Curiosity Weekly

Volcanic Violence, a Salt & Battery, Crustacean Conspiracy

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, you’ll learn about a massively mysterious volcanic explosion that literally sent shockwaves around the world, how salty batteries are set to ...

16 Psyche, Xenotransplantation, Ocean Waves Become a Rave

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, you’ll learn about a metallic object in space that might be worth seven hundred quintillion dollars, how genetically engineered pig hearts co...

Introducing: Curiosity Daily

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The award-winning Curiosity Daily podcast from CuriosityDaily.com will help you get smarter about the world around you — every day. In less than 10 ...

From the Archives: Where Does Mold Come From?

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 4/3/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about the shocking prevalence of torture scenes in movies; why durian, the...

From the Archives: The Academic Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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From the Archives: Where Dogs Get Their Personalities

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 10/4/2019. New episodes coming soon. Learn about how dogs’ personalities are rooted in their DNA; one skill that d...

From the Archives: Why You Yawn During Exercise

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 2/28/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about how quitting smoking may reawaken healthy cells; how researchers fi...

From the Archives: A Brain-Training Task to Reduce Motion Sickness

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 11/5/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about a simple brain-training task that may reduce motion sickness, what ...

From the Archives: Do People Think in Words or Pictures?

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 2/21/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about whether people think in words or in pictures; why brussels sprouts ...

From the Archives: The 13 Emotions Music Evokes

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 2/4/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about the 13 categories of emotions that music makes you feel; how scienti...

From the Archives: Earth Is Greener Than Before

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 1/24/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about how AI and Twitter could help you find the perfect job, and how the...

From the Archives: Is Cell Phone Radiation Dangerous?

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 11/22/2019. New episodes coming soon. Learn about how human goals fall into 4 categories; why NASA’s Planetary Pro...

From the Archives: Pi Almost Legally Changed to 3.2

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 3/13/2020. New episodes coming soon. Learn about how speed listening to podcasts (or "podfasting") affects our emoti...

From the Archives: Busting the "Only Child" Stereotype

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 11/26/2019. New episodes coming soon. Learn about a new study that busts the myth of the self-centered only child; w...

From the Archives: Fart Humor History

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on 9/13/2019. New episodes coming soon. Learn about why scientists measured how hard babies kick in the womb; the diffe...

Praising Competitors, Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe, Rock Paper Scissors History

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about praising competitors; star stuff and gravity assists with the hosts of Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe; and the strange history rock...

“Like Riding a Bike,” Paradoxes, That Fresh Rain Smell

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the special way riding a bike is stored in your memory; the crocodile paradox; and the smell of fresh rain.The stories in this episode ori...

Glow-in-the-Dark Cities, Feeling Holes, Max Volume on Earth

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about glow-in-the-dark cities; why holes feel larger with a tongue than a finger; and the maximum volume on Earth.Maybe we can save the planet b...

Remembering Gifts, Animal Diets, Amazon-Sahara Connection

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why helping others feels like helping ourselves, how wild animals eat healthy, and how the Sahara feeds the Amazon.We're less likely to remember...

The Medicinal Power of Plants, World Record Internet Speed

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how plants could help us solve the superbug crisis; and how engineers set a world record for internet speed.More from leading medical ethn...

Butterfly Effect, How to Cry at Work, Eggcorns in Language

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the butterfly effect; why language mistakes called “eggcorns” still make sense; and tips for crying at work.The stories in this episod...

How Science Works (w/ Bill Nye), Noise-Canceling Lungs, Stomach Growls

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bill Nye explains why science isn’t just a body of knowledge — it’s a process. Plus: frogs with noise-canceling lungs and why your stomach growl...

Tool Use and Language in the Brain, Why Black Holes Get Bigger

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how tool use and language work in the brain; and why black holes get bigger due to the expansion of the universe.Tool use and language ability g...

Back Pain in Space, Cats’ Mental Maps, Diamond Davemaoite

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about back pain from space; how cats track their owners; and what davemaoite tells us about Earth’s lower mantle.Space travel causes back pain...

Opposites Don’t Attract, Liking What’s Nearby, Last Name History

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why opposites don’t really attract; the “propinquity effect”; and when and why we started using last names.Opposites Don’t Attract...

Puppy Anxiety Fixes and Avoiding “Back Burner” Relationships

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Courtney Campbell explains how to treat your puppy’s anxiety. Plus: why “back burner” relationships are unhealthy. More from The Happy Pupp...

Mimetic Desires, Testing Witness Memories, Fermilab’s Ferret

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why you want things just because others do too; a way to reduce wrongful convictions; and Fermilab’s ferret."Mimetic desires" are things...

