Science unscripted

There's almost no way to make us like AI art. Why?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new study tried just about everything to get people to have a more positive reaction to AI poetry and prose. It failed. Almost always. And it's wort...

Deepfake nudes & why men make them

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lust? Humiliation? Control? If you think you know why men and boys make fake AI nudes of women and girls... first-of-its-kind research suggests a moti...

When do you think the world will end?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A shockingly high number of people believe a global calamity will happen in their lifetime. Are you one of them?

The war on phone blasting

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A viral TikTok of a woman kicked off a plane is a good time to talk about how to (productively) confront loud people.

Why do I get goosebumps when I listen to music?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some of us get chills from music, movies or art. And others... never do. Why is that?

Wait — who's friendzoning who here?!

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's usually guys who complain about being 'friendzoned.' But new research says it definitely happens to women, too — sometimes.

How different are the brains of boys and girls?

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new study shows a sex difference in the early growth of the human brain. Does it matter?

When a pet’s death really hurts

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The loss of a pet can affect you more than losing a loved one, a new study shows. With one exception.

Why do humans have (relatively) large penises?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Compared to chimps or gorillas, human males are unusually well endowed. A new study suggests it's partly because men 'size each other up' before a fig...

How casual hookups are good (and healthy) for singles

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You really do benefit from 'friends with benefits,' a new study suggests. Also, a forgotten birthday can tank employee morale and a look at how the Au...

The anomie within

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When it feels like society's breaking down right before your eyes, it's called anomie. And it can lead to an even a darker place.

Do you think animals can think?

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's an interesting question. Even more intriguing is why you believe what you do — and whether you live near a city.

Neanderthals chose to eat each other?

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cannibalism happened among the Neanderthals. That much we knew. Now, a paleoanthropological discovery has possibly uncovered an ugly truth about our d...

Happy New Year!

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to everybody who listened during this year. Most of all, thank you to those who wrote to us and — in the process — became part of our show.

Imagine your way to better friendships...?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to like someone more? It just takes eight seconds. Also, mice that smelled bacon... had more obese children?

Who do you give to? (And who do you not?)

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

$1,000 is put in your hand. With one condition: You have to donate it. What do you do next?

The Batman effect

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A pregnant woman enters a tram. Nearly 40% of the time, she's offered a seat. Unless someone else enters. Dressed as batman.

Does the world feel... off to you?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you feel overwhelmed... and you don't know why... new research suggests you may be experiencing something called 'mismatch.'

Mountain gorilla menopause & why raccoons are the next dogs

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're on our way to having a new housepet, a study suggests. Also, mountain gorillas join humans as part of the (exclusive) 'grandmother hypothesis.'

Gen Z can't sleep (but at least they're not out committing crimes)

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An alarming number of young people are using two very unhelpful drugs to help them sleep. Also, what's behind the sharp decline in youth crime?

When people talk about 'dehumanization,' listen

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dehumanizing a group of people is step 4 on the 10-step path to genocide. We should pay attention when politically powerful people start saying it.

Can you tell the difference?

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is a hair-loss product causing men (primarily) to become depressed and suicidal? Also, can you pass our AI voice test?

Women have more to lose when healthcare gets cut

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Women will die at disproportionately higher rates as the US rolls back access to public insurance programs (like medicaid). Also, AI tools like ChatGP...

Why do men die earlier?

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Five years. That's the (significant) difference between male/female life expectancies in human beings. If we'd like to change that (and shouldn't we t...

Keeping score (or how to doom a relationship)

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're keeping a mental list of what your partner 'owes' you, a new study suggests... maybe don't?

Does getting married make your life more satisfying?

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s Science unscripted, a quantitative and qualitative glimpse into how harmful politics can be for relationships, a glimpse into the fut...

Huntington's disease: Curing the incurable?

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Science unscripted this week, we dissect the latest research on political violence. Also, we look into what scientists are calling a breakthrough f...

