Do you really know?

[RERUN] What is instant-runoff voting?

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Also known as the alternative vote, instant runoff voting is an election method in which voters rank candidates by order of preference. It’s not mas...

Why do I get vertigo?

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You’re standing or sitting perfectly still, but yet you feel like everything is spinning around you, as if you were on a theme park ride. You’ve b...

How can I sleep well with a blocked nose?

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not uncommon for rhinoviruses to resurface during the spring and autumn seasons. They’re the main cause of the common cold. At the same time,...

[RERUN] What is Lego?

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Danish toy brand Lego may be celebrating its 91th anniversary in 2023, but it’s showing no signs of slowing down! An average of 31 billion brick...

What's really in vegan meat substitutes?

11 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Despite the rising popularity of vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, many people still love the taste and texture of meat, or simply can’t kick the habi...

How will the High Seas Treaty protect the oceans?

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On 4th March 2023, UN member states agreed a historic treaty that had been over fifteen years in the making. The High Seas Treaty is the first ever tr...

How to make the most out of a rental property?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are lots of advantages to renting rather than buying but one of the pitfalls is you have to live with your landlord's style choices. But just be...

[RERUN] What is a troll farm?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trolls have been around for as long as the internet, but in recent years they've been getting professionalised. Indeed, companies have actually been s...

What is CoreCore, the latest aesthetic taking over Tiktok?

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The suffix “core” is often used to describe a trend or a niche, such as cottagecore, an attraction to meadows, farms, and flower dresses. Disneyco...

Could date stacking really help me find love?

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for love in this day and age can be a time-consuming and draining process. More often than not, it involves downloading one or more dating app...

How can I meditate without meditating?

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Meditation is often sighted as a great way to relax, reduce stress and help us focus, but it can be difficult for lots of people to do in the traditio...

[RERUN] What is International Women’s Day?

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, International Women’s Day falls on March 8th. It’s a global celebration of women’s achievements in economics, culture and politics. ...

What does my urine colour say about my health?

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the course of our lifetime, we around 34,000 litres of urine, according to Business Insider. Urine evacuates the nitrogen-containing waste produ...

Is looking older a bad thing?

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Time and tide waits for no one”, the old saying goes, but it’s fair to say that some people are affected by symptoms of ageing earlier than oth...

[RERUN] What is an IPA?

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

India Pale Ales stand out through their golden to amber colours, distinct bitterness and fruitiness. Why such characteristics? Well, it’s all down t...

What is a Saturn return in astrology?

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Astrology has had a real revival in these last few years, in particular among the younger generations. You may remember we ran an episode on the subje...

How can I avoid putting on weight when giving up smoking?

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of smokers in the UK is estimated at 6.6 million. The proportion has been steadily droppin...

Why are supermarkets limiting the sale of some food?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lidl, following on from Tesco, Aldi, Asda and Morrisons, is the latest supermarket to put a limit on how much fruit and vegetables people can buy. Pep...

[RERUN] What is Jurassic Park?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jurassic World Dominion concludes the storyline which first started out in the original Jurassic Park trilogy, from 1993 onwards. Reviews of the lates...

What is eatertainment, the "next-level" dining experience?

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The term is a bit of a mouthful in more ways than one, but eatertainment has been growing rapidly in recent years. Of course, it’s the contraction o...

Will Facebook and Instagram start charging users?

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rumours about Meta starting to charge for its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram have been circulating for a long time now, and finally it ...

Should vapes have the same restrictions as cigarettes?

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the UK you can only buy vapes or e-cigarettes if you are over 18, but the bright packaging, fruit flavors and affordable prices attracts teenagers ...

[RERUN] What is the Door to Hell?

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At 230 metres in diameter and 100 feet deep, it’s fair to describe the Darvaza Gas crater in Turkmenistan as colossal. This geological marvel is nic...

Why do we get goosebumps?

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The term goose bumps appeared way back in the 17th century, and describes the well-known phenomenon which shows up when we’re cold, scared or simply...