Your Romantic Relationships Are All Similar, Oldest Material on Earth, Why Cuttlefish Wore 3-D Glasses

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why your romantic relationships are similar; the oldest material on Earth; and cuttlefish with 3-D glasses.Why Your Next Relationship Will...

Giant Cheese Race, “Morning You,” Consciousness-Altering Eye Contact

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about a race against a wheel of cheese; your personality throughout the day; and effects of extensive eye contact.The stories in this episode or...

Talking to Whales, Pedestrian Patterns, Women’s Competitiveness

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how AI may learn to talk to whales; why pedestrians don’t follow the shortest route; and competitiveness in women.Researchers are using AI to ...

Virtual Gathering Tips, Bilingual Pain, Largest Waterfalls

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about tips for hosting fantastic virtual gatherings; how language affects pain; and the world’s largest waterfalls.Additional resources from P...

A Lost Roman Sauce, Earlier Puberty, Elephants Getting Tusks Back

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about a mysterious ancient Roman sauce; puberty happening earlier; and how elephants are getting their tusks back.Garum, an ancient Roman sauce,...

Bombing Volcanoes, Gold from Neutron Stars, Mind Wandering

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why the US military bombed a volcano; where heavy elements in the universe come from; and why your mind wanders. Why the U.S. Government Bombed...

Brain Freeze, Neural Networks, Spaced Repetition for Memory

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about brain freeze fixes; neural networks beyond our understanding; and learning new skills with spaced repetition.The stories in this episode o...

Turn Anxiety into Productivity and Grapefruit Juice vs. Meds

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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:P...

Pre-Performance Routines, Panda Camouflage, Baby Sign Language

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about pre-performance routines; how panda fur works as camouflage; and how babies are enriched from sign language.A pre-performance routine make...

Why You Should Reveal Your Failures, WASP-12b, Tulip Mania

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why successful people should reveal their failures; the death of planet WASP-12b; and Dutch “tulip mania.”A Reason to Reveal Your Fail...

Linguistic Laws in Nature and Fatherless Condor Chicks from Parthenogenesis

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about linguistic “laws” that also show up in nature; and how two California condors were born without fathers.Linguistic "laws" like Zipf’...

Exercising for Body Image, Ideal Deadlines, Longer Days from Climate Change

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Quitting Smoking, Over-Practicing, Bill Nye on Believing Science

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

David Copperfield’s Magic on the Moon, Fish and Whale Tails, a Giant Magnetic Tunnel

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about where to find David Copperfield’s secrets; a magnetic tunnel surrounding the Earth; and marine mammal tails.More from David Copperfield:...

David Copperfield Talks Technology and Magic History

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

World-famous magician David Copperfield explains the surprising connection between magic and technology. Plus: learn about how ducklings get a speed b...

Christmas Music Psychology, Most Influential Films, Mistletoe Science

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why Christmas music sounds like Christmas; the most influential films ever; and the truth behind mistletoe.The stories in this episode ori...

Future GMO Foods, The Thought Gap, How Your Brain Knows You’re Uncomfortable

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why researchers are developing new GMO foods like golden rice; why you underestimate how often others are thinking about you; and how your...

Introducing: Dogs 101

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From Animal Planet comes a new podcast, Dogs 101, where you'll get a rundown of all your favorite dog breeds. Check out the first episode, "Puppies" h...

GMO Food Science 101 and How to Hear Someone in a Noisy Room

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about GMOs with help from Dr. Patrick Cournoyer of the FDA. Plus: a trick for hearing someone in a noisy room.FDA's Feed Your Mind website: http...

Why You Get Carsick, Climate-Saving Whales, Jupiter’s Rings

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how saving the whales could help combat climate change; Jupiter’s rings; and why reading makes you carsick. Plus: a major announcement a...

Cartoony Robots, Naloxone Myths, Why Dishwashers Dull Knives

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why robots should look like cartoons; why more access to an opioid antidote doesn't make people think heroin is safe; and why dishwashers make k...

Irrational Fear of Robots; Mozart’s Epilepsy-Reducing Sonata

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Robotics researcher Ruth Aylett explains why some people fear robots. Plus: how a sonata can reduce epilepsy seizures.More from Ruth Aylett, professor...

Why Limits Make You Lash Out, Cash vs Cards, Odds of Dying

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why you act irrationally when your freedom is threatened; why you spend more with your credit card than you do when you use cash; and how statis...

Medical Value of Mystical Experiences and the Neutron’s Lifetime

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why scientists study “mystical experiences” in psychedelics; and precisely measuring a neutron’s lifetime.Mystical experiences might...

