Curiosity Weekly

Discovery
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May 20, 2021 • 14min

Roses Smell Different in Space

Learn about emotions in online reviews; how flowers smell in space; and how water efficiency affected human evolution.Emotions matter more than ratings when it comes to online reviews by Kelsey Donk“Emotional” reviews predict business success, new study shows. (2021). Northwestern.edu. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2021/04/emotional-reviews-predict-business-success-new-study-showsRocklage, M. D., Rucker, D. D., & Nordgren, L. F. (2021). Mass-scale emotionality reveals human behaviour and marketplace success. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-021-01098-5Roses Smell Different In Space—And You Can Smell Like Them Too by Ashley HamerSpace Rose Pleases the Senses | NASA Spinoff. (2002). Nasa.gov. https://spinoff.nasa.gov/spinoff2002/ch_1.htmlSpace Scents | Science Mission Directorate. (2002). Nasa.gov. https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/18dec_scentsFrequent Questions: The Many Versions of Shiseido Zen. (2010, January 31). Blogspot.com. http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2010/01/frequent-questions-many-versions-of.htmlImpulse Perfumes And Colognes. (2020). Fragrantica. https://www.fragrantica.com/designers/Impulse.htmlHuman bodies use up to 50% less water than our primate cousins, which may have helped us spread throughout the globe by Cameron DukeHumans evolved to be the water-saving ape. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/du-het030221.phpPontzer, H., Brown, M. H., Wood, B. M., Raichlen, D. A., Mabulla, Audax. Z. P., Harris, J. A., Dunsworth, H., Hare, B., Walker, K., Luke, A., Dugas, L. R., Schoeller, D., Plange-Rhule, J., Bovet, P., Forrester, T. E., Thompson, M. E., Shumaker, R. W., Rothman, J. M., Vogel, E., & Sulistyo, F. (2021). Evolution of water conservation in humans. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.02.045Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — for free! Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/roses-smell-different-in-space Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 19, 2021 • 14min

How LEDs Work (w/ LED Pioneer George Craford)

Learn about the “birthday paradox.” Then, George Craford — one of the pioneers of LED lighting — talks LED innovation.The Birthday Paradox by Cameron DukeScience Buddies. (2012, March 29). Probability and the Birthday Paradox. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-probability-birthday-paradox/TED-Ed. (2017). Check your intuition: The birthday problem - David Knuffke [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtT_cgMzHx8Understanding the Birthday Paradox – BetterExplained. (2021). Betterexplained.com. https://betterexplained.com/articles/understanding-the-birthday-paradox/Learn more about George Craford and the QEPrize:The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering: https://qeprize.org/George Craford's bio: https://www.nae.edu/128635/Dr-M-George-CrafordFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — for free! You can also listen to our show as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/how-leds-work-w-led-pioneer-george-craford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 18, 2021 • 12min

Octopuses Have Sleep Cycles, Too

Learn about imaginary beams of motion coming from people’s eyes; where lost luggage ends up; and octopus sleep cycles.Following someone's gaze may involve imagining a beam of motion from their eyes by Grant CurrinOur Brains “See” Beams Of Motion Emanating From People’s Faces Towards The Object Of Their Attention. (2021, February 25). Research Digest; Research Digest. https://digest.bps.org.uk/2021/02/25/our-brains-see-beams-of-motion-emanating-from-peoples-faces-towards-the-object-of-their-attention/Guterstam, A., & Graziano, M. S. A. (2020). Visual motion assists in social cognition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(50), 32165–32168. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2021325117Guterstam, A., & Graziano, M. S. A. (2020). Implied motion as a possible mechanism for encoding other people’s attention. Progress in Neurobiology, 190, 101797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101797Guterstam, A., Wilterson, A. I., Wachtell, D., & Graziano, M. S. A. (2020). Other people’s gaze encoded as implied motion in the human brain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(23), 13162–13167. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2003110117This Is Where Most of the Lost Luggage in the US Ends Up originally aired May 10, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/everything-repellent-clothing-resonant-breathing-aWe finally discovered alternating sleep states in an octopus by Cameron DukeMedeiros, S. L. de S., Paiva, M. M. M. de, Lopes, P. H., Blanco, W., Lima, F. D. de, Oliveira, J. B. C. de, Medeiros, I. G., Sequerra, E. B., Souza, S. de, Leite, T. S., & Ribeiro, S. (2021). Cyclic alternation of quiet and active sleep states in the octopus. IScience, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2021.102223Schnell, A. (2021, April 1). Sleeping octopuses might experience fleeting dreams – new study. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/sleeping-octopuses-might-experience-fleeting-dreams-new-study-158237#:~:text=During%20quiet%20sleep%2C%20octopuses%20areSubscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/octopuses-have-sleep-cycles-too Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 17, 2021 • 13min

