Curiosity Weekly

Learn about how “left digit bias” affects your decisions and why researchers caught birds in caves with their bare hands.More from Dr. Bapu Jena:Listen to Freakonomics, M.D.: https://freakonomics.com/freakonomics-md/What Do Grocery Store Prices and Heart Surgery Have in Common? (Freakonomics, M.D. Ep. 4) - Freakonomics. (2021, August 27). Freakonomics. https://freakonomics.com/podcast/fmd-left-digit-bias/Follow @AnupamBJena on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnupamBJenaFollow @DrBapuPod on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBapuPodHarvard faculty page: https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/people/anupam-b-jenaResearchers studied Neanderthal hunting by catching thousands of birds w/ their bare hands by Briana BrownellScientists Spent Years Pretending to Be Neanderthals Catching Birds by Hand. (2021). Vice.com. https://www.vice.com/en/article/akgmp4/scientists-spent-years-pretending-to-be-neanderthals-catching-birds-by-handSmithsonian Magazine, & Gamillo, E. (2021, September 22). To Understand Neanderthal Night-Hunting Methods, Scientists Caught Thousands of Birds With Their Bare Hands in Spanish Caves. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-simulated-neanderthal-behaviors-by-catching-birds-with-their-bare-hands-180978737/Blanco, G., Sánchez-Marco, A., & Negro, J. J. (2021). Night Capture of Roosting Cave Birds by Neanderthals: An Actualistic Approach. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.733062Follow 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/left-digit-bias-w-dr-bapu-jena-and-bird-catching-neanderthals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about research into how you should clean your teeth; the world’s loneliest whale; and how to argue with a partner.When it comes to cleaning your teeth, here's what the evidence supports — and what it doesn't by Cameron DukeDental care: The best, worst and unproven tools to care for your teeth, according to a UB study. (2021, September 29). Buffalo.edu. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2021/09/038.htmlVolman, E., Stellrecht, E., & Scannapieco, F. (2021). Proven Primary Prevention Strategies for Plaque-Induced Periodontal Disease – An Umbrella Review. The Journal of International Academy of Periodontology, 23(4). https://www.perioiap.org/publications/57-october-2021/256-proven-primary-prevention-strategies-for-plaque-induced-periodontal-disease-an-umbrella-reviewThe "world's loneliest whale" is loved more than it will ever know by Cameron DukeDahl, M. (2016, April 7). World’s Loneliest Whale May in Fact Be the World’s Horniest Whale. The Cut; The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/2016/04/loneliest-whale-is-now-horniest-whale.htmlElsevier. (2004, December). Fig. 6. North–south tracks (C) of the 52-Hz whale for 94–95, 97–98,... ResearchGate; ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/North-south-tracks-C-of-the-52-Hz-whale-for-94-95-97-98-98-99-01-02-the-meandering_fig3_223377110Fessenden, M. (2015, April 15). Maybe the World’s Loneliest Whale Isn’t So Isolated, After All. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/maybe-worlds-loneliest-whale-isnt-so-isolated-after-all-180955005/Revkin, A. (2004, December 21). Song of the Sea, a Cappella and Unanswered (Published 2004). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/21/health/science/song-of-the-sea-a-cappella-and-unanswered.htmlShantz-Hilkes, C. (2021, July 19). The world’s “loneliest whale” can teach us a lot if we listen to it, says filmmaker. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-the-friday-edition-1.6100931/the-world-s-loneliest-whale-can-teach-us-a-lot-if-we-listen-to-it-says-filmmaker-1.610093352 blue sound recording, Public Domain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ak52_10x.oggThis Is the Best Way to Argue with Your Partner, Says a Communication Expert by Joanie Faletto originally aired June 26, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/black-hole-alternatives-literally-immortal-jellyfiFollow 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/how-to-clean-your-teeth-52-blue-best-way-to-argue-with-a-partner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about why magic mushrooms evolved to be “magic” and new research into when children develop “theory of mind.”Magic mushrooms evolved to scramble insect brains by Cameron DukeHallucinogenic mushrooms drug profile. (2020). Europa.eu. https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/hallucinogenic-mushrooms_enLee, N., & Benji Jones. (2021, April 27). How psychoactive psilocybin in magic mushrooms changes your brain. Business Insider; Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/magic-mushrooms-psilocybin-psychoactive-drug-brain-denver-legal-2019-5Reynolds, H. T., Vijayakumar, V., Gluck-Thaler, E., Korotkin, H. B., Matheny, P. B., & Slot, J. C. (2018). Horizontal gene cluster transfer increased hallucinogenic mushroom diversity. Evolution Letters, 2(2), 88–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/evl3.42The classic experiment testing children's theory of mind is flawed by Grant CurrinChildren do not understand concept of others having false beliefs until age 6 or 7. (2021, September 28). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/929684Fabricius, W. V., Gonzales, C. R., Pesch, A., Weimer, A. A., Pugliese, J., Carroll, K., Bolnick, R. R., Kupfer, A. S., Eisenberg, N., & Spinrad, T. L. (2021). Perceptual Access Reasoning (PAR) in Developing a Representational Theory of Mind. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 86(3), 7–154. https://doi.org/10.1111/mono.12432Cassella, C. (2021). We Might Be Wrong About How Children Understand The Minds of Others at a Young Age. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/new-evidence-suggests-children-may-not-have-theory-of-mind-until-age-6-or-7Follow 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/magic-mushroom-evolution-and-when-kids-gain-theory-of-mind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about a planet orbiting three stars at once; useless architectural relics; and deep conversations with strangers.We found a planet orbiting three stars at once by Briana BrownellThis May Be the First Planet Found Orbiting 3 Stars at Once. (2021). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/28/science/triple-sun-planet.htmlSiegel, E. (2021, September 30). Planet found orbiting three stars all at once. Big Think; Big Think. https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/planet-orbiting-3-stars/Scientists may have found the first known planet to orbit three stars. (2021). Science.org. https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-may-have-found-first-known-planet-orbit-three-starsSmallwood, J. L., Nealon, R., Chen, C., Martin, R. G., Bi, J., Dong, R., & Pinte, C. (2021). GW Ori: circumtriple rings and planets. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 508(1), 392–407. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab2624Thomassons Are Functionally Useless Architectural Relics by Anna ToddTrufelman, A. (2014, August 26). Thomassons - 99% Invisible. 99% Invisible. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/thomassons/Thomassons: Those Peculiar Architectural Relics That Serve No Purpose | 6sqft. (2014, August 28). 6sqft. https://www.6sqft.com/thomassons-those-peculiar-architectural-relics-that-serve-no-purpose/Everything we assume about deep conversations with strangers is wrong by Cameron DukeGetting beyond small talk: Study finds people enjoy deep conversations with strangers. (2021, September 30). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/929731Kardas, M., Kumar, A., & Epley, N. (2021). Overly shallow?: Miscalibrated expectations create a barrier to deeper conversation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000281Follow 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/circumtriple-planets-deep-convos-with-strangers-thomassons-in-architecture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about how someone can change their identity (and their mind); and “mushballs” on Uranus and Neptune. Plus: trivia!More from Lee McIntyre:Pick up "How to Talk to a Science Denier: Conversations with Flat Earthers, Climate Deniers, and Others Who Defy Reason": https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Science-Denier-Conversations/dp/0262046105Website: https://leemcintyrebooks.com/Follow @leemcintyre on Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecmcintyreMore on Jim Bridenstine changing his mind about climate change:Pomeroy, R. (2018, June 12). Trump’s NASA Chief Changed His Mind on Climate Change. Space.com; Space. https://www.space.com/40857-trumps-nasa-chief-changed-his-mind-on-climate-change-he-is-a-scientific-hero.html"Mushballs" may solve a mystery about the atmosphere on Uranus and Neptune by Briana BrownellNext-Generation NASA Instrument to Study Uranus & Neptune Atmospheres. (2019). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2019/next-generation-nasa-instrument-advanced-to-study-the-atmospheres-of-uranus-and-neptuneNASA thinks it’s time to return to neptune with its Trident mission. (2020). NASA thinks it’s time to return to Neptune with its Trident mission. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2020-06-nasa-neptune-trident-mission.htmlEpisodes referenced in this month’s Curiosity Challenge Trivia game:Aging trick: https://www.curiositydaily.com/blowhole-origins-weather-manipulation-how-to-slow-agingEmotional hangovers: https://www.curiositydaily.com/your-extra-artery-emotional-hangovers-leds-are-bad-for-bugs/Painkillers: https://www.curiositydaily.com/pills-can-detect-radiation-metabolism-myth-waking-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed/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 transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/changing-someones-identity-mushballs-on-uranus-and-neptune-curiosity-challenge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about how to talk to someone who denies a scientific reality; and “raining sulfur” in the Biblical city of Sodom.More from author Lee McIntyre:Pick up "How to Talk to a Science Denier: Conversations with Flat Earthers, Climate Deniers, and Others Who Defy Reason": https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Science-Denier-Conversations/dp/0262046105Website: https://leemcintyrebooks.com/Follow @leemcintyre on Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecmcintyreScientists think an impact event explains "raining sulfur" in the biblical city of Sodom by Briana BrownellSmithsonian Magazine, & Gershon, L. (2021, September 22). Ancient City’s Destruction by Exploding Space Rock May Have Inspired Biblical Story of Sodom. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/destruction-of-city-by-space-rock-may-have-inspired-biblical-story-of-sodom-180978734/BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (2011). Bbc.co.uk. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/cultures/sodom_gomorrah_01.shtmlBressan, D. (2021, September 21). Study Suggests That A Tunguska Sized Explosion Destroyed A City 3,600 Years Ago. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2021/09/21/a-tunguska-sized-explosion-destroyed-a-city-3600-years-ago/?sh=a02c2028b207Follow 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/how-to-talk-to-a-science-denier-and-raining-sulfur-in-sodom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about how we may have found dark energy; a prehistoric coelacanth return; and a trick for getting what you want.A dark-matter hunting experiment may have just found dark energy by Briana BrownellSchultz, I. (2021, September 17). Dark Energy Could Be Responsible for Mysterious Experiment Signals, Researchers Say. Gizmodo; Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/dark-energy-could-be-responsible-for-mysterious-experim-1847691132Rincon, P. (2020, June 17). Dark matter hunt yields unexplained signal. BBC News; BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53085260The time a prehistoric fish came back from the dead by Cameron DukeCoelacanth. (2018, December 20). Smithsonian Ocean. https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/fish/coelacanthCoelacanths | National Geographic. (2015). Animals. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/coelacanthsSmith, A. (2004, May 21). Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/may/21/guardianobituariesThese 4 Words Can Double Your Chances of Getting What You Want by Joanie Faletto originally released May 11, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/how-your-friendships-change-a-secret-airline-to-arFollow 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/finding-dark-energy-coelacanth-revival-words-of-persuasion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about a heroic experiment that helps explain asthma getting worse at night; and the largest living thing on earth.A heroic experiment has shed light on the centuries-old mystery of why asthma gets worse at night by Grant CurrinHarrison, S. (2021, September 21). Why Does Asthma Get Worse at Night? Wired; WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/why-does-asthma-get-worse-at-night/Study explores why asthma worsens at night. (2021). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210906151456.htmScheer, F. A. J. L., Hilton, M. F., Evoniuk, H. L., Shiels, S. A., Malhotra, A., Sugarbaker, R., Ayers, R. T., Israel, E., Massaro, A. F., & Shea, S. A. (2021). The endogenous circadian system worsens asthma at night independent of sleep and other daily behavioral or environmental cycles. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(37), e2018486118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2018486118The largest living thing on earth is not the blue whale by Cameron DukeFishlake National Forest - Home. (2021). Usda.gov. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/home/?cid=STELPRDB5393641Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer. (2017, May 6). Largest living organism the Armillaria ostoyae fungus. Business Insider; Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/largest-living-organism-the-armillaria-ostoyae-fungus-2017-5Marshall, M. (2018). Humongous fungus is older than Christianity and weighs 400 tonnes. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2182291-humongous-fungus-is-older-than-christianity-and-weighs-400-tonnes/Prepelka, B. (2019). Sequoia Giants - General Sherman - California. Scenicusa.net. https://scenicusa.net/032906.htmlSchmitt, C. (n.d.). The Malheur National Forest Location of the World’s Largest Living Organism [The Humongous Fungus]. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_033146.pdfFollow 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/why-asthma-gets-worse-at-night-earths-largest-living-thing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about the smallest flying structure ever made; Myers-Briggs’ big problem; and why the biggest nuts end up on top.Flying microstructure the size of a grain of sand is the smallest humans have ever made by Briana BrownellNeuman, S. (2021, September 23). Flying Microchips The Size Of A Sand Grain Could Be Used For Population Surveillance. NPR.org. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/23/1040035430/flying-microchip-sand-grain-northwestern-wingedWinged microchip is smallest-ever human-made flying structure. (2021). Northwestern.edu. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2021/september/microflier-winged-microchip-is-smallest-ever-human-made-flying-structure/Kim, B. H., Li, K., Kim, J.-T., Park, Y., Jang, H., Wang, X., Xie, Z., Won, S. M., Yoon, H.-J., Lee, G., Jang, W. J., Lee, K. H., Chung, T. S., Jung, Y. H., Heo, S. Y., Lee, Y., Kim, J., Cai, T., Kim, Y., & Prasopsukh, P. (2021). Three-dimensional electronic microfliers inspired by wind-dispersed seeds. Nature, 597(7877), 503–510. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03847-ySurveillance. (2019, June 27). PHCPI. https://improvingphc.org/improvement-strategies/adjustment-population-health-needs/surveillanceIf You Swear By Your Myers-Briggs Type, We Have Bad News by Anna ToddThe Myers & Briggs Foundation. (2021). Myersbriggs.org. https://www.myersbriggs.org/Pittenger, D. (n.d.). Measuring the MBTI... And Coming Up Short. https://jobtalk.indiana.edu/HRMWebsite/hrm/articles/develop/mbti.pdfCunningham, L. (2012, December 14). Myers-Briggs: Does it pay to know your type? Washington Post; The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-leadership/myers-briggs-does-it-pay-to-know-your-type/2012/12/14/eaed51ae-3fcc-11e2-bca3-aadc9b7e29c5_story.htmlBurnett, D. (2013, March 19). Nothing personal: The questionable Myers-Briggs test. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2013/mar/19/myers-briggs-test-unscientificDrake Baer. (2014, June 18). Myers-Briggs Personality Test Is Misleading. Business Insider; Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/myers-briggs-personality-test-is-misleading-2014-6The Brazil Nut Effect Is The Mysterious Reason Big Nuts End Up On Top by Ashley HamerOuellette, J. (2016, April 14). The Brazil Nut Effect Is More Complicated Than You Think. Gizmodo; Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/the-brazil-nut-effect-is-more-complicated-than-you-thin-1770850855Ouellette, J. (2021, April 19). Cracking the case: New study sheds more light on the “Brazil nut effect.” Ars Technica; Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/04/cracking-the-case-new-study-sheds-more-light-on-the-brazil-nut-effect/Gajjar, P., Johnson, C. G., Carr, J., Chrispeels, K., Gray, J. M. N. T., & Withers, P. J. (2021). Size segregation of irregular granular materials captured by time-resolved 3D imaging. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87280-1Follow 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/smallest-flying-tech-myers-briggs-myth-brazil-nut-effect Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about how quickly certain people adjust to time changes; how you can help slow jungle loss; and why ice cubes grow spikes.Early birds adjust to time changes faster than night owls by Grant Currin“Springing forward” affects early birds less than night owls, study finds. (2021, July 20). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/472466Nield, D. (2021). Your Genes Could Affect How Well Your Body Adjusts to Daylight Saving Changes. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/how-well-we-adjust-to-daylight-saving-time-can-depend-on-our-geneticsTyler, J., Fang, Y., Goldstein, C., Forger, D., Sen, S., & Burmeister, M. (2021). Genomic heterogeneity affects the response to Daylight Saving Time. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94459-zMore from archaeologist Patrick Roberts: Pick up "Jungle: How Tropical Forests Shaped the World — and Us": https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/patrick-roberts/jungle/9781541600096/Website: https://www.patrickjroberts.com/Follow @palaeotropics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/palaeotropicsCheyenne Mountain Zoo Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping Guide app: https://www.cmzoo.org/conservation/orangutans-palm-oil/sustainable-palm-oil-shopping-app/WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard: http://palmoilscorecard.panda.org/Spiky ice cubes by Ashley Hamer (Listener question from Monica in Los Angeles)Occasionally the ice cubes in my freezer’s ice trays will develop a stalagmitelike shape without any obvious, unusual interference. Can you please explain what causes this? (2007, April 30). Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-ice-spikes/Spikes on Ice Cubes. (2011). Utoronto.ca. https://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~smorris/edl/icespikes/icespikes.htmlMonica’s ice spike picture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oHVKZkDqGF5ktgNxnIU7QceAKa9u6-e0/view?usp=sharingFollow 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/adjusting-to-time-changes-saving-jungles-spiky-ice-cubes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.