Curiosity Weekly - Discovery

Latest Episodes:

Nasal Vaccine, Dino Killer Volcano, Pied Tamarins Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a possible breakthrough in the fight against Strep A, a new theory on the demise of dinos, and how pied tamarins communicate in a noisy city.

Nasal Vaccine

“Vaccine via the nasal passage could be the new line of defence against Strep A.” SceinceDaily. 2023.
“Vaccine via the nasal passage could be the new line of defence against Strep A.” Griffith University. 2023.

Dino Killer Volcano

“New computer analysis hints volcanism killed the dinosaurs, not an asteroid.” by Carolyn Gramling. 2023.
“A Bayesian inversion for emissions and export productivity across the end-Cretaceous boundary.” by Alexander A. Cox & C. Brenhin Keller. 2023.
“Dueling dates for a huge eruption reignite the debate over dinosaurs’ death.” by Carolyn Gramling. 2019.
“Volcanic gas bursts probably didn’t kill off the dinosaurs.” by Carolyn Gramglin. 2020.

Pied Tamarins

“In noisy environs, pied tamarins are using smell more often to communicate.” by Meghie Rodrigues. 2023.
“Tamarins.” New England Primate Conservancy. 2022.
“Do pied tamarins increase scent-marking in response to urban noise?” by Tainara V. Sobroza. 2023.
“Pied Tamarin.” by Gordo, M. 2021.

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Hair Loss Clues, Renewable Energy Transition, Citrus History Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about new genetic clues to male hair loss, some helpful news about the future of renewable energy, and some sweet and juicy new research on the origins of citrus.

Hair Loss Clues

“New findings on hair loss in men.” ScienceDaily. 2023.
“Male Pattern Baldness.” reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD. 2023.
“Male Androgenetic Alopecia.” by Leila Asfour, et al. 2023.

Renewable Energy Transition

“Plummeting prices for solar power and storage make global climate transition cheaper than expected.” MCC. 2023.
“Orientation for a global coal phase-out.” MCC. 2022.
“New data show a worsening of the climate crisis.” MCC. 2023.

Citrus History

“The first citrus fruits may have come from southern China.” by Erin Garcia de Jesus. 2023.
“Pangenome analysis provides insight into the evolution of the orange subfamily and a key gene for citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits.” by Yue Huang, et al. 2022.
“From lemons to kumquats, roots of citrus variety dug up.” by Tina Hesman Saey. 2015.

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Stopping Superbugs, Powerful Pulsar, Hippo Poop Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about new ways to kill antibiotic resistant bacteria, the discovery of the most powerful pulsar we’ve ever seen, and the truth about hippo poop.

Stopping Superbugs

“Dangerous ‘superbugs’ are a growing threat, and antibiotics can’t stop their rise. What can?” by Nicoletta Lanese. 2023.
“Retrospective, observational analysis of the first one hundred consecutive cases of personalized bacteriophage therapy of difficult-to-treat infections facilitated by a Belgian consortium.” by Jean-Paul Pirnay, et al. 2023.
“Lysin therapy offers new hope for fighting drug-resistant bacteria.” by Vincent A. Fischetti. 2019.

Powerful Pulsar

“Highest-energy pulsar ever seen could indicate new physics.” by Robert Lea. 2023.
“Discovery of a radiation component from the Vela pulsar reaching 20 teraelectronvolts.” by F. Aharonian, et al. 2023.
“What are pulsars?” by Paul Sutter. 2022.

Hippo Poop

“Hippos might be ferocious fighters, but their big teeth make terrible chewers.” by Jake Buehler. 2023.
“Hippos’ constant defecating turns African pools into communal guts.” by Lauren Barnett. 2021.
“Chewing, dentition and tooth wear in Hippopotamidae.” by Annika Avedik & Marcus Clauss. 2023.
“Hippo eating great animal in the world.” YouTube Video. N.d.

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Genetic Vegetarianism, Roman Sarcophagus, Homework Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a possible genetic link to vegetarianism, the discovery of a very important ancient woman, and the truth about homework.

Genetic Vegetarianism

“Going vegetarian? The dietary choice may be influenced by your genes.” by Emily Cooke. 2023.
“Genetics of vegetarianism: A genome-wide association study.” by Nabeel R. Yaseen, et al. 2023.
“Large-scale GWAS of food liking reveals genetic determinants and genetic correlations with distinct neurophysiological traits.” by Sebastian May-Wilson, et al. 2022.
“Shifting Attitudes Towards Meat Consumption: Understanding Vegetarian Statistics.” by Talitha Van Niekerk. 2023.

Roman Sarcophagus

“‘Exceptional’ 1,800-year-old sarcophagus unearthed in France held woman of ‘special status’.” by Sascha Pare. 2023.
“Elite Roman man buried with sword may have been ‘restrained’ in death.” by Kristina Killgrove. 2023.
“The Roman Empire: Rulers, expansion and fall.” by Owen Jarus. 2022.

