Curiosity Weekly

Let’s talk about a potential new high-tech mine in Minnesota, how scientists have created a synthetic mouse embryo using stem cells, and a major breakthrough in the cause of and treatment for Down Syndrome.  Remote Mines“This Remote Mine Could Foretell the Future of America’s Electric Car Industry” by Ana Swansonhttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/business/economy/electric-cars-us-nickel-mine.html“Fight over Minnesota nickel mine plan by Talon Metals is local — and global, too” by Mark Reillyhttps://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2022/08/31/talon-metals-nickel-mine-minnesota.htmlMouse Embryos “Scientists Use Stem Cells To Create Synthetic Mouse Embryos” by Associated Presshttps://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/scientists-use-stem-cells-create-synthetic-mouse-embryos-rcna44881“Post-gastrulation synthetic embryos generated ex utero from mouse naive ESCs” by Shadi Tarazi, Alejandro Aguilera-Castrejon, Carine Joubran, Nadir Ghanem, Shahd Ashouokhi, Francesco Roncato, Emilie Wildschutz, Montaser Haddad, Bernardo Oldak, Elidet Gomez-Cesar, Nir Livnat, Sergey Viukov, Dmitry Lokshtanov, Segev Naveh-Tassa, Max Rose, Suhair Hanna, Calanit Raanan, Ori Brenner, Merav Kedmi, Hadas Keren-Shaul, Tsvee Lapidot, Itay Maza, Noa Novershtern, and Jacob H. Hannahttps://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674%2822%2900981-3Down Syndrome Treatment“Hormone that could improve cognitive function in Down syndrome identified” By Helen Floershhttps://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/scientists-have-identified-hormone-could-restore-cognitive-function-down-syndrome#:~:text=Now%2C%20a%20team%20of%20researchers,it%20could%20improve%20cognitive%20performance.“GnRH replacement rescues cognition in Down syndrome” by MARIA MANFREDI-LOZANO et al.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq4515Follow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/remote-mines-mouse-embryos-down-syndrome-treatment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss the science behind a wandering mind, the ins and outs of songs composed by humpback whales, and how an innovative new robotic capsule might help our digestive systems absorb drugs that aren’t as effective to take orally. A Wandering Mind   “The science of a wandering mind” By Tim Vernimmenhttps://knowablemagazine.org/article/mind/2022/science-wandering-mind“How Self-Generated Thought Shapes Mood—The Relation between Mind-Wandering and Mood Depends on the Socio-Temporal Content of Thoughts” by Florence J. M. Ruby, Jonathan Smallwood, Haakon Engen, and Tania Singerhttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0077554Song of the Humpback“Humpback Whales Pass Their Songs Across Oceans” by Carl Zimmerhttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/science/humpback-whale-songs-cultural-evolution.html“Humpback Whales Almost 9,000 Miles Apart Have Been Caught Singing The Same Song” by Carly Casellahttps://www.sciencealert.com/humpback-whales-almost-9000-miles-apart-have-been-caught-singing-the-same-songRobocap“RoboCap – The Robotic Capsule Designed to Improve Drug Delivery in the Gut” by Sarah Whelanhttps://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/robocap-the-robotic-capsule-designed-to-improve-drug-delivery-in-the-gut-366073“RoboCap: Robotic mucus-clearing capsule for enhanced drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract” by SHRIYA S. SRINIVASAN et al.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.abp9066“Tiny robotic pill RoboCap delivers drugs to guts and could end injections like insulin” by Nergis Firtinahttps://interestingengineering.com/health/tiny-robotic-pill-robocap-drugs-guts“Human Insulin Injection” by MedLine Plushttps://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682611.htmlFollow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/a-wandering-mind-song-of-the-humpback-robocap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss how frog skin stem cells were recently used to create microscopic living machines, how scientists are trying to replicate the powerful punch of a mantis shrimp, and a new breakthrough in the creation of an oral insulin tablet. Frog Skin Cells  “Frog skin cells turned themselves into living machines” by Laura Sandershttps://www.sciencenews.org/article/frog-skin-cells-self-made-living-machines-xenobots“A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” by Douglas Blackiston, Emma Lederer, and Michael Levinhttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.abf1571Shrimp Robots  “Small, Mighty Robots Mimic the Powerful Punch of Mantis Shrimp” by US Army Research Laboratoryhttps://neurosciencenews.com/mantis-shrimp-robot-19301/“Robot