Introverts Fared Better Than Extroverts During the Pandemic

Learn about introverts’ and extroverts’ pandemic response; astronaut farts; and why violet and purple are different.Introverts fared better than extroverts during the pandemic by Kelsey DonkBenz, M. (2021). COVID-19 and College Students: Introverts Coped Better than Extroverts During Shutdown. Medicalresearch.com. https://medicalresearch.com/mental-health-research/covid-19-and-college-students-introverts-coped-better-than-extroverts-during-shutdown/57012/Extroverts and introverts showed differences in mood during early COVID 19 pandemic. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/p-eai032221.phpRettew, D. C., McGinnis, E. W., Copeland, W., Nardone, H. Y., Bai, Y., Rettew, J., Devadenam, V., & Hudziak, J. J. (2021). Personality trait predictors of adjustment during the COVID pandemic among college students. PLOS ONE, 16(3), e0248895. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248895In the 1960s, people were worried that astronaut farts were a fire hazard by Grant CurrinKrulwich, R. (2010, October 4). Space Propulsion Made Easy: Eat Beans. NPR.org. https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2010/09/16/129908529/space-propulsion-made-easy-eat-beansSeriously Science. (2018, August 23). Farts: An Under-appreciated Threat to Astronauts. Discover Magazine; Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/farts-an-underappreciated-threat-to-astronautsStarr, M. (2018). Here’s The Really Gross Reason Why You Don’t Want to Burp in Space. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-the-really-gross-reason-why-you-don-t-want-to-burp-in-spaceCalloway DH, Murphy EL. (2021). Intestinal hydrogen and methane of men fed space diet. Life Sciences and Space Research, 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12197533/Violet and purple are completely different forms of color by Ashley HamerPappas, S. (2010, April 29). How Do We See Color? Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/32559-why-do-we-see-in-color.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/sciencequestionswithchris. (2012). Why are there only six fundamental colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet? Science Questions with Surprising Answers. https://wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2012/12/04/why-are-there-only-six-fundamental-colors-red-orange-yellow-green-blue-and-violet/Color. (2021). Gsu.edu. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/vision/specol.htmlMarian, J. (2021). Difference between “violet” and “purple.” Jakubmarian.com. https://jakubmarian.com/difference-between-violet-and-purple/Subscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/introverts-fared-better-than-extroverts-during-the-pandemic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 14, 2021 • 14min

Using AI to Play Ancient Board Games

Learn why learning too much can make you less passionate and how AI is resurrecting ancient board games. Plus: trivia!Learning too much about your passion may make you less passionate about it by Kelsey DonkLange, A. (2021, March 28). Your passionate hobby might make you less passionate, study finds. The Academic Times. https://academictimes.com/your-passionate-hobby-might-make-you-less-passionate-study-finds/Rocklage, M. D., Rucker, D. D., & Nordgren, L. F. (2021). Emotionally Numb: Expertise Dulls Consumer Experience. Journal of Consumer Research. https://academic.oup.com/jcr/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jcr/ucab015/6171148Episodes referenced in Curiosity Challenge Trivia game:What do these things have in common: https://www.curiositydaily.com/we-can-use-dna-for-data-storageMemorable postal codes: https://www.curiositydaily.com/post-traumatic-growth-is-a-pandemic-silver-lining/Slug that cuts off its own head: https://www.curiositydaily.com/you-can-totally-bs-a-bser/The Digital Ludeme Project is using AI to learn the rules of ancient board games by Grant CurrinSchultz, I. (2019, September 26). Researchers Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Reconstruct Ancient Games. Atlas Obscura; Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/ancient-games-artificial-intelligenceDigital Ludeme Project. (2021). Ludeme.eu. http://ludeme.eu/index.htmlPlay the games: https://ludii.games/Subscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJYFind episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/using-ai-to-play-ancient-board-games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 13, 2021 • 13min