What is Oculus, Russia's new repressive AI tool?

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been just over a year now since Vladimir Putin sent Russian forces in to invade Ukraine. Since then, Russia has also intensified a long-standin...

[RERUN] What is hogging?

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As 2021 draws to close, let’s discuss a word which has become more and more widespread in the United States at the end of the year. This contemptibl...

Why are young people in Berlin being paid to party?

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever really wanted to have a night out, but felt you just couldn’t justify spending all that money? I magine you could hit up your city’s...

Can I prevent hair loss?

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to UK charity The Men’s Health Forum, two thirds of all men are affected by male pattern baldness in their lifetime. That won’t be a sur...

Is using deodorant safe?

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In May 2022 a 14 year old girl, Giorgia Green, died from inhaling deodorant. The teenager, who was on the autistic spectrum, liked to spray deodorant...

[RERUN] Why do we get verrucas?

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Also known as plantar warts, verrucas are usually found on the soles of the feet, but can sometimes be seen between the toes or on the heels too. You ...

What is second child syndrome, the feeling affecting Prince Harry?

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In January 2023, Prince Harry published his memoirs, in the form of an autobiography entitled "Spare". The book led to a lot of controversy, particula...

What are the most addictive foods?

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s pizza, chocolate, ice cream or French fries, you’ve no doubt noticed that your favourite guilty pleasure food just seems to be so add...

Is period underwear really better for the environment?

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Period underwear came out in 2013 but has increased in popularity, largely as they claim to be better for the environment and easy to use. However, ...

[RERUN] Does voluntourism do more harm than good?

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Voluntourism is the practice of volunteering one’s labour to a charitable cause in a developing country, in return for a soul-cleansing, perspective...

What are the best ways to keep warm outdoors?

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of people are reluctant to go out in the cold during the winter season. It's a real shame, as there are many ways in which you can protect yours...

How can I avoid always feeling hungry?

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The feeling of hunger can be difficult to explain sometimes, especially if you feel like you've eaten as much as you usually do. As a result, we often...

How did female body hair become taboo?

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to Healthline.com, the human body has around 5 million hair follicles. Now you might not have guessed, but that figure is around the same fo...

What is phubbing, the annoying habit that can ruin relationships?

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re talking about a new phenomenon that affects social interactions. Phubbing is something we've all likely experienced or done ourselves a...

Is wine in cans better for the environment?

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

First there were screw top wines, then wine in boxes and now the latest alternative is wine in cans.  Although it’s still relatively niche, it's a ...

[RERUN] Why are there so many spin offs in the world of cinema?

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the 3rd of February 2023, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, met w...

What is the Dunning Kruger effect, the phenomenon that causes overconfidence?

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Darwin once wrote that “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge”, and real-life situations which reflect that are ...

Why does time go by faster with age?

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you remember how as a kid, it would always seem like an eternity waiting for Christmas or your birthday to come around? But having reached adulthoo...

Can you improve your relationship by learning your love language?

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Chapman is the author of The Five Love Languages, a book first published in 1992 that outlines how people express and experience love. He argues...

[VALENTINE'S DAY] What is Valentine's Day?

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This annual celebration of love and passion needs no introduction. Among those who partake in Valentine's Day, you’ve got those who go all out every...

Why is going to the cinema so romantic?

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As date night options go, the cinema is a timeless classic which can be both fun and romantic. Even in the age of “Netflix and chill”, there’s a...

What is prowling, yet another toxic dating trend?

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“You’re hot and you’re cold, you're yes then you're no, you're in then you're out, you're up then you're down.”  So goes Katy Perry’s hit s...

[VALENTINE'S DAY] What is Galentine's Day?

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do You Really Know talks about love for Valentine's Day on February 14th! To understand everything about love relationships and current dating methods...

What are the secrets to a long lasting relationship?

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do You Really Know talks about love for Valentine's Day on February 14th! To understand everything about love relationships and current dating methods...

