Curiosity Weekly - Discovery

Latest Episodes:

Powerful Polymer, Exoplanet CO2, Adoption Science Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a new polymer that could battle antibiotic resistant infections, a possible new way to detect life on other planets from afar, and what to expect when you’re expecting to adopt a furry friend,

Powerful Polymer

“Texas A&M Team Develops Polymers That Can Kill Bacteria.” by Shana K. Hutchins. 2023.
“The global threat of antibiotic resistance.” ReAct. N.d.
“Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of N-methylpyridinium-fused norbornenes to access antibacterial main-chain cationic polymers.” by Sarah N. Hancock, et al. 2023.

Exoplanet CO2

“A carbon-lite atmosphere could be a sign of water and life on other terrestrial planets, MIT study finds.” by Jennifer Chu. 2023.
“Atmospheric carbon depletion as a tracer of water oceans and biomass on temperate terrestrial exoplanets.” by Amaury H.M.J. Triaud, et al. 2023.
“How do astronomers find exoplanets?” by Daniela Breitman. 2017.

Adoption Science

“What To Expect When You Adopt A Shelter Pet, According To Scientists.” by Holly Large. 2023.
“18 Interesting Pet Adoption Statistics & Facts to Know in 2024.” by Misty Layne. 2024.
“Do Dogs Cry? Signs Your Beloved Pup Might Be Sad.” by Tom Hale. 2023.

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Hearing Aids, Quantum Error Eraser, Smalltalk Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about how hearing aids may help you live longer, a potential breakthrough that could help usher in the age of quantum computing, and the incredible power of simply saying, “Hi”.

Hearing Aids

“Hearing aids may help people live longer.” EurekAlert! 2024.
“Association between hearing aid use and mortality in adults with hearing loss in the USA: a mortality follow-up study of a cross-sectional cohort.” by Janet S. Choi, M.D. et al. 2024.
“The Impact of Hearing Loss and Its Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life Utility: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.” by Ethan D. Borre, et al. 2023.

Quantum Error Eraser

“Quantum computers inch closer to viability with new ‘error eraser’.” by H. Hannan. 2024.
“40 years of quantum computing.” Nature Reviews Physics. 2022.
“Erasure conversion in a high-fidelity Rydberg quantum simulator.” by Pascal Scholl, et al. 2023.

Smalltalk

“New study highlights the psychological power of minimal social interactions.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2023.
“Minimal Social Interactions and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Greeting, Thanking, and Conversing.” by Esra Ascigil, et al. 2023.

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Dreamtalk, Super Melanin, Garter Snakes Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about communicating with sleepers, a possible new miracle cure for skin injuries called super melanin, and the secret social lives of garter snakes.

Dreamtalk

“The study of dreams: Scientists uncover new communication channels with dreamers.” by Basak Turker & Delphine Oudiette. 2024.
“Behavioral and brain responses to verbal stimuli reveal transient periods of cognitive integration of the external world during sleep.” by Basak Turker, et al. 2023.
“Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50years of research.” by David T. Saunders, et al. 2016.
“Lucid Dreaming Verified by Volitional Communication during REM Sleep.” by Stephen P. La Berge, et al. 1981.

Super Melanin

“‘Super melanin’ heals skin injuries from sunburn, chemical burns.” by Marla Paul. 2023.
“Topical application of synthetic melanin promotes tissue repair.” by Dauren Biyashev, et al. 2023.
“Molecules in focus: Melanin.” by P. Riley. 1997.
“Inhibitors of Melanogenesis: An Updated Review.” by Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar, et al. 2018.

Garter Snakes

“Garter snakes make friends, organize their society around females.” by Joseph Howlett. 2023.
“Social networks reveal sex- and age-patterned social structure in Butler’s gartersnakes.” by Morgan Skinner, et al. 2024.

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Origin of Life, Self Control vs Willpower, Puppy Love Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a bacterial discovery that challenges our understanding of how and when life formed on Earth, the importance difference between self control and willpower, and the truth about whether or not your dog really loves you.

