are Using AI to Talk to Animals” by Sophie Bushwick  “Bat Chatter Is More Than a Cry in the Dark” By Christopher Intagliata  “In Honeybee Dance, Direction Is Key” By Kate Wong    Big Old Galaxies      “Webb telescope spots super old, massive galaxies that shouldn’t exist” by Daniel Strain  “A population of red candidate massive galaxies ~600 Myr after the Big Bang” by Ivo Labbé et al.  “New space telescope to peer back at the universe’s first galaxies” by Daniel Strain  “First Galaxies Born Sooner After Big Bang Than Thought” By Space.com Staff “How Did Galaxies Form?” by David J. Eicher  “Two Remarkably Luminous Galaxy Candidates at z ≈ 10–12 Revealed by JWST” by Rohan P. Naidu et al.  “Quasars: Brightest Objects in the Universe” By Nola Taylor Tillman    Inner Inner Core    “Bouncing seismic waves reveal distinct layer in Earth's inner core” by AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY  “Up-to-fivefold reverberating waves through the Earth’s center and distinctly anisotropic innermost inner core” by Thanh-Son Phạm & Hrvoje Tkalčić  “Core” by National Geographic   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss the psychological effects of listening to podcasts, how climate change actually makes us more likely to engage in hate speech, and how giving plants alcohol in the form of ethanol can make them resistant to drought.     Podcast Friends     “Listening to podcasts may help satisfy our psychological need for social connection, study finds” by Beth Ellwood  “Why people listen: Motivations and outcomes of podcast listening” by Stephanie J. Tobin    Drunk Plants     “Getting Plants ‘Drunk’ Insulates them Against Drought, According to New Research” by Andy Corbley  “Pretreating soil with ethanol protects plants from drought, study finds” by Khurram Bashir    Hot Temper   “AI-Based Research Reveals That Extreme Temperatures Fuel Online Hate Speech” by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research  “Online Hate Speech Increases During Extreme Hot and Cold Weather, Study Shows” by Jeffrey Kluger      Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss how nicknames for young boys can help them socialize better, how archaeologists in Poland have unearthed the grave of a woman people feared might return from the dead, and a new study that disproves Freud’s theory that more successful people are unhealthier than less successful people.     Boyhood Nickname     “Why You Should Ask Men About Their Boyhood Nicknames” By Jett Stone  “Why Men Need to Prioritize, and Celebrate, Their Friendships” by Jett Stone    Vampire Grave     “Archaeologists unearth remains of 17th-century female “vampire” in Poland” by Jennifer Oullette  “Ancient human bloodsucker? Skeleton of female 'vampire' unearthed in Europe during dig” by Natalie Neysa Alund    Wrecked by Success     “New psychology research rebuts Sigmund Freud’s “wrecked by success” hypothesis” by Vladimir Hedrih  “Wrecked by Success? Not to Worry” by Harrison J. Kell et al.      Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, you’ll learn about how your next scrape might be healed using algae, what ancient Mayans can teach us about water conservation, and the skincare routines… of humpback whales  Healing Algae  “Plasma tech transforms blue-green algae into wound-healing wonder.” by Paul McClure. 2023.  “Health Benefits of Blue-Green Algae: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.” by Chai Siah Ku, et al. 2013.  “Transforming Spirulina maxima Biomass into Ultrathin Bioactive Coatings Using an Atmospheric Plasma Jet: A New Approach to Healing of Infected Wounds.” by Tuyet Pham, et al. 2023.   Mayan Reservoirs  Ancient Maya reservoirs, constructed wetlands, and future water needs.” by Lisa J. Lucero. 2023.  “Who were the Maya? Decoding the ancient civilization’s secrets.” by Erin Blakemore. 2022.   Humpback Skincare  “What’s at Play: Humpback Whale Interaction with Seaweed Is a Global Phenomenon.” by Jan-Olaf Meynecke & Hilla Kela. 2023.  “Kelping is a ‘global phenomenon’ sweeping the world of humpback whales, scientists say.” by Sascha Pare. 2023.  “Humpback whales: Facts about the singers of the sea.” by Patrick Pester. 2023.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.