mimics the powerful punch of the mantis shrimp” by Harvard Universityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If4IURa2JooOral Insulin Tablet  “Breakthrough results in developing an oral insulin tablet” by University of British Columbiahttps://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-08-breakthrough-results-oral-insulin-tablet.html“Major Breakthrough In Development Of Oral Insulin Tablet Made In Rat Study” by Katie Spauldinghttps://www.iflscience.com/major-breakthrough-in-development-of-oral-insulin-tablet-made-in-rat-study-65127Follow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/frog-skin-cells-shrimp-robots-oral-insulin-tablet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today you’ll learn about how squirrels are parkour experts and can be used to teach robots to move in a similar way, how artificial intelligence can help expectant mothers predict childbirth risks, and the gangs of dolphins that are roaming our oceans. Robot Squirrels “Science’s next great leap: using squirrels to teach robots how to ‘parkour’” by Joe Pinkstonehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/08/05/sciences-next-great-leap-using-squirrels-teach-robots-parkour/“Squirrel parkour: How leaping squirrels could inspire more nimble robots” by Lucia F. Jacobs, Nathaniel Hunt & Robert J. Fullhttps://bigthink.com/life/squirrel-biomechanics/“SCIENCE’S NEXT GREAT LEAP: USING SQUIRRELS TO TEACH ROBOTS HOW TO ‘PARKOUR’” by Joe Pinkstonehttps://www.impactlab.com/2021/08/15/sciences-next-great-leap-using-squirrels-to-teach-robots-how-to-parkour/AI Labor Prediction “Successful Labor Outcomes in Expectant Mothers Using AI” by Mayo Clinichttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220830131708.htm“Artificial intelligence is being used to accurately predict women’s childbirth risks” by Tristan Bovehttps://www.yahoo.com/now/artificial-intelligence-being-used-accurately-115041630.html?guccounter=1Dolphin Gangs“Dolphins form largest alliance network outside humans, study finds” by University of Bristolhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220829153233.htm“How Do Dolphins Communicate?” by Discovery Covehttps://discoverycove.com/orlando/blog/how-do-dolphins-communicate/#:~:text=Dolphins%20Speak%20Body%20Language,each%20other%20and%20spy%20hopping.“Dolphins Have Formed the 'Largest Alliance Network Known Outside of Humans'” by Robyn Whitehttps://www.newsweek.com/dolphins-formed-largest-alliance-network-known-outside-humans-1738428Follow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/robot-squirrels-ai-labor-prediction-dolphin-gangs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today you’ll learn about how music is being used to combat dementia, how scientists are making more efficient rocket fuel from bacteria, and the environmental effects of bitcoin mining.Music and Dementia  “Music Helps Patients With Dementia Connect With Loved Ones” by Marla Paulhttps://neurosciencenews.com/music-alzheimers-connection-21316/“Music: Bridging Memories for People With Alzheimer's” by Dennis Thompsonhttps://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-09-06/music-bridging-memories-for-people-with-alzheimersMicrobe Rocket Fuel“Bacteria for Blastoff: Using Microbes to Make Supercharged New Rocket Fuel” by Aliyah Kovnerhttps://newscenter.lbl.gov/2022/06/30/bacteria-for-blastoff/“Microbes May Hold the Secret to Creating More Powerful Rocket Fuel” By Kevin Hurlerhttps://gizmodo.com/microbes-produce-powerful-and-cleaner-rocket-fuel-1849142045Bitcoin Mining “Technology: University of New Mexico researchers find Bitcoin mining is environmentally unsustainable” by University of New Mexicohttps://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/966192“How Does Bitcoin Mining Work?” by Matt Whittakerhttps://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-mining/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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/music-and-dementia-microbe-rocket-fuel-bitcoin-mining Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about whether “man flu” is fact or fiction, how the Arctic lakes just threw a curveball at our climate change projections, and the genius new way bats are tricking their predators. The Myth of Man Flu “Man flu is not a thing – Gender-specific secondary analysis of a prospective randomized-controlled trial for acute rhinosinusitis” by Reidl et al.