Origin of Life

“Scientists Just Made a 1.75 Billion-Year-Old Discovery About the Origin of Life.” by Mirjam Guesgen. 2024.
“The Great Oxygenation Event as a consequence of ecological dynamics modulated by planetary change.” by Jason Olejarz, et al. 2021.
“Microbes and minerals may have set off Earth’s oxygenation.” by Jennifer Chu. 2022.

Self Control vs Willpower

“Most people say self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree.” by Sujata Gupta. 2024.
“Nearly two in five Americans have a New Year’s Resolution planned for 2021.” Ipsos. 2020.
“New Year’s resolution statistics.” finder. 2021.
“What’s inside is all that counts? The contours of everyday thinking about self-control.” by Juan Pablo Bermudez, et al. 2023.

Puppy Love

“Does Your Dog Truly Love You? Science Has the Answer.” by Adam Piore. 2023.
“Machine learning gives glimpse of how a dog’s brain represents what it sees.” ScienceDaily. 2022.
“A glimpse into the dog’s mind: A new study reveals how dogs think of their toys.” by Eotvos Lorand University. 2022.

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B12, Healthy Forests, Ketamine & the Brain Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a supervitamin you might already be taking some good news about the health of the world’s forests, and a new study that mapped ketamine’s effects on the brain.

B12

“Vitamin B12 emerges as key player during cellular reprogramming.” by Alba Vilchez-Acosta. 2023.
“Vitamin B12: A key player in cellular reprogramming and tissue regeneration.” ScienceDaily. 2023.

Healthy Forests

“Twenty-year study confirms California forests are healthier when burned - or thinned.” by Kara Manke. 2023.
“2023 North American Wildfires.” CDP. 2023.
“Forest restoration and fuels reduction work: Different pathways for achieving success in the Sierra Nevada.” by Scott L. Stephens, et al. 2023.

Ketamine & the Brain

“New Study Maps Ketamine’s Effects on Brain.” by Christopher D. Shea. 2023.
“Ketamine.” reviewed by Melisa Puckey. 2023.
“Whole-brain mapping reveals the divergent impact of ketamine on the dopamine system.” by Malika S. Datta, et al. 2023.
“Understanding Ketamine Treatment for Depression.” n.a. 2023.

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Ears & Eyes, Psilocybin & Depression, ADHD & Hoarding Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about how your ears are eavesdropping on your eyes, a bold new study on the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics, and an astonishing new discovery linking hoarding disorder with ADHD.

Ears & Eyes

“Your Eyes Talk to Your Ears. Scientists Know What They’re Saying.” by Dan Vahaba. 2023.
“Research Discovery: Astonishing Connection Between Vision and Hearing.” by Doug Garfield. 2023.
“Parametric information about eye movements is sent to the ears.” by Stephanie N. Lovich, et al. 2023.

Psilocybin & Depression

“Psilocybin induces acute and persisting alterations in immune status in healthy volunteers: An experimental, placebo-controlled study.” by N.L. Mason, et al. 2023.
“Study suggests single dose of psilocybin safe and effective as treatment for major depressive disorder.” by Justin Jackson. 2023.
“Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression.” by Richard E. Daws, et al. 2022.

ADHD & Hoarding

“Strong connection found between ADHD and hoarding disorder.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2023.
“Hoarding disorder.” by Mayo Clinic Staff. 2023.
“Who really hoards? Hoarding symptoms in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls.” by Giacomo Grassi, et al. 2023.

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3D Ink, RSVP No, Old Dogs Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a new ink that can 3D print inside your body using soundwaves, why saying no to invitations isn’t as bad as you might think, and some new drugs that could potentially make your dog live longer.

3D Ink

“Soundwaves Harden 3D-Printed Treatments in Deep Tissues.” by Michaela Martinez. 2023.
“Dental curing light.” Wikipedia.
“Self-enhancing sono-inks enable deep-penetration acoustic volumetric printing.” by Xiao Kuang, et al. 2023.

RSVP No

“Just say no to that invitation.” n.a. 2023.
“Saying No: The Negative Ramifications From Invitation Declines Are Less Severe Than We Think.” By Julian Givi & Colleen P. Kirk. 2023.

