Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

What is dark matter? Why do scientists think it exists? How are they searching for it, and why are they doing it in an underground lab?! Join us on the search for dark matter with Alvaro Chavarria, a physicist running a dark matter detector underneath a mountain in the French Alps. We’ll take you inside the lab to visit the detector, and find out why everything we think we know about dark matter… could be wrong.  For more, visit our website! Our question comes from Jeronimo, a Tumble en Español listener! To listen to Tumble en Español, use this link to subscribe wherever you get  your podcasts: https://pod.link/1521514886 Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact . . . . . Shhh! This link is TOP SECRET: https://tumble.science/JokeContestant

Who invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich? And how did it become one of the most famous lunches in America? In this episode, a question from listener Leila sends us on a trip through history to find out how peanut butter, jelly, and sliced bread came together to make the classic PB&J. Along the way, we learn about the first written recipe for the sandwich in 1901, how peanut butter went from a fancy food to a lunchbox staple, and why sliced bread changed everything. To help answer Leila’s question, we turned to our buddy Mick Sullivan, host of the history podcast The Past and the Curious. Mick loved the question so much that he made a whole episode about it—and today we’re sharing it with you. Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: ⁠patreon.com/tumblepodcast⁠ Shop official Tumble merch: ⁠https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/⁠ Listen to Tumble en Español: ⁠https://pod.link/1521514886⁠ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

Why do humans usually have five fingers on each hand? And what if one day, we could grow a new finger if we lost one? In this episode, a question from six-year-old listener Ayla sends us on a journey from tiny developing embryos to one of the most amazing animals on Earth: the axolotl.  We talk with Dr. Jessica Whited, a Harvard-based biologist who studies how axolotls regrow their limbs - and why humans can’t do the same… for now! Along the way, we discover how our hands develop before we’re born, why evolution settled on five fingers, and axolotls might show us the way to regrow our own limbs.  Plus: why axolotls have to live in separate tanks (hint: they’re a little too snack-happy). Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

In this episode, we talk to two scientists who study animal friendships, in different animals, and in different ways. We’ll hear from Karen Bales, who studies titi monkeys (AKA “fuzzy little guys”) and Annaliese Beery, who studies voles (AKA “the cutest rodents”). Get ready to discover how animal friends play and cuddle - and what they can teach us about our own friendships.  This episode was produced thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Good Science Center. Check out their website for all kinds of awesome quizzes, information, and more! Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

In this enlightening discussion, planetary scientist Bill Bottke, a member of NASA's Lucy mission team, dives into the origins of Earth. He reveals how our planet formed from a gas-and-dust cloud, shaped by cosmic collisions. Bill shares fascinating insights about the Moon's creation from a Mars-sized impact and the evolution of conditions that allowed life to thrive. The conversation also explores the mysterious Trojan asteroids, which may hold key clues about the early solar system and the origins of Earth's water.

In this lively discussion, Lee Davies, the Collection Manager at Kew Gardens' Fungarium, shares his passion for fungi while overseeing a treasure trove of 1.3 million dried specimens. He delights listeners with insights on fungal respiration, explaining how fungi absorb oxygen through mycelium. Lee reveals the fascinating world of zombie fungi that manipulate insects, and discusses the vast number of undiscovered species waiting to be found. Plus, he offers tips on collecting and identifying fungi, sparking curiosity for budding mycologists!

Robin Grant, a senior lecturer in comparative animal behavior and physiology, takes us on a whisker-filled journey. She reveals how seals rely on their sensitive whiskers for underwater navigation, relying on touch when vision is limited. With adorable anecdotes about training seals like Moe, Robin shares how these animals 'count' whisker contacts to gauge size. Additionally, she discusses the evolutionary loss of human whiskers while retaining the facial muscles that control them. Dive in to learn about the fascinating science behind whiskers!

We’re wrapping up 2025 with a final Mailbag episode, featuring some of our longest-running Patrons! Did you know, when you sign up to support Tumble on Patreon, you’ll get a personalized message from Marshall? And if you’ve been supporting us for years, we might just call you up to chat! We’ll meet our mysterious patron, MiloSloth and his family, and learn why they love to support the show.  Plus, why is the English language so weird? Who made PB & J a combo? And do all cats hate getting wet? We have the answers. If you want to join Milo and support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and pledge at whatever level you want! $1 or more gets you ad-free versions of the show, and $5 and up gets you a birthday shout out! Also don't forget about gift subscriptions, which make great last-minute holiday gifts! Want Tumble merch? Just go to tumblepodcast.dashery.com for t-shirts, mugs, hats, tote bags, and so much more.

Charley Wu, a cognitive scientist, dives into the fascinating intersection of video games and learning. He discusses how he crafted a Minecraft experiment to explore human learning behaviors, leveraging the game's engaging nature to collect insightful data. Listeners will discover how players demonstrate social learning by observing others for rewards. Plus, Charley shares advice for kids on embracing diverse experiences to become flexible learners. It's a captivating journey from gaming to cognitive science!

Join zoologist Dani Rabiotti, co-author of "Believe It or Snot," as she unravels the sticky secrets of mucus! Discover why humans and animals produce snot, and how it keeps our airways healthy. Dani explains the thickening of mucus during colds and the surprising safety of eating boogers. Meet the slimiest creatures, from parrotfish with mucus cocoons to hagfish that use slime as a defense. Learn why scientists study these gooey substances and their potential in eco-friendly innovations!