Do aphrodisiacs really work?

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do You Really Know talks about love for Valentine's Day on February 14th! To understand everything about love relationships and current dating methods...

How can I move house stress-free?

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Moving house can be very stressful so here are some tips and advice to make it go as smoothly as possible. Moving house is also a great opportunity t...

[VALENTINE'S DAY] What is sologamy?

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do You Really Know talks about love for Valentine's Day on February 14th! To understand everything about love relationships and current dating methods...

What is Calimero syndrome?

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Calimero is a black chick with a half-broken eggshell on his head. He’s always complaining about something or other, with “But it’s an injustice...

How will our bodies adapt to climate change?

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we enter 2023, we’re desperately looking for ways to combat human-induced climate change. It’s a worthy cause, but it’s clear that some irrev...

What is Lucky Girl syndrome, this new method that is all the rage on Tik Tok?

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You might be familiar with the expression ‘you make your own luck’ or with the idea of thinking positively to create a positive outcome - some peo...

[VALENTINE'S DAY] What is sneating?

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do You Really Know talks about love for Valentine's Day on February 14th! To understand everything about love relationships and current dating methods...

How often should I wash my hair?

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to washing our hair, many of us stick to a specific routine purely out of habit. It’s not uncommon for people to wash their hair with ...

How do I know if I sleepwalk?

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sleepwalking is a disorder that comes on during the deep sleep phase, from one to three hours after falling asleep. Episodes can last from 5 to 30 min...

What is fika, the uplifting daily ritual from Sweden?

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scandi lifestyle trends have been all the rage for a number of years now. Regular listeners may remember we’ve talked about Hygge and lagom on the s...

Why is it so important that the ozone layer heals?

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to news about the environment, it can feel like everything is doom and gloom. But we recently discussed how some people’s climate anxi...

Aquamation : what are the advantages of being buried in water?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Until recently when confronted with arranging a funeral there has been a choice between burial or cremation. However, in parts of the US, Canada and s...

[RERUN] What is fluxus?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are artistic movements which we’ve all heard of at least once, whether it be at school, in a museum or watching a cultural show on TV. But at ...

Why has the Doomsday Clock moved 10 seconds closer to midnight?

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The end is nigh! Well at least it’s getting closer according to experts at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. They’re responsible for maintain...

What is Bloody Sunday, the tragic event behind the U2 song?

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Troubles in Northern Ireland may have been over for 25 years now, but the painful memories are still there for many who lived through the period. ...

Are scented candles and air freshener bad for your health?

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scented candles, air fresheners and even scented cleaning products  are all designed to make your home smell nice, clean and fresh.  But using them ...

[RERUN] What are Yuccies?

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, let’s talk about a term which mixes sociology and lifestyle newspeak. Yuccies is an abbreviation for Young urban creatives.  ...

Am I listening to music too loud?

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s in the street, on public transport or at home, almost all of us use headphones or earphones to listen to music. Now music might bring u...

What is the Ikea effect?

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You’re no doubt familiar with IKEA as the king of flatpack furniture. But you may not be aware that the Swedish company’s name is also associated ...

[RERUN] What is ableism?

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Social science research is becoming more and more fruitful. As a result, an almost endless list of terms are emerging, like 'white privilege' or 'agei...

How can I avoid the side effects of antibiotics?

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Antibiotics are critical to modern medicine, and have saved millions of lives since first being introduced in the mid-20th century. However, there are...

Why does walking through doorways make us forget things?

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever walked into your living room, kitchen or bedroom and completely forgotten what you went there for? It can be pretty annoying, and a litt...

Is your employer tracking you while you work from home?

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the consequences of the pandemic has been the increased interest and possibility for people to work from home. For many it is a great option, b...

Will ChatGPT replace Google?

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The ChatGPT AI chatbot has grabbed a lot of attention since it was released in December 2022. GPT stands for generative Pre-trained transformer, and t...