Old Dogs

“Could a Drug Give Your Pet More Dog Years?” by Emily Anthes. 2023.
“Forget Botox. Anti-Aging Pills May Be Next.” by Andrew Pollack. 2023.
“We’re helping dogs like yours live longer.” Loyal website. N.d.
“Discovering the keys to a healthy lifespan.” Dog Aging Project website. 2023.

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Daydream Brain, Power of a Laugh, Caffeine & Soccer Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about why you may want to consider letting yourself daydream, how a sense of humor might protect you from depression and anxiety, and the effects of caffeine on the performance of soccer players.

Daydream Brain

“What Happens in the Brain While Daydreaming?” by Catherine Caruso. 2023.
“Is the role of sleep in memory consolidation overrated?” by Mohammad Dastgheib, et al. 2022.
“Cortical reactivations predict future sensory responses.” by Nghia D. Nguyen, et al. 2023.
“Why Daydreaming Is Good For Us.” by David B. Feldman Ph.D. 2017.

Power of a Laugh

“Your type of humor might say something about your risk of depression and anxiety.” by Eric W. Dolan. 2023.
“Understanding the Association Between Humor and Emotional Distress: The Role of Light and Dark Humor in Predicting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress.” by Alberto Dionigi, et al. 2023.

Caffeine & Soccer

“Caffeine highs and lows footballers should be aware of.” n.a. 2023.
“The effects of acute caffeine ingestion on decision-making and pass accuracy in young soccer players: A preliminary randomized controlled trial.” by Negar Jafari, et al. 2023.

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Human Genes, Dry Mouth Relief, Yawning Psychopaths Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about the 139 genes that set the human mind apart from our primate cousins, a new gel that could change the game for those suffering from dry mouth, and why psychopaths could be immune from the contagious yawn.

Human Genes

“139 Genes Set Human Cognitive Ability Apart From Other Primates.” by Sarah Whelan, PhD. 2023.
“Comparative single-cell transcriptomic analysis of primate brains highlights human-specific regulatory evolution.” by Hamsini Suresh, et al. 2023.
“Middle Temporal Gyrus.” by Kostas Konstantopoulos & Dimitrios Giakoumettis. 2023.

Dry Mouth Relief

“New Microgel Lubricant Could Provide Relief From Dry Mouth.” by Alexander Beadle. 2023.
“How Common is Dry Mouth? Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Prevalence Estimates.” by Bernardo Antonio Agostini, et al. 2018.
“Benchmarking of a microgel-reinforced hydrogel-based aqueous lubricant against commercial saliva substitutes.” by Olivia Pabois, et al. 2023.

Yawning Psychopaths

“Why Psychopaths Are Immune to Contagious Yawning.” by Gary Drevitch. 2015.
“Psychopathy.” n.a. N.d.
“Contagious and spontaneous yawning in autistic and typically developing children.” by Fiorenza Giganti & Maria Esposito Ziello. 2009.

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Bilingual Brain, Morning Sickness, Cat Purrs Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about how the bilingual brain might be better at multitasking, good news for women who are at risk for morning sickness, and the strangely complex science behind cat purring.

Bilingual Brain

“The bilingual brain may be better at ignoring irrelevant information.” EurekAlert!. 2023.
“Bilingual attentional control: Evidence from the Partial Repetition Cost paradigm.” by Grace deMeurisse & Edith Kaan. 2023.

Morning Sickness

“Cause of Morning Sickness and a Potential Treatment Identified.” by Rhianna-lily Smith. 2023.
“GDF15: emerging biology and therapeutic applications for obesity and cardiometabolic disease.” by Dongdong Wang, et al. 2021.
“GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.” by M. Fejzo, et al. 2023.

Cat Purrs

“How do cats purr? New finding challenges long-held assumptions.” by Phie Jacobs. 2023.
“Domestic cat larynges can produce purring frequencies without neural input.” by Christian T. Herbst, et al. 2023.
“How Low Can You Go? Physical Production Mechanism of Elephant Infrasonic Vocalizations.” by Christian T. Herbst, et al. 2012.

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