Homework

“Is Homework Good for Kids?” by Cara Goodwin, Ph.D. 2023.
“Homework and Family Stress: With Consideration of Parents’ Self Confidence, Education Level, and Cultural Background.” by Robert M. Pressman, et al. 2015.
“Does Homework Improve Academic Achievement? A Synthesis of Research, 1987 - 2003.” by Harris Cooper, et al. 2006.
“Physical activity and sedentary behaviors (screen time and homework) among overweight or obese adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study in Yazd, Iran.” by Ali Mohammad Hadianfard, et al. 2021.

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3D Print Stem Cells, Puzzling Elephants, Believing Delusion Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about a new technique that can print stem cells, how elephants can solve puzzles, and if delulu is really the solulu.

3D Print Stem Cells

“Scientists develop 3D printing method that shows promise for repairing brain injuries.” Science News. 2023.
“Oxford researchers develop 3D printing method that shows promise for repairing brain injuries.” University of Oxford. 2023.

Puzzling Elephants

“Wild Asian elephants display unique puzzle solving skills.” ScienceDaily. 2023.
“How intelligent are elephants?” by Susan Blackmore. N.d.
“Wild Asian Elephants Display Unique Puzzle-Solving Skills.” n.a. 2023.

Believing Delusion

“Is ‘Delulu’ the ‘Solulu’? Unpacking TikTok’s Newest Trend.” by Tara Denneny. 2023.
“Self-efficacy and academic achievement: Why do implicit beliefs, goals, and effort regulation matter?” by Meera Komarraju & Dustin Nadler. 2013.
“Effective pursuit of personal goals: The fostering effect of dispositional optimism on goal commitment and goal progress.” by Dario Monzani, et al. 2015.

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Steroid Psychopathy, Iceberg Crash, Stand Up Dizziness Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about the psychological toll of steroid use, a very slow moving penguin-iceberg collision, and why we sometimes get dizzy when we stand up.

Steroid Psychopath

“Male weightlifters who use steroids are more prone to psychopathology than those who do not.” by Vladimir Hedrih. 2023.
“Clustering psychopathology in male anabolic-androgenic steroid users and nonusing weightlifters.” by Marie Lindvik Jorstad, et al. 2023.
“Anabolic Steroids.” Cleveland Clinic. 2023.

Iceberg Crash

“45-mile-long iceberg slams into penguin refuge in Antarctica, almost causing ecological disaster.” by Harry Baker. 2023.
“A Brief Iceberg-Island Encounter.” by Adam Voiland. 2023.
“Chinstrap Penguin.” n.a. N.d.
“Chinstrap Penguin.” National Geographic. N.d.

Stand Up Dizziness

“Why do you get dizzy if you stand up too fast?” by Anna Gora. 2023.
“Orthostatic Hypotension.” NIH. 2023.
“A Brief REview on the Pathological Role of Decreased Blood Flow Affected in Retinitis Pigmentosa.” by Yi Jing Yang. 2018.

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Hypno Pain Killer, Mosquito Secrets, Important Worms Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about how hypnotherapy could be a tool to fight pain after surgery, a discovery that could lead to less mosquito-borne diseases, and how you might have worms to thank for your fall feast.

Hypno Pain Killer

“The Role of Hypnotherapy in Postoperative Cardiac Surgical Patients, A Scoping Review of Current Literature.” by Basil Ahmad, et al. 2023.
“Hypnosis.” Cleveland Clinic. 2022.
“Direct comparisons between hypnosis and meditation: A mini-review.” by Gabriele Penazzi & Nicola De Pisapia. 2022.

Mosquito Secrets

“Discovery in Mosquitoes Could Lead to New Strategy Against Dengue Fever and Other Mosquito-Borne Viruses.” n.a. 2023.
“If mosquitoes were eradicated, what would be the consequences?” by Jane Monroe Arcata. 2021.

Important Worms

“Earthworms contribute to 6.5% of global grain production, according to new CSU research.” EurekAlert! 2023.
“Worm Casting Benefits: Why Use This Plant Superfood.” by Eric Vinje. 2022.

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Happiest Age, Compassion Fatigue, Arthritis Treatment Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about how happiness fluctuates with age, a study that suggests compassion fatigue might be a self-fulfilling prophecy, and a possible new revolution in arthritis treatment.

Happiest Age

“At which age are we at our happiest.” Ruhr Universitat. 2023.
“The development of subjective well-being across the life span: A meta-analytic review of longitudinal studies.” by Susanne Buecker, et al. 2023.

Compassion Fatigue

“Compassion Fatigue as a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Believe Compassion is Limited