

Curiosity Weekly
Discovery
Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don’t need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests and investigates the research guiding some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs affecting our world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 21, 2022 • 13min
Brain Freeze, Neural Networks, Spaced Repetition for Memory
Learn about brain freeze fixes; neural networks beyond our understanding; and learning new skills with spaced repetition.The stories in this episode originally aired August 29, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/neural-networks-why-you-get-brain-freeze-and-a-sciLearn better with the Anki app that Ashley uses: https://apps.ankiweb.net/Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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/brain-freeze-neural-networks-spaced-repetition-for-memory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2022 • 17min
Turn Anxiety into Productivity and Grapefruit Juice vs. Meds
Dr. Wendy Suzuki explains how to use anxiety to your advantage. Plus: why grapefruit juice and some medicines don’t mix.More from Dr. Wendy Suzuki:Pick up “Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion” https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Good-Anxiety/Wendy-Suzuki/9781982170738Dr. Suzuki’s official website: https://www.wendysuzuki.com/Follow @wasuzuki on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wasuzukiCombat social anxiety on HiHo:Download on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hiho-video/id1535845974?itsct=apps_box&itscg=30200Curiosity on HiHo: https://hiho.link/g/curiosityCody’s Curious Clan: https://hiho.link/g/codyclanWhy can’t I drink grapefruit juice when I take certain medicines? by Cameron DukeBailey, D. G., Dresser, G., & Arnold, J. M. O. (2012). Grapefruit–medication interactions: Forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences? Canadian Medical Association Journal, 185(4), 309–316. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.120951Drug Metabolism - The Importance of Cytochrome P450 3A4. (2014). Govt.nz. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/puarticles/march2014drugmetabolismcytochromep4503a4.htmOffice of the Commissioner. (2021). Grapefruit juice can affect how well some medicines work. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mixFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/turn-anxiety-into-productivity-and-grapefruit-juice-vs-meds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 2022 • 13min
Pre-Performance Routines, Panda Camouflage, Baby Sign Language
Learn about pre-performance routines; how panda fur works as camouflage; and how babies are enriched from sign language.A pre-performance routine makes athletes like Michael Jordan and Rafael Nadal perform better, regardless of what it is by Steffie DruckerAthletes with a pre-performance routine perform better. (2021, November 11). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/934597The effectiveness of pre-performance routines in sports: a meta-analysis. (2021). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2021.1944271Grace Lisa Scott. (2017, July 10). Rafael Nadal’s Rituals Have a Psychological Benefit. Inverse; Inverse. https://www.inverse.com/article/33718-rafael-nadal-and-the-psychology-of-sports-ritualsKhanna, V. (2020, March). Rafael Nadal’s Rituals: The Mechanism Behind the Rhythm. EssentiallySports. https://www.essentiallysports.com/rafael-nadals-rituals-the-mechanism-behind-the-rhythm-atp-tennis-news/Sommer, S. (2013, December 30). 10 Athletes’ Odd Pregame Rituals. Business Insider; Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/athletes-odd-pregame-rituals-2013-12Believe it or not, a panda's distinctive markings work as camouflage by Cameron DukeGiant pandas’ distinctive black and white markings provide effective camouflage, study finds. (2021, October 28). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/932725Nokelainen, O., Scott-Samuel, N. E., Nie, Y., Wei, F., & Caro, T. (2021). The giant panda is cryptic. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00742-4For babies, sign language is just as cognitively enriching as spoken language by Steffie DruckerTo baby brains, language is language, whether signed or spoken. (2021, October 26). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/932704Goodwin, C., Carrigan, E., Walker, K., & Coppola, M. (2021). Language not auditory experience is related to parent‐reported executive functioning in preschool‐aged deaf and hard‐of‐hearing children. Child Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13677American Sign Language. (2021, October 29). NIDCD. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-language#1Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/pre-performance-routines-panda-camouflage-baby-sign-language Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 2022 • 12min
Why You Should Reveal Your Failures, WASP-12b, Tulip Mania
Learn about why successful people should reveal their failures; the death of planet WASP-12b; and Dutch “tulip mania.”A Reason to Reveal Your Failures by Kelsey DonkHBS Working Knowledge. (2018, December 11). Why Managers Should Reveal Their Failures. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hbsworkingknowledge/2018/12/11/why-managers-should-reveal-their-failures/#695e82c362e2Envy Can Be Good for You. (2019). Curiosity.com. https://curiosity.com/topics/envy-can-be-good-for-you-curiosityBrooks, A. W., Huang, K., Abi-Esber, N., Buell, R. W., Huang, L., & Hall, B. (2019). Mitigating malicious envy: Why successful individuals should reveal their failures. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148(4), 667–687. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000538The Death of Planet WASP-12b by Grant CurrinPlanet WASP-12b is on a death spiral, say Princeton scientists. (2020). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/pu-pwi010820.phpThe Planet WASP-12b Is Hot As Hades And Dark As Night. (2017). Curiosity.com. https://curiosity.com/topics/the-planet-wasp-12b-is-hot-as-hades-and-dark-as-night-curiosityHubble Captures Blistering Pitch-Black Planet. (2011). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/hubble-captures-blistering-pitch-black-planetTulips Cost More Than Houses During Dutch "Tulip Mania" by Cody Gough: https://curiosity.com/topics/tulips-cost-more-than-houses-during-dutch-tulip-mania-curiosityFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/why-you-should-reveal-your-failures-wasp-12b-tulip-mania Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2022 • 11min
Linguistic Laws in Nature and Fatherless Condor Chicks from Parthenogenesis
The podcast explores linguistic laws in nature and the incredible story of fatherless condor chicks born through parthenogenesis. They discuss the application of linguistic laws to biology, including word frequency and length in animal communication. They also delve into the discovery of asexual reproduction in male California condors and the genetic advantages of parthenogenesis. The podcast highlights the importance of careful breeding programs to minimize inbreeding and discusses the challenges and unique implications of parthenogenesis in birds and females.