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399922003324?via%3Dihub“Stop accusing men of overreacting – 'man flu' really does exist, doctor claims” by Nicola Davishttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/11/stop-accusing-men-of-overreacting-man-flu-really-does-exist-claims-doctor“'Man Flu' May Be Real After All, Study Says” by Alice G. Waltonhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/12/12/man-flu-may-be-an-actual-thing-study-finds/?sh=723fbdb31240“The science behind “man flu”” by Kyle Suehttps://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5560“Is "man flu" really a thing?” By Robert H. Shmerling, MDhttps://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/man-flu-really-thing-2018010413033Arctic Lakes “Bats buzz like hornets to scare off owl predators” by Freda Kreierhttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01274-1“Bats buzz like hornets to scare away predators” by Tess Joossehttps://www.science.org/content/article/bats-buzz-hornets-scare-away-predators#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20mouse%2Deared,and%20send%20owls%20scurrying%20awayBuzzing Bats “Arctic lakes are vanishing in surprise climate finding” by University of Floridahttps://phys.org/news/2022-08-arctic-lakes-climate.html“In a surprise climate change finding, Arctic lakes are vanishing” by Karen Grahamhttps://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-science/in-a-surprise-climate-change-finding-arctic-lakes-are-vanishing/article#ixzz7hLx9zkz6Follow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/the-myth-of-man-flu-arctic-lakes-buzzing-bats Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the latest in phone hacking technology, how aquaculture may be able to help the global food crisis, and how engaging with people who speak in a foreign accent may help us retain language.Hacking Device  “Hacking device can secretly swipe and tap your smartphone screen” by Jeremy Hsuhttps://www.newscientist.com/article/2335970-hacking-device-can-secretly-swipe-and-tap-your-smartphone-screen/“‘Invisible finger’ demo hacks the touchscreen” by Billy Hurleyhttps://www.itbrew.com/stories/2022/08/22/invisible-finger-demo-hacks-the-touchscreenDesigner Seaweed “New aquaculture technology can help ease the global food crisis” by Tel-Aviv Universityhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220831094703.htm“Enriched seaweed may be a key element in the fight against world hunger, experts flag” by William Bradford Nicholshttps://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/enriched-seaweed-may-be-a-key-element-in-the-fight-against-world-hunger-experts-flag.htmlAccent Exposure Exposure to accents helps children learn words by University of Freiburghttps://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/966388#.YzXammCICB0.reddit“Why do some accents sound better than others?” By Gerry Howleyhttps://theconversation.com/why-do-some-accents-sound-better-than-others-77732Follow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/hacking-device-designer-seaweed-accent-exposure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss a new app that can translate a cat’s meow into human languages, how the Epaulette shark is teaching us about climate change, and a potential treatment that might prevent cerebral palsy.Flirting Cats  “Did My Cat Just Hit On Me? An Adventure in Pet Translation” by Emily Antheshttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/29/science/cats-pets-ommunication-artificial-intelligence.html“Melody matters: An acoustic study of domestic cat meows in six contexts and four mental states” by Susanne Schötz​​, Joost van de Weijer​, and Robert Eklundhttps://peerj.com/preprints/27926/“The Animal Translators” by Emily Antheshttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/science/translators-animals-naked-mole-rats.htmlWalking Sharks “These Sharks Can Walk, and They Might Help Us Understand More About Climate Change” by Orlando Mayorquinhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/08/25/walking-epaulette-shark-climate-change/7879031001/“Aquatic Walking and Swimming Kinematics of Neonate and Juvenile Epaulette Sharks” by Marianne E Porter, Andrea V Hernandez, Connor R Gervais, and Jodie L Rummerhttps://academic.oup.com/icb/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/icb/icac127/6650877?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=falsePreventing Cerebral Palsy “Study offers hope for preventing cerebral palsy” by University of Aucklandhttps://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/966360“Tumour necrosis factor blockade after asphyxia in foetal sheep ameliorates cystic white matter injury” by Christopher A. Lear, Benjamin A. Lear, Joanne O. Davidson, Jialin Sae-Jiw, Johanna M. Lloyd, Simerdeep K. Dhillon, Alistair J. Gunn, and Laura Bennethttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36087304/“Cerebral Palsy Facts and Statistics” by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/research/facts-and-statistics/#:~:text=Around%20764%2C000%20people%20in%20the,with%20cerebral%20palsy%20each%20year.What is Cerebral Palsy?https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html#:~:text=Cerebral%20palsy%20(CP)%20is%20a,problems%20with%20using%20the%20muscles.