When the Pursuit of Knowledge Goes Wrong (w/ Physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein)

Learn about Mauna Kea and how the pursuit of knowledge can be harmful. Plus: the smallest measurement of gravity ever.Additional resources from Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein:Pick up "The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, & Dreams Deferred" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32JjzDuWebsite: http://www.cprescodweinstein.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IBJIYONGILearn more about Mauna Kea:Pu’uhuluhulu, P. o. (2020). Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu. https://www.puuhuluhulu.com/TMT International Observatory. (2020). TIO. https://www.tmt.org/United States Public Law 103-150, informally known as the Apology Resolution: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-107/pdf/STATUTE-107-Pg1510.pdfMaunakea and TMT misinformation fact check | University of Hawaii System. (2021). Hawaii.edu. https://www.hawaii.edu/maunakea-stewardship/maunakea-tmt-fact-check/Scientists captured the smallest measurement of gravity on record by Briana BrownellRothleitner, C. (2021). Ultra-weak gravitational field detected. Nature, 591(7849), 209–210. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-00591-1Westphal, T., Hepach, H., Pfaff, J., & Aspelmeyer, M. (2021). Measurement of gravitational coupling between millimetre-sized masses. Nature, 591(7849), 225–228. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03250-7Lewis, G. (2016, February 12). Timeline: the history of gravity. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/timeline-the-history-of-gravity-54528Subscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/when-the-pursuit-of-knowledge-goes-wrong-w-physicist-dr-chanda-prescod-weinstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 12, 2021 • 13min

Go Ahead, Google Your Symptoms

Learn about the benefits of Googling symptoms; truly random number generation; and why science is about storytelling.Googling symptoms makes patients better at self-diagnosis by Steffie DruckerA visit to “Dr. Google” makes patients better at diagnosis. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/bawh-avt032621.phpLevine, D. M., & Mehrotra, A. (2021). Assessment of Diagnosis and Triage in Validated Case Vignettes Among Nonphysicians Before and After Internet Search. JAMA Network Open, 4(3), e213287. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.3287Why this doctor wants you to consult with “Dr. Google” to help diagnose your symptoms. (2021, April). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.5969736/why-this-doctor-wants-you-to-consult-with-dr-google-to-help-diagnose-your-symptoms-1.5971609Why Computers Can Never Generate Truly Random Numbers by Ashley HamerMads Haahr. (n.d.). Introduction to Randomness and Random Numbers. Random.org. https://www.random.org/randomness/DeMichele, T. (2015, November 21). Computers Can Generate True Random Numbers - Fact or Myth? Fact / Myth. http://factmyth.com/factoids/computers-can-generate-true-random-numbers/Additional resources from Chanda Prescod-Weinstein:Pick up "The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, & Dreams Deferred" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32JjzDuWebsite: http://www.cprescodweinstein.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IBJIYONGISubscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/go-ahead-google-your-symptoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 11, 2021 • 13min

Your Roommate Really Doesn’t Know How You’re Feeling

Learn about how lightning strikes led to life on Earth; the self-control of cuttlefish; and your roommate’s feelings.Lightning strikes were vital to the origin of life on Earth by Grant CurrinLightning strikes played a vital role in life’s origins on Earth. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/uol-lsp031621.phpHess, B. L., Piazolo, S., & Harvey, J. (2021). Lightning strikes as a major facilitator of prebiotic phosphorus reduction on early Earth. Nature Communications, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21849-2Mamoun-Yale, F. (2021, March 18). Lightning may have paved way for life on Earth - Futurity. Futurity. https://www.futurity.org/lightning-life-on-earth-phosphorus-2534052A cuttlefish has the power of self-control by Cameron DukeCuttlefish exert self-control in a delay of gratification task | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. (2021). Proceedings of the Royal Society B. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.3161Yasemin Saplakoglu. (2021, March 3). Cuttlefish show self-control, pass “marshmallow test.” Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/cuttlefish-pass-marshmallow-test.htmlYour Roommate Doesn't Know How You're Feeling originally aired April 27, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/learn-when-we-ll-meet-aliens-hear-singing-sand-dunSubscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/your-roommate-really-doesnt-know-how-youre-feeling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 10, 2021 • 12min

