Curiosity Weekly

Learn about a change in language use that could mean a breakup is on the way; why ogre-faced spiders are basically ninja assassins, with help from Cornell University professor Ron Hoy; and how it’s possible to exercise too much.A change in pronoun use could signal an impending breakup by Kelsey DonkUse of pronouns may show signs of an impending breakup. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/uota-uop012721.phpSeraj, S., Blackburn, K. G., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2021). Language left behind on social media exposes the emotional and cognitive costs of a romantic breakup. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(7), e2017154118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2017154118Additional resources from Ron Hoy:Ron Hoy's faculty page at Cornell University: https://nbb.cornell.edu/ronald-r-hoyHoy's 2016 study on hearing in jumping spiders: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2016/10/jumping-spiders-can-hear-distance-new-study-provesYes, You Really Can Exercise Too Much by Ashley HamerRhabdomyolysis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2019). Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000473.htmCutler, T. S., DeFilippis, E. M., Unterbrink, M. E., & Evans, A. T. (2016). Increasing Incidence and Unique Clinical Characteristics of Spinning-Induced Rhabdomyolysis. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 26(5), 429–431. https://doi.org/10.1097/jsm.0000000000000281As Workouts Intensify, a Harmful Side Effect Grows More Common (Published 2017). (2021). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/17/well/move/as-workouts-intensify-a-harmful-side-effect-grows-more-common.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2FwellSubscribe 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/this-language-shift-could-signal-an-impending-breakup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn why Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is bigger than we thought. Then, learn about spider hearing with help from Ron Hoy, a professor of neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University who studies acoustic communication in insects.The first black hole ever discovered is bigger than we thought by Grant CurrinFirst black hole ever detected is more massive than we thought. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/caos-fbh021821.phpThe mass of Cygnus X-1’s black hole challenges stellar evolution models. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/aaft-tmo021621.phpMiller-Jones, J. C. A., Bahramian, A., Orosz, J. A., Mandel, I., Gou, L., Maccarone, T. J., Neijssel, C. J., Zhao, X., Ziółkowski, J., Reid, M. J., Uttley, P., Zheng, X., Byun, D.-Y., Dodson, R., Grinberg, V., Jung, T., Kim, J.-S., Marcote, B., Markoff, S., & Rioja, M. J. (2021). Cygnus X-1 contains a 21–solar mass black hole—Implications for massive star winds. Science, eabb3363. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb3363Additional resources from Ron Hoy:Ron Hoy's faculty page at Cornell University: https://nbb.cornell.edu/ronald-r-hoyHoy's 2016 study on hearing in jumping spiders: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2016/10/jumping-spiders-can-hear-distance-new-study-provesSubscribe 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/what-your-ears-and-spider-fuzz-have-in-common Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about why changing out of your pajamas while you work could improve your mental health; why local honey doesn’t stop seasonal allergies; and shisa kanko, a surprisingly simple Japanese ritual that greatly improves accuracy.Working from home in your pajamas is linked to poorer mental health by Kelsey DonkThe Re:Set Team. (2021, February 5). Scientists Say Working From Home in Pyjamas Can Dampen Your Mental Health. Re:Set. https://resetyoureveryday.com/scientists-working-from-home-pyjamas-mental-health/Alberta Health Services. (2021). End PJ Paralysis | Alberta Health Services. Alberta Health Services. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page15971.aspxChapman, D. G., & Thamrin, C. (2020). Scientists in pyjamas: characterising the working arrangements and productivity of Australian medical researchers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Medical Journal of Australia, 213(11), 516–520. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.50860Local Honey Won't Fix Your Seasonal Allergies originally aired May 23, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/local-honey-myths-nasa-to-the-moon-and-a-bisexualShisa Kanko May Look Odd To Outsiders, But It Keeps Train Passengers Safe by Ashley HamerRicharz, A. (2017, March 29). Why Japan’s Rail Workers Can’t Stop Pointing at Things. Atlas Obscura; Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/pointing-and-calling-japan-trainsGordenker, A. (2008, October 21). JR gestures. The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/10/21/reference/jr-gestures/#.WPf_OVMrLVpMTA | news | Subway Conductors Point the Way to Safety. (2013). Mta.info. https://www.mta.info/news/2013/11/12/subway-conductors-point-way-safetyShinohara, K., Naito, H., Matsui, Y., & Hikono, M. (2013). The effects of “finger pointing and calling” on cognitive control processes in the task-switching paradigm. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 43(2), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2012.08.004JICOSH Home | Concept of “Zero-accident Total Participation Campaign”[English]. (2017). Archive.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20181117051253/http://www.jniosh.go.jp:80/icpro/jicosh-old/english/zero-sai/eng/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/local-honey-wont-cure-your-allergies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about why it might actually be healthy to gain weight as you get older; the alkaloids responsible for why our pets can’t eat chocolate; and how small a minority can be to reshape society.Gaining weight as you age may be healthier than staying at the same weight by Grant CurrinSurvival tip: Start at normal weight and slowly add pounds. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/osu-sts020121.phpIngraham, C. (2016, January 29). Look at how much weight you’re going to gain. Washington Post; The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/29/the-age-when-you-gain-the-most-weight/Zheng, H., Echave, P., Mehta, N., & Myrskylä, M. (2021). Life-long body mass index trajectories and mortality in two generations. Annals of Epidemiology, 56, 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.01.003Your Fat Friend. (2019, October 15). The Bizarre and Racist History of the BMI - Elemental. Medium; Elemental. https://elemental.medium.com/the-bizarre-and-racist-history-of-the-bmi-7d8dc2aa33bbWhy can’t our pets eat chocolate? by Cameron DukeBiello, D. (2007, August 16). Strange but True: Cats Cannot Taste Sweets. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-cats-cannot-taste-sweets/Blum, D. (2013, February 14). The Poisonous Chemistry of Chocolate. Wired; WIRED. https://www.wired.com/2013/02/the-poisonous-nature-of-chocolate/?code=LecCOSJvlBgJVoqVnCpxVDg3cPEDfZqZwmtPhgOOWhI&state=%7B%22redirectURL%22%3A%22%2F2013%2F02%2Fthe-poisonous-nature-of-chocolate%2F%22%7DHazel, S. (2017, December 21). Why can’t dogs eat chocolate? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/why-cant-dogs-eat-chocolate-89374R Thomas Palo, & Robbins, C. T. (1991). Plant defenses against mammalian herbivory. Crc Press.Research Shows How Small a Minority Can Be to Reshape Society by Mae RiceTipping point for large-scale social change? Just 25 percent | Penn Today. (2018, June 7). Penn Today. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/damon-centola-tipping-point-large-scale-social-changeCentola, D., Becker, J., Brackbill, D., & Baronchelli, A. (2018). Experimental evidence for tipping points in social convention. Science, 360(6393), 1116–1119. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aas8827Noonan, D. (2018, June 8). The 25% Revolution—How Big Does a Minority Have to Be to Reshape Society? Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-25-revolution-how-big-does-a-minority-have-to-be-to-reshape-society/Yong, E. (2018, June 7). The Atlantic. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/06/the-tipping-point-when-minority-views-take-over/562307/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/gaining-weight-with-age-might-be-healthier-than-staying-slim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about a simple way to reduce your internet carbon footprint; how brain images can make you more likely to believe fake science; and how loud the sun is.The internet has a big carbon footprint, and you can reduce yours with a simple fix by Kelsey DonkTurn off that camera during virtual meetings, environmental study says. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/pu-tot011421.phpObringer, R., Rachunok, B., Maia-Silva, D., Arbabzadeh, M., Nateghi, R., & Madani, K. (2021). The overlooked environmental footprint of increasing Internet use. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 167, 105389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105389You'll Probably Believe Fake Science if It Comes With a Brain Image by Ashley HamerMcCabe, D. P., & Castel, A. D. (2008). Seeing is believing: The effect of brain images on judgments of scientific reasoning. Cognition, 107(1), 343–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2007.07.017Poldrack, R. (2006). Can cognitive processes be inferred from neuroimaging data? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 10(2), 59–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2005.12.004Curtis, G. (2017). Logical Fallacy: Affirming the Consequent. Fallacyfiles.org. http://www.fallacyfiles.org/afthecon.htmlHow loud is the sun? by Ashley Hamer (Listener question from Noro)The Song of the Sun (Published 2012). (2021). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/science/studying-the-sun-through-its-sound-waves.htmlScharping, N. (2020, February 4). What Would the Sun Sound Like If We Could Hear It On Earth? Discover Magazine; Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/what-would-the-sun-sound-like-if-we-could-hear-it-on-earthSecond Thought. (2019). How Loud Is The Sun? [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePy_Gs3WTT4Bryner, J. (2007, June 4). Sound cranks up the heat in sun’s atmosphere. NBC News; NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna19032772The Singing Sun. (2008). Stanford.edu. http://solar-center.stanford.edu/singing/Solar Sounds. (1997). Stanford.edu. http://soi.stanford.edu/results/sounds.htmlSubscribe 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/how-loud-is-the-sun Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer, producer, and “Flash Forward” podcast host Rose Eveleth explains why so many technology breakthroughs never pan out. Then, learn about real-life giant sand worms and why the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon makes you notice some things more than others.Additional resources from Rose Eveleth:Rose's website: http://roseveleth.com/Flash Forward podcast: https://www.flashforwardpod.com/Flash Forward Presents: https://www.ffwdpresents.com/Follow Rose on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosevelethThe spice must flow: Giant sand worms used to roam the ocean floor 20 million years ago by Grant CurrinGiant sand worm discovery proves truth is stranger than fiction: Trace fossil reveals more about this ancient creature’s behavior. (2021). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210121163134.htmPan, Y.-Y., Nara, M., Löwemark, L., Miguez-Salas, O., Gunnarson, B., Iizuka, Y., Chen, T.-T., & Dashtgard, S. E. (2021). The 20-million-year old lair of an ambush-predatory worm preserved in northeast Taiwan. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79311-0Sample, I. (2021, January 21). Giant worm’s undersea lair discovered by fossil hunters in Taiwan. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/21/giant-worm-undersea-lair-discovered-fossil-hunters-taiwanBlame The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon For The Things You Notice More Than Others first aired July 15, 2018 https://omny.fm/shows/curiosity-daily/the-universe-in-consciousness-w-bernardo-kastrup-iSubscribe 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-that-thing-you-just-learned-is-suddenly-everywhere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rose Eveleth — writer, producer, and “Flash Forward” podcast host — explains why futurists don’t need to know the future. Then, you’ll learn about the oldest examples of money ever discovered.Additional resources from Rose Eveleth:Rose's website: http://roseveleth.com/Flash Forward podcast: https://www.flashforwardpod.com/Flash Forward Presents: https://www.ffwdpresents.com/Follow Rose on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosevelethMoney may have been invented as long as 5,000 years ago by Grant CurrinWells, S. (2021, January 20). When was money invented? Bronze Age study has the answer. Inverse; Inverse. https://www.inverse.com/science/origins-of-moneyKuijpers, M. H. G., & Popa, C. N. (2021). The origins of money: Calculation of similarity indexes demonstrates the earliest development of commodity money in prehistoric Central Europe. PLOS ONE, 16(1), e0240462. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240462Subscribe 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-futurists-dont-need-to-know-the-future-w-flash-forward-host-rose-eveleth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about why liars may mimic your body language; why “tend and befriend” is an alternative response to “fight or flight”; and why lakes freeze from the top down, not the bottom up.Liars imitate the body language of the person they're lying to by Kelsey DonkLesté-Lasserre, C. (2020). Lying men mimic the body language of other men they are talking to. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2264607-lying-men-mimic-the-body-language-of-other-men-they-are-talking-to/A liar and a copycat: nonverbal coordination increases with lie difficulty | Royal Society Open Science. (2021). Royal Society Open Science. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.200839#d1e417Instead of "Fight or Flight," Women Might "Tend and Befriend" by Reuben WestmaasHow to Transform Stress into Courage and Connection. (2015). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_transform_stress_courage_connectionLebo, H. (2000, May 17). UCLA Researchers Identify Key Biobehavioral Pattern Used by Women to Manage Stress. UCLA Newsroom. https://web.archive.org/web/20180828074327/http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/UCLA-Researchers-Identify-Key-Biobehavioral-1478Taylor, S. E. (2012). Tend and befriend theory. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology (p. 32–49). Sage Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446249215.n3Why does a lake freeze from the top down, and not the bottom up? by Cameron DukeWhy Does Water Freeze from the Top Down? | Britannica. (2021). In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-water-freeze-from-the-top-downStewart, R. H. (2008). Introduction to physical oceanography. Texas A & M University.US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2021). What is a thermocline? Noaa.gov. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/thermocline.htmlSubscribe 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/liars-may-imitate-your-body-language Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about why time management can make you happier; how catnip can protect your cat from mosquitoes; and 3 ways your identity could be stolen without getting your computer hacked — and how to protect yourself.Time management has a stronger effect on wellbeing than on job performance by Kelsey DonkAeon, B., Faber, A., & Panaccio, A. (2021). Does time management work? A meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 16(1), e0245066. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245066Catnip may have a purpose beyond getting cats high -- it protects them from mosquitoes! by Cameron DukeIntoxicating chemicals in catnip and silver vine protect felines from mosquito bites. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/aaft-ici011921.phpUenoyama, R., Miyazaki, T., Hurst, J. L., Beynon, R. J., Adachi, M., Murooka, T., Onoda, I., Miyazawa, Y., Katayama, R., Yamashita, T., Kaneko, S., Nishikawa, T., & Miyazaki, M. (2021). The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes. Science Advances, 7(4), eabd9135. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abd9135Weisberger, M. (2019, November 3). Does Catnip Really Make Cats “High”? Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/does-catnip-get-cats-high.html3 Ways Your Identity Could Be Stolen (Without Having Your Computer Hacked) by Reuben WestmaasEvenden, I. (2020, September 4). How do thieves steal your identity (and how can you stop it)? TopTenReviews; Top Ten Reviews. https://www.toptenreviews.com/10-ways-thieves-steal-your-idHow to Identify an ATM Skimmer. (2021). NWCU. https://www.nwcu.com/learn/how-spot-atm-skimmerSubscribe 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/time-management-can-make-you-happier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about the science of sourdough starters; and why identical twins aren’t so identical after all. Then, play along at home as we test your podcast knowledge with this month’s Curiosity Challenge trivia game.Study of sourdough from around the world shows location doesn't matter for its microbes by Cameron DukeIntercontinental study sheds light on the microbial life of sourdough. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/ncsu-iss012621.phpKiniry, L. (2020). Why San Francisco does sourdough best. Bbc.com.http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200402-why-san-francisco-does-sourdough-bestLandis, E. A., Oliverio, A. M., McKenney, E. A., Nichols, L. M., Kfoury, N., Biango-Daniels, M., Shell, L. K., Madden, A. A., Shapiro, L., Shravya Sakunala, Kinsey Drake, Robbat, A., Booker, M., Dunn, R. R., Fierer, N., & Wolfe, B. E. (2021, January 26). The diversity and function of sourdough starter microbiomes. ELife; eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd. https://elifesciences.org/articles/61644Identical twins aren't so identical after all by Steffie DruckerJarry, J. (2021, January 24). Identical Twins Are Not Identical. Office for Science and Society. McGill University. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/general-science/identical-twins-are-not-identicalGuardian staff reporter. (2021, January 8). Identical twins are not so identical, study suggests. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/08/identical-twins-are-not-so-identical-study-suggestsMachemer, T. (2021, January 13). Many Identical Twins Actually Have Slightly Different DNA. Smithsonian Magazine; Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/identical-twins-can-have-slightly-different-dna-180976736/Nicoletta Lanese. (2021, January 7). Identical twins don’t share 100% of their DNA. Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/identical-twins-dont-share-all-dna.htmlJonsson, H., Magnusdottir, E., et. al. (2021). Differences between germline genomes of monozygotic twins. Nature Genetics, 53(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-020-00755-1Episodes referenced in Curiosity Challenge Trivia game:Chronotypes: https://www.curiositydaily.com/why-does-february-have-28-days/Ants on stilts: https://www.curiositydaily.com/why-scientists-made-ants-walk-on-stilts/Smellicopter: https://www.curiositydaily.com/the-dark-ages-werent-really-dark/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/identical-twins-arent-as-identical-as-we-thought Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.