Heat Through Your Head, Red Blood Cell Immunity, Venus Oceans

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about whether you lose more heat through your head; red blood cells in immunity; and Venus’ non-existent oceans.You Don’t Lose The Most Heat...

#NoMakeup Fail, Photosynthetic Frogs, Why Atoms Don’t Collapse

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why the #NoMakeup movement actually drove more makeup sales; photosynthetic frogs; and why atoms don’t collapse.The #nomakeup movement is link...

Mars’ Jezero Crater Was a Lake and AR to Cure Fear of Spiders

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn what the Perseverance Rover taught us about Mars’ Jezero Crater; and new exposure therapy using augmented reality.The Perseverance Rover confi...

Drinking to Cope, Human Brains Shrank, High Heels History

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why having a “drink to cope” doesn’t work; why human brains shrunk 3,000 years ago; and high heel history.Having a "drink to cope" d...

Does Truth Serum Really Work? and Geology from Indigenous Myth

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about an island “geomyth” that helped researchers solve an ancient mystery; and whether truth serum really works.An indigenous "geomyth" hel...

Socializing Too Much, Rogue Planets, Ancient Persian AC

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how socializing too much can be bad for your health; rogue planets without a home star; and ancient bâdgirs.Socializing too much can be b...

Hostile Holiday Shopping, Why Cats Love Boxes, Beethoven’s 10th

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about psychological ownership; why cats love boxes; and how researchers—and AI—finished Beethoven’s 10th symphony."Psychological ownership...

Sports Fans’ Brains, Hunger After Overeating, the IKEA Effect

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how rival sports fans see games differently; waking up hungry after overeating; and “some assembly required.”Today’s stories origina...

Family Meal Peacekeeping, Food Coma Science, Etiquette Tips

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how to avoid conflict at family meals; what causes food comas; and how to be a great host or guest.Today’s stories originally ran in the...

A New Stonehenge Discovery and Why Females Feel Colder

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about a mysterious new archaeological discovery around Stonehenge; and why females feel colder in many species.More from world-renowned Stonehen...

Psychedelic Therapy History, Cold Showers, Only Child Myth

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about psychedelics research in the 1950s; cold shower benefits; and an inaccurate stereotype about the only child.Thousands of patients were tre...

Birthday Effect, Psychological Richness, Star or Satellite?

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the link between birthdays and COVID-19; “psychological richness” for a good life; and satellites vs. stars.More from Dr. Bapu Jena:Li...

Left Digit Bias w/ Dr. Bapu Jena and Bird-Catching Neanderthals

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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:L...

How to Clean Your Teeth, 52 Blue, Best Way to Argue with a Partner

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

Magic Mushroom Evolution and When Kids Gain Theory of Mind

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why magic mushrooms evolved to be “magic” and new research into when children develop “theory of mind.”Magic mushrooms evolved to ...

Circumtriple Planets, Deep Convos with Strangers, Thomassons in Architecture

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about a planet orbiting three stars at once; useless architectural relics; and deep conversations with strangers.We found a planet orbiting thre...

Changing Someone’s Identity, Mushballs on Uranus and Neptune, Curiosity Challenge

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how someone can change their identity (and their mind); and “mushballs” on Uranus and Neptune. Plus: trivia!More from Lee McIntyre:Pic...

How to Talk to a Science Denier and Raining Sulfur in Sodom

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 McInty...

Finding Dark Energy, Coelacanth Revival, Words of Persuasion

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Why Asthma Gets Worse at Night, Earth’s Largest Living Thing

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

Smallest Flying Tech, Myers-Briggs Myth, Brazil Nut Effect

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the smallest flying structure ever made; Myers-Briggs’ big problem; and why the biggest nuts end up on top.Flying microstructure the siz...

Adjusting to Time Changes, Saving Jungles, Spiky Ice Cubes

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Jungles’ Impact on Climate Change and a Music-Epidemic Link

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the link between music download trends and epidemics; and how losing jungles contributes to climate change.Music download patterns found t...

Specialness Spirals and How Much You Will (and Have) Changed (1000th Episode!)

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about saving something for an occasion that never comes; and how much you’ve changed in the past vs. the future. Plus: Cody and Ashley celebra...

mRNA Vaccines Are Decades Old and Why White Animal Bellies?

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why mRNA vaccines are older than you think; and the scientific theories about why animals have white bellies.mRNA vaccines are older than ...

Crowds Fix Fake News, Choking Under Pressure, Punching Robot Shrimp

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about crowdsourced fact checking; why humans and monkeys choke under pressure; and a mantis shrimp punching robot.Join Cody and Ashley for a spe...