Why Koala Fingerprints Look Eerily Human

Learn about how to stop Zoom fatigue; a world that may be on its second atmosphere; and koalas’ human-like fingerprints.4 reasons you feel "Zoom fatigue" and how to get over them, according to Stanford research by Kelsey Donk:Stanford Zoom Exhaustion and Fatigue Scale survey: https://comm.stanford.edu/ZEFRamachandran, V. (2021, February 23). Four causes for “Zoom fatigue” and their solutions | Stanford News. Stanford News; Stanford University. https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/23/four-causes-zoom-fatigue-solutions/Bailenson, J. N. (2021). Nonverbal overload: A theoretical argument for the causes of Zoom fatigue. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000030Astronomers discover a planet that may be on its second atmosphere by Grant Currin:Distant Planet May Be On Its Second Atmosphere, NASA’s Hubble Finds. (2021). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2021/distant-planet-may-be-on-its-second-atmosphere-nasas-hubble-findsSwain, M. R., et. al. (2021). Detection of an Atmosphere on a Rocky Exoplanet. ArXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.05657Koalas And Humans Have The Same Fingerprints by Anna Todd:Wolchover, N. (2011, May 3). Koalas Have Human-like Fingerprints. Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/14007-koalas-human-fingerprints.htmlAlasdair Wilkins. (2011, May 4). Koalas have exactly the same fingerprints as humans. Io9; io9. https://io9.gizmodo.com/koalas-have-exactly-the-same-fingerprints-as-humans-5798400Bryce, E. (2019, December 21). Why Do We Have Fingerprints? Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/why-do-humans-have-fingerprints.html#:~:text=Fingers%20and%20friction&text=%22People%20have%20had%20two%20ideas,Hull%20in%20the%20United%20Kingdom.Warman, P. H., & Ennos, A. R. (2009). Fingerprints are unlikely to increase the friction of primate fingerpads. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212(13), 2016–2022. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.028977Subscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/why-koala-fingerprints-look-eerily-human Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 7, 2021 • 13min

How Astronauts Clean Their Underwear

Learn why narcissism may come from insecurity, how lobster became a delicacy, and how astronauts clean their underwear.Narcissism may be driven by insecurity, not an oversized sense of self by Kelsey DonkNarcissism driven by insecurity, not grandiose sense of self. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/nyu-ndb032521.phpKowalchyk, M., Palmieri, H., Conte, E., & Wallisch, P. (2021). Narcissism through the lens of performative self-elevation. Personality and Individual Differences, 177, 110780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110780Pietrangelo, A. (2020, December 11). How to Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/therapy-for-narcissismHow lobster became a delicacy by Steffie DruckerHistory.com Staff. (2011, June 15). A Taste of Lobster History. HISTORY; HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/a-taste-of-lobster-historyLuzer, D. (2013, June 7). How Lobster Got Fancy. Pacific Standard; Pacific Standard. https://psmag.com/economics/how-lobster-got-fancy-59440The American Lobster: History of Lobster Fishing & Processing. (2021). Parl.ns.ca. http://www.parl.ns.ca/lobster/history.htmVibrio - NYC Health. (2021). Nyc.gov. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/vibrio-parahaemolyticus.pageNOAA Fisheries. (2021). Fun Facts about Luscious Lobsters. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/outreach-and-education/fun-facts-about-luscious-lobstersLISTENER Q: How do astronauts clean their underwear? by Ashley Hamer (Listener question from Michelle in San Fernando, California)NASA - Astronauts’ Dirty Laundry. (2021). Nasa.gov. https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/livinginspace/Astronaut_Laundry.htmlEuropean Space Agency, ESA. (2009). How do you wash your clothes in space? [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JfqdBJDNZcTyler Wells Lynch. (2014, July 17). How Do Astronauts Clean Their Dirty Clothes? Reviewed; Reviewed.com. https://www.reviewed.com/laundry/features/how-do-astronauts-clean-their-dirty-clothesAmy Shira Teitel. (2019, March 18). A brief history of menstruating in space. Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/brief-history-menstruating-in-space/Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — for free! You can also listen to our show as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJYFind episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/how-astronauts-clean-their-underwear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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