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.Find episode transcripts:  https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/flirting-cats-walking-sharks-preventing-cerebral-palsy-0hmynifc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss the connection between skin cancer and a leopard gecko named Mr. Frosty, how playing a musical instrument in childhood can affect brain function as we age, and how a new underwater camera can help us explore previously-unseen parts of the ocean. Geckos & Skin Cancer “This Gecko Named Mr. Frosty and His 900 Babies May Inspire Human Skin Cancer Treatments” by Elizabeth Gamillohttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/reptiles-frosty-yellow-skin-may-reveal-future-treatments-skin-cancers-humans-180978075/“Leopard Gecko Skin Tumors Traced to Cancer Gene” by Longua Guo et al.https://www.hhmi.org/news/leopard-gecko-skin-tumors-traced-to-cancer-geneMusic in Childhood“Playing music in childhood linked to a sharper mind in old age, study suggests” by Guardian Staffhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2022/aug/29/playing-music-in-childhood-linked-to-a-sharper-mind-in-old-age-study-suggests“Experience of playing music in childhood and adolescence linked to better cognitive ability in old age: Study” Edited By: Srishti Singh Sisodiahttps://www.wionews.com/science/experience-of-playing-music-in-childhood-and-adolescence-linked-to-better-cognitive-ability-in-old-age-study-511864Underwater Camera“MIT engineers build a battery-free, wireless underwater camera” by Adam Zewehttps://news.mit.edu/2022/battery-free-wireless-underwater-camera-0926“Battery-free wireless imaging of underwater environments” by Sayed Saad Afzal, Waleed Akbar, Osvy Rodriguez, Mario Doumet, Unsoo Ha, Reza Ghaffarivardavagh & Fadel Adibhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-33223-xFollow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/geckos-skin-cancer-music-in-childhood-underwater-camera Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we talk about how crystallizing human urine can help save seagrass, a new AI program that can detect early signs of heart disease, and how mosquitos can be used to vaccinate against malaria. Pee and Seagrass “Human Pee Might Just Be the Key to Saving Seagrass” by Jesse Kathanhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/human-pee-might-just-be-the-key-to-saving-seagrass-180980368/“Use of a wastewater recovery product (struvite) to enhance subtropical seagrass restoration” by C. MacDonnella, F. Bydalek, T.Z. Osborne, A. Beard, S.Barbour, D.Leonard, J. Makinia, and P.W. Ingletta.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969722028133Heart Sound Maps “Low-cost disease diagnosis by mapping heart sounds” by American Institute of Physicshttps://phys.org/news/2022-08-low-cost-disease-diagnosis-heart.html“Low-Cost Disease Diagnosis By Mapping Heart Sounds” by Addrew Shawnhttps://vervetimes.com/low-cost-disease-diagnosis-by-mapping-heart-sounds-sciencedaily/“Aortic Stenosis Overview”https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/problem-aortic-valve-stenosis“Epidemiology of Aortic Valve Stenosis (AS) and of Aortic Valve Incompetence (AI): Is the Prevalence of AS/AI Similar in Different Parts of the World?”https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-18/epidemiology-of-aortic-valve-stenosis-as-and-of-aortic-valve-incompetence-ai#:~:text=Aortic%20stenosis%20is%20the%20second,increasing%20prevalence%20with%20advancing%20age.Modified Mosquitos “A box of 200 mosquitoes did the vaccinating in this malaria trial. That's not a joke!” By Max Barnharthttps://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/09/21/1112727841/a-box-of-200-mosquitoes-did-the-vaccinating-in-this-malaria-trial-thats-not-a-jo“Malaria: Frequently Asked Questions” by CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html#:~:text=Symptoms%20and%20Diagnosis,-What%20are%20the&text=Symptoms%20of%20malaria%20include%20fever,loss%20of%20red%20blood%20cells.“Malaria” by World Health Organizationhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria“A genetically engineered Plasmodium falciparum parasite vaccine provides protection from controlled human malaria infection” by Murphy et al.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.abn9709Follow 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.Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/pee-and-seagrass-heart-sound-maps-modified-mosquitos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.