Rate my professor? No thanks.

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Think you're getting a fair review of a teacher from a rating site? Think again. Also, two studies shed light on who wakes up more when a baby cries.....

Painkillers, pregnancy & autism — what the research says

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A metastudy on pregnant women taking the painkiller acetaminophen is at odds with the leaked 'autism report' commissioned by US Health Secretary RFK J...

Have you lived a good life?

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you read enough obituaries, you might unearth what people (and society) find important about existence. What do you want yours to say?

Could a spray 'end all viruses' in humans?

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If a coworker coughs or your partner pukes... you know you're gonna get sick. Unless an antiviral does the same thing to humans that it did to mice (a...

What can you tell from a piece of poo?

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're back! (And a bit jetlagged.) Join us as we discuss a foul smell at Frankfurt airport and a potentially false "report" about a president's bathro...

Cool people have six things in common. Do you share them?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A large-scale, global study has determined the characteristics that make people cool. Be warned: Trying to be cool is not one of them.

WE'RE ON VACATION!

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Science unscripted will go quiet for a few weeks as Gabe & Conor — and hopefully you as well — enjoy the summer holidays. If you have an insig...

Pay attention to Peter Thiel's narrative

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When an influential right-wing thinker tells a story of human history, 'stagnation' and the 'Antichrist'.. question his premise and maybe consult a na...

How long do you want to live?

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you could take two pills (once a week) and live 30% longer, would you? Because a study on mice using drugs approved for humans suggests you may hav...

Is your life meaningful?

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The answer might be no. But if you say yes ... then what exactly are you picturing when you say yes?

This one's for the short kings

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever want to be taller? That might mean you're more competitive (and jealous). Also, if someone asked you which animal is the most abundant on earth.....

Is this pseudo-profound bull****?

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever been a victim of 'pseudo-profound bull***'? A new study hints at why. Also, why you probably shouldn't be putting tape over your mouth, and a loo...

Yes, men find female breasts attractive. But why?

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Science unscripted, what event(s) led to racoons setting foot in Germany? Why do our fingers prune up after a long bath? And a study cond...

Cuddle much (in bed)?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The way you and your partner fall asleep says a lot about what's going on in your life. Also, a surprising new study suggests being healthy (heart-wis...

Want to quit smoking or vaping? Play chess & run hard.

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you're trying to quit an addiction... what happens in that moment or two just before you fail? Researchers in Germany are trying to solve that. G...

Be happier! (Play music!)

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Doesn't matter how old you are — learning a new instrument (or trying) has all sorts of side benefits. Also, it's about time we understand the 'most...

How much sex makes you happiest?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sex is good for your mental and physical health — and now scientists know how much makes you happiest. Also, how many relationships are sexless... b...

You already have a 'moral compass' (with or without a pope)

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the day you were born, you already had the framework of your own personal morality inside you. And we know that because of a study on young childre...

Are you a liar?

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Music can be really bad for you if it's forced on you (at work). Also, which people believe false headlines — and a study to help you spot a liar.

What causes a scientist to actually pack up and leave?

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A “climate of fear” has taken hold as US researchers face budget cuts, mass layoffs and free-speech restrictions. Are they actually leaving, thoug...

A case of bullying

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A DW investigative report, together with Der Spiegel, looks into troubling allegations of workplace misconduct at Germany's Max Planck Society. Also, ...

Borders & break-ups

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The case of a French researcher denied US entry creates a jarring new crack between European scientists and their US peers. Also, if you're feeling lo...

Why don't I like my audiobook?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research from Germany hints at what audiobooks of the future will sound like. Also, 'woolly mice' get blown out of proportion — and why you shou...

Why's that fish looking at me?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An experiment off the coast of Corsica suggests fish can recognize specific people (sometimes). Also, put a dot in front a zebrafish and, amazingly, y...

What exactly is 'the ick'?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new study has categorized the (wildly different) stuff that makes men and women get instantly and permanently disgusted by a romantic partner. And i...