Jan 12, 2022 • 13min
Exercising for Body Image, Ideal Deadlines, Longer Days from Climate Change
Learn about how a 30-minute workout can boost your body image; the ideal deadline to avoid procrastination; and how climate change could make the day longer.A 30-Minute Workout Is A Surefire Way To Boost Your Body Image by Anna ToddMacMillan, A. (2017, June 16). How to Feel Thinner in 30 Minutes. Time; Time. https://time.com/4821689/exercise-feel-thin-fast/?xid=newsletter-briefSalci, L. E., & Martin Ginis, K. A. (2017). Acute effects of exercise on women with pre-existing body image concerns: A test of potential mediators. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 31, 113–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.04.001E, C.-R., J, M.-J., W, S.-R., & G, A.-V. (2021). The acute effect of different intensity aerobic and resistance training exercise on the body image in adult women. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.34256/ijpefs2144Study finds the ideal deadline length to avoid procrastination by Cameron DukeHaupt, A. (2021, July 9). Why do we procrastinate, and how can we stop? Experts have answers. Washington Post; The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/procrastinate-why-stop-advice/2021/07/09/13b7dc2c-e00e-11eb-9f54-7eee10b5fcd2_story.htmlKnowles, S., Servátka, M., Sullivan, T., & Genç, M. (2021). Procrastination and the non‐monotonic effect of deadlines on task completion. Economic Inquiry. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecin.13042Urban, T. (2013, October 30). Why Procrastinators Procrastinate — Wait But Why. Wait but Why. https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.htmlWhat deadline length is best for avoiding procrastination and completing tasks? (2021, November 3). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/933369Climate change could make the day longer by Steffie DruckerIf all of Earth’s ice melts and flows into the ocean, what would happen to the planet’s rotation? – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. (2021). Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/30/if-all-of-earths-ice-melts-and-flows-into-the-ocean-what-would-happen-to-the-planets-rotation/Scientists ID three causes of Earth’s spin axis drift. (2018, September 27). Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2805/scientists-id-three-causes-of-earths-spin-axis-drift/NASA Study Solves Two Mysteries About Wobbling Earth. (2011). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-study-solves-two-mysteries-about-wobbling-earthFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/exercising-for-body-image-ideal-deadlines-longer-days-from-climate-change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 7, 2022 • 14min
Quitting Smoking, Over-Practicing, Bill Nye on Believing Science
Learn how quitting smoking helps mental health; how to avoid over-practicing; and how to get people to believe science.Quitting smoking is good for your mental health, too by Steffie DruckerCochrane Review finds stopping smoking is linked to improved mental health. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/w-crf030921.phpTaylor, G. M., Lindson, N., Farley, A., Leinberger-Jabari, A., Sawyer, K., te Water Naudé, R., Theodoulou, A., King, N., Burke, C., & Aveyard, P. (2021). Smoking cessation for improving mental health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013522.pub2University of Birmingham. (2021, March 10). Quitting smoking is linked to improved mental health, research finds. University of Birmingham; University of Birmingham. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2021/03/quit-smoking-mental-health-vaping.aspxAlltucker, K. (2021, March 12). Cigarette sales increased during pandemic as fewer smokers sought help quitting. USA TODAY; USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/03/12/cigarette-sales-increase-and-fewer-sought-help-to-quit-smoking-amid-covid-19-anxiety-and-isolation/4664323001/Smoking and mental health. (2015, August 7). Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/smoking-and-mental-healthIt's Possible to Practice Too Much by Mae RiceTraining beyond exhaustion can prevent learning. (2019). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/e-tbe030519.phpMeret Branscheidt, Panagiotis Kassavetis, Anaya, M., Rogers, D., Han Debra Huang, Lindquist, M. A., & Celnik, P. (2019, March 5). Fatigue induces long-lasting detrimental changes in motor-skill learning. ELife; eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd. https://elifesciences.org/articles/40578How to get people to believe science, with special guest Bill Nye (listener question from Michelle via HiHo):Official website https://billnye.com/Bill Nye’s podcast, Science Rules! https://www.askbillnye.com/Pick up “Bill Nye's Great Big World of Science” on Amazon https://amzn.to/3u8iKQi“Everything All at Once: How to Think Like a Science Guy, Solve Any Problem, and Make a Better World” on Amazon https://amzn.to/3whsk5jFollow @BillNye on Twitter https://twitter.com/BillNyeFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/quitting-smoking-over-practicing-bill-nye-on-believing-science Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 6, 2022 • 14min
David Copperfield’s Magic on the Moon, Fish and Whale Tails, a Giant Magnetic Tunnel