What is the loverboy method Andrew Tate is accused of using?

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Online influencer and self-confessed misogynist Andrew Tate has now been in prison for over a month, following his arrest in late December on human tr...

Should I buy an electric car?

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Electric cars feel like a great choice for the environment but are they a great choice for you? Here are some tips and advice to help you decide. Des...

[RERUN] What is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to the World Health Organisation, harmful use of alcohol accounts for 3 million deaths each year. Indeed, it’s the third leading cause of ...

Are baths or showers better for our health?

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to getting clean, some people prefer chilling in the bath for a good half an hour or more, while others like how quick and practical it ...

Can this budgeting method help us save better?

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Data published by YouGov in August 2022 showed that as of the previous month, Britons were using a whopping £3.5bn worth of overdrafted funds from th...

[RERUN] What is climate change famine?

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The COP26 summit, which took place earlier this month, revealed that concerns related to climate change are now more pressing than ever. In June 2021,...

Is microwaving food bad for you?

21 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been labelled a “marvel of engineering” and a “miracle of convenience” by Harvard Health Publishing. Data published by Statista in July...

What is climate optimism?

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve talked about eco-anxiety before on Do You Really Know, and it’s real. A survey published in the Lancet in December 2021 found that 75% of yo...

Should I walk 10000 steps a day?

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us are familiar with the idea that you need to take 10 thousand steps per day to stay healthy but getting to this magic number is not that eas...

[RERUN] What is an anocracy?

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s think back to January 6th 2021, when the U.S. Capitol was invaded by radical pro-Trump activists. Of course since then, Donald Trump has left ...

What is a vertiport?

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! Flying vehicles have long been imag...

What is productivity paranoia?

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! Covid-19 restrictions changed work ...

Are my smart devices spying on me?

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Smart devices can be very handy, but increasingly people are worried about exactly how smart they are, what they know and what they are doing with our...

[RERUN] What is Black Lives Matter?

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

January 16th is Martin Luther King Day. In the United States, this is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther ...

What is synthetic fuel?

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! For a number of years now, we’ve ...

What is a frozen conflict?

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! It’s nearly 11 months since Russi...

[RERUN] What is Blue Monday?

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry to end the week with bad news but tomorrow, January 16th, is Blue Monday, often cited as the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday has ex...

What are warming stripes?

14 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been to a climate demonstration in recent times, you may have noticed placards with a series of blue and red coloured stripes. Kind of lik...

Why do we consider Friday 13th unlucky?

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today is Friday 13th, a day often seen as unlucky in Western superstition. Indeed, the tradition has become so ingrained that there’s even an associ...

Why has my sense of smell changed because of Covid?

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the many symptoms of Covid 19 was a loss of the sense of smell It is estimated that about two-thirds of patients experience loss of smell durin...

[RERUN] What is the glass ceiling?

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When talking about diversity and inclusion, the glass ceiling refers to an invisible barrier stopping those in minorities from obtaining upper-level w...

What are nepo babies?

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! In December 2022, New York magazine...

What is menstrual leave?

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! Despite the fact that we’re in 20...

Can a weighted blanket help you get a better night’s sleep?

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A comfy mattress, be it firm or soft, and a good pillow are all essential for a good night’s sleep but increasingly people are also buying weighted ...

[RERUN] What is a Tiny House?

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You may have spotted one in a park, at the edge of the woods, or in a parking lot in the middle of the countryside. Tiny houses on wheels or up on a t...

What is the internet of senses?

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long we're looking at the 10 words that will be on everyone's lips in 2023. If, like us, you're a fan of Netflix series Black Mirror, you’l...

[RERUN] What is the Russian Oil Embargo?

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A European Union embargo against maritime shipments of crude oil from Russia went into effect on the 5th of December 2022, along with a price cap agre...

What is goblin mode?

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All week long we're looking at the 10 words that will be on everyone's lips in 2023. Every year, linguists at Oxford University choose a Word of the Y...