Eggs, AI & how to get people to have babies

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are birth rates falling? And do they ever go back up? Also, a study on eggs — and an email about two horses peeing.

Should I give up on climate change?

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement... and its president chanting "Drill, baby, drill!"... it is absolutely fair to ask if your own persona...

Is news bad for me? Science has an answer.

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump, pandemic, war... more Trump. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news (or feeling burned out) — you may be consuming it wrong.

The end of social media fact checking?

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X — across platforms, fact checkers are being fired and replaced with... well, promises that regular people can do the...

Bird flu 2025 - Spread, symptoms, risk

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The words 'next pandemic' are being thrown around by more and more experts watching the spread of avian influenza in North America. Why?

Crime & punishment in a "dangerous" world

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just how dangerous do you think the world is? Because that changes how you'd punish a violent criminal (if you're a woman). Also, if you're frustrated...

What is FOMO? (And how do I get rid of it?)

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You know that stab of anxious envy when you see people having a good time (without you)? You can get rid of that. Also, Gabe and Conor are back — wi...

Science unscripted: Is another pandemic brewing? The current bird flu situation

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nations are buying H5N1 bird flu vaccines amid the spread of the virus among livestock in the US. At least two children in North America have contract...

How your brain understands other people (sometimes WRONG!)

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some people seem very good at guessing what you're thinking. And some of us might find that we think very deeply about what people are thinking or fee...

A poo test for discrimination?

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Being discriminated against — due to your ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, age or anything else — is harmful and wrong. A new study shows i...

A gossiper's friend & how to think about drinking

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Women drink less... if you ask them to visualize alcohol? Also, the yucky trick gossipers use to make you think they're kind — and why iron in red m...

Why are people getting skinnier?

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Data from the US suggests we may have passed the point of 'peak obesity.' Have we? Also, spray testosterone in men's noses... and they'll emotionally ...

Don't text & drive (especially during a full moon)

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Quiz time: How could a full moon make roads more dangerous? (Email [email protected] with your guess before you listen.) Also, teens (like all of us) use thei...

Can we hit ‘pause’ on a human embryo?

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists in Berlin have shown you can stop the development of an embryo-like model - *NO HUMAN EMBYROS WERE USED IN THE EXPERIMENT* - and keep it al...

This is what a fake podcast sounds like

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If a show made by AI sounds as good as one made by humans... what happens next?

Want the job? Post a 'Duchenne' smile

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fake smiles aren't just bad for Instagram. They're bad for your reputation. That's the implication of a new study — with clear consequences for Link...

Assert yourself (especially if your partner drinks)

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alcohol? Bad for us. But a fascinating new study looks at what happens to the person who's watching the drinking happen. Also, college kids in Egypt s...

Cat-eating conspiracies & a heartless bot to stop them

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off the birth of a brand-new conspiracy, researchers have unveiled a 'soulless' new tool to stop us from becoming victims of half-truths and ful...

Weekly roundup — Waves in the dark

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An email from a miner, scary sounds in outer space, and a powerful magnet aimed at 50 human heads.

A dyslexia breakthrough

07 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the help of a powerful MRI, researchers in Germany have discovered where dyslexia appears to happen deep inside the human brain (in males). The p...

When you look in the mirror, does your face match your name?

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new study suggests your appearance 'drifts' as you age — toward the name you were given at birth.

Weekly roundup — My phone can smell things?

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever take out your phone to identify a song that's playing near you? Pretty soon, you'll be able to do the same with smells. Also, fruit flies may hav...

Unhoused people & what police should(n't) do about it

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You've lost your job, lost your home and go to sleep surrounded by strangers. You're scared. But what is it, exactly, you're scared of?

Are you symbiosexual?

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Demisexual, graysexual, pomosexual — it's hard to keep track of the (expanding) list of human sexualities. The Harvard Pleasure study just added ano...

Weekly roundup — Together again

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a long, chaotic and somewhat dangerous summer for the hosts of Science unscripted. It's time to catch up on that — and on the beautiful em...

What is 'benevolent' sexism?

24 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All sexism is bad. But the kind you're probably most familiar with is called 'hostile' in science literature. So what is 'benevolent' sexism? And how'...

Will mpox become the next pandemic?

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As mpox spreads to Europe and Asia — and the WHO declares a public health emergency — a leading German virologist explains what we know (and don't...

Weekly roundup — Oceans on Mars?

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The discovery of gigantic resevoirs of water deep under the surface of Mars has implications for whether life was — or might be — possible on our ...

TikTok, misinformation, and the female pelvic floor

17 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it that content with the least credible information is often the most viewed and shared on social media?

Human Hobbits really existed?

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the help of an astute Australian reporter (who incidentally has joined the DW Science team), let's travel back in time to an Indonesian island an...

Why do boys give better directions than girls?

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Give kids a map, and the boys will outperform the girls in giving accurate directions — that's according to a new study on children aged 3-10. Is it...

Gabe & Conor got burgled (true crime episode)

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When both hosts of Science unscripted see their homes burglarized within a span of weeks, they get help from a detective named Roland and come to a gu...

Weekly roundup — 20 billion clicks?

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With YouTube's commentary, who needs emails? Also, a new German study hits the rewind button on our promiscuity reporting.

Depressed after moving? You're not alone.

27 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Moving into a new apartment or house is pretty exciting. It's also associated with depression — especially if it happens at a certain age. Why?

Sexual double standards & better sleep

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Women, not men, are viewed more favorably if they've had a few recent sexual partners... even if a German study appears to suggest the opposite. Also,...

Young Germans are happier to be single (nowadays)

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Are you okay with being single?" If you were to pose that question to a young German, you would get a different answer these days compared to 10 year...

Weekly roundup — Things just won't stop changing

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's show, we learn the first thing young people should do when they're struggling. Also, why exactly do our eyes get worse as we get older?...

Can you sing? And if so, does it have anything to do with lemurs?

06 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Headlines implying human singing came from Madagascar... just aren't true. But lemurs are worth listening to.

Why do people ghost each other?

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had someone just... vanish out of your life? Or maybe you did it to them? A new study shows why people 'ghost' — and who actually suffers most ...

Weekly roundup — A cure for lower back pain (that might injure your legs)

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The number one cause of disabiliity worldwide is lower back pain. Great news, then, that a rigorous study says we can halve its recurrence by... walki...

Losing your job is worse for your health if you live in a different country

29 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it that migrants get physically unhealthier when they lose their jobs (compared to locals)? And can anything be done to stop it?

Granola poop & a deserving victim

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sadly, one of our recent episodes caused a listener to go outside and cover her jacket in human feces. Also, if you're trying to raise money for a goo...

Weekly roundup — Hold the door & filter your phone

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does it make YOU happier to do a random act of kindness? Also, how to stop a smartphone from messing with your sleep, and a milkshake fathers can make...

Your body might not survive a trip to Mars

22 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why would our kidneys (possibly) fail when we're inside a spacecraft? And why do women's bodies do better in space than men's?

Where should you look during a video call?

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Got an interview coming up? A study out of Japan has potentially life-changing advice for where to focus your gaze. Also, Gabe's back — and is recov...

'Hunger games' in the jungles of Panama

15 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does having a big brain make you better at finding food? It's a difficult question to answer ethically. Unless you have access to an island.

The vending machine experiment (or why you don't live in a tree)

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a dream you see a vending machine. Instead of coins or cash, it has a square-shaped hole. That's it. No instructions. No one who walks past can exp...

What to do when your hair falls out

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hormonal therapies? Hair transplant? Or just go bald? When a genetic test shows a Science unscripted host is bound to lose his hair, it leads to a sho...