Learn about where to find David Copperfield’s secrets; a magnetic tunnel surrounding the Earth; and marine mammal tails.More from David Copperfield:Pick up "David Copperfield's History of Magic": https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/David-Copperfields-History-of-Magic/David-Copperfield/9781982112912Website: https://www.davidcopperfield.com/Follow @D_Copperfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D_CopperfieldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidcopperfieldEarth may be surrounded by a giant magnetic tunnel by Briana BrownellStarr, M. (2021). Wild New Paper Claims Earth May Be Surrounded by a Giant Magnetic Tunnel. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/earth-may-be-surrounded-by-a-giant-magnetic-tunnelDunlap Astronomer discovers we may be surrounded by tunnel-like structure - Dunlap Institute. (2021). Dunlap Institute. http://www.dunlap.utoronto.ca/astronomer-discovers-tunnel-like-structure-may-surround-earth/What — and Where — Is the North Polar Spur? (2021, March 8). Sky & Telescope. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/what-and-where-is-the-north-polar-spur/S.;Landecker, A. (2017). The Fan Region at 1.5 GHz with GMIMS: Polarized synchrotron emission tracing Galactic structure. American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #229, 229, 340.05. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2017AAS...22934005H/abstractWhy do marine mammals have horizontal tails and fishes have vertical tails? (Listener question from Raymond in Norwalk, California) — more from zoologist Michelle Jewell:The Spawn of El Diablo on Discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/video/the-spawn-of-el-diablo-us/the-spawn-of-el-diabloMichelle's website: https://michelleajewell.com/Follow @TheSharkologist on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSharkologistJoin Cody and Ashley during their CES Virtual Stage Talks at #CES2022, the Consumer Electronics Show, via livestream:Thursday, January 6, 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET: Digital Optics and the Metaverse https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6874433397352128512/Thursday, January 6, 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET: Data as a Game Changer for Manufacturing Excellence https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6874112904824717312/Thursday, January 6, 2:30pm PT / 5:30pm ET: Bioelectronics and individualized medicine https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6876284351219339264/Friday, January 7, 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET: The Race to the Future Computing Paradigm https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6873796556617781248/Friday, January 7, 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET: Smart Antenna Satellite Broadband Connectivity https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6874504071500349440/Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/david-copperfields-magic-on-the-moon-fish-and-whale-tails-a-giant-magnetic-tunnel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 2022 • 17min
David Copperfield Talks Technology and Magic History
World-famous magician David Copperfield explains the surprising connection between magic and technology. Plus: learn about how ducklings get a speed boost when they swim in a line behind their mother.More from David Copperfield:Pick up "David Copperfield's History of Magic": https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/David-Copperfields-History-of-Magic/David-Copperfield/9781982112912Website: https://www.davidcopperfield.com/Follow @D_Copperfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D_CopperfieldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidcopperfieldDucklings get a speed boost when they swim in a line behind their mother by Cameron DukeConover, Emily. (2021, October 20). “Here’s the Physics of Why Ducklings Swim in a Row behind Their Mother.” Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/physics-why-ducklings-swim-row-behind-mother-duck-waves-energyUniversity of Strathclyde. (2021, October 7). Riding the waves keeps ducks in a row. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2021-10-ducks-row.htmlYuan, Z.-M., Chen, M., Jia, L., Ji, C., & Incecik, A. (2021). Wave-riding and wave-passing by ducklings in formation swimming. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 928. https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2021.820Join Cody and Ashley during their CES Virtual Stage Talks at #CES2022, the Consumer Electronics Show, via livestream:Thursday, January 6, 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET: Digital Optics and the Metaverse https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6874433397352128512/Thursday, January 6, 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET: Data as a Game Changer for Manufacturing Excellence https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6874112904824717312/Thursday, January 6, 2:30pm PT / 5:30pm ET: Bioelectronics and individualized medicine https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6876284351219339264/Friday, January 7, 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET: The Race to the Future Computing Paradigm https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6873796556617781248/Friday, January 7, 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET: Smart Antenna Satellite Broadband Connectivity https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6874504071500349440/Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new Wednesday-Friday with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/david-copperfield-talks-technology-and-magic-history Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 20, 2021 • 23min
Christmas Music Psychology, Most Influential Films, Mistletoe Science
Learn about why Christmas music sounds like Christmas; the most influential films ever; and the truth behind mistletoe.The stories in this episode originally aired on these dates:December 21, 2018: "Scientists Have Determined the Most Influential Film of All Time" and "Mistletoe Is a Poisonous Parasite ... of Love?" https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/the-most-influential-film-ever-your-memory-on-ridiDecember 23, 2018: "Here's Why Christmas Music Sounds Like Christmas" https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/christmas-music-psychology-rain-smell-science-crocFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. 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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/christmas-music-psychology-most-influential-films-mistletoe-science Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