New Twist on Merlin, Giraffe Hearts, What Carbon Neutral Means

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about “carbon neutral” policies; a new twist on the legend of Merlin; and the giraffe’s bizarre circulatory system.You’re invited to joi...

Leeches in Medicine, Potty Training Cows, the Math of Eggs

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the medical history of using leeches; potty training cows to help the environment; and the math behind eggs.More from zoologist Bill Schut...

Fidget-Hating Misokinesia, Blood Fainting, Infrasound Ghosts

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about misokinesia, an intense hatred of movements; why fear of blood makes you faint; and why your “ghost problem” might be caused by infras...

Synced Heartbeats During Stories, Vampire Bats’ Social Meals

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how people synchronize their heart rates when listening to a story; and vampire bats meeting up for meals.You’re invited to join Cody Go...

Early Warning Birds, Ancient Fairy Tales, Breaks vs. Sprains

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how birds could help us predict natural disasters; fairy tales’ old origins; and how breaks and sprains heal.Kivi Kuaka: how birds could...

Art in Space, Screen Time in Lockdown, Mold vs. Chemicals

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the Space for Art Foundation; how screen time helped kids in lockdown; and mold vs. cleaning product safety.More from NASA astronaut Nicol...

How Space Changed NASA Astronaut Nicole Stott’s Perspective; Plus, Whistled Languages

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn what NASA astronaut Nicole Stott learned from her time in outer space. Plus: whistled languages around the world.More from retired NASA astronau...

A Historic Friendship, Pumpkin Care, Declaring Sovereignty

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle’s amity; how to keep a jack-o’-lantern fresh; and declaring sovereignty.The stories in this episo...

Animals Shapeshifting to Stay Cool, Albert Einstein’s Brain

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how animals are “shapeshifting” in response to a warming climate; and the story of Albert Einstein’s brain.Animals are "shapeshiftin...

Your Extra Artery, Emotional Hangovers, LEDs Are Bad for Bugs

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why more humans are growing an extra artery; emotional hangovers; and the drawbacks of energy-efficient LED streetlamps.More humans are growing ...

Overfeeding Dogs, Suffrajitsu, and Does Wind Affect Sound?

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to avoid overfeeding your dog; whether wind affects sound; and how Suffrajitsu helped women win the right to vote.Please vote for Curiosity ...

Protecting Pets from Home Chemicals and How Resilience Works

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to protect your pets from the chemicals in your home; and why resilience is a process, not a fixed trait.More from Rodney Habib and Dr. Kare...

Bacterial Electric Grid, Females Fight Back, Why Tea Leaves Sink

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about a bacterial electric grid; traits females have evolved to avoid harassment; and why tea leaves sink.There's a bacterial electric grid bene...

Muscles Remember Training and a Black Hole Made a Star Explode

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how quickly previously trained muscles bounce back after inactivity; and how a black hole made a star explode.Previously trained muscles bounce ...

School Should Start Later, Daydreaming Perks, Hycean Planets

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why high school starts too early; why daydreaming might be a good sign; and finding life on Hycean planets.High school starts too early in...

Simple Wildlife Solutions, Sunlight’s Sexy Hormones, Trivia

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about simple solutions for resolving human-wildlife conflict; and how exposure to sunlight can increase romance. Plus: Trivia!More from “Ameri...

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Believing Leisure Is a Waste of Time

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the science of human-wildlife conflicts; and what you risk by believing that leisure is a waste of time.More from “America’s funniest ...

Pills Can Detect Radiation, Metabolism Myth, Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how our metabolism changes; waking up on the wrong side of the bed; and painkillers as radiation dosimeters.The metabolism changes much mo...

“Mini Brains” That Grew Eyes and How the FDA Saved Babies

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about stem cell “mini brains” that grew eyes and how the FDA prevented an epidemic of birth defects in the 1960s.Scientists grew stem cell '...

Psychology of Online Trolls, Rattlesnake Illusions, Blazars

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about what online trolls are like in real life; an auditory illusion rattlesnakes use to trick humans; and blazars.Online trolling might be due ...

Blowhole Origins, Weather Manipulation, How to Slow Aging

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how brushing your teeth can slow aging; how blowholes start as noses; and how humans manipulate the weather.Additional resources from Andr...

Could Science Stop Aging? And the Milky Way’s “Broken Arm”

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about how research into senescent cells and senolytic drugs could change aging. Plus: the Milky Way’s broken arm.Additional resources from And...

Future You Is a Stranger, Babylonian Trig, Reversed Organs

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about why it’s hard to save money for our future; how Babylonians knew the Pythagorean theorem; and situs inversus.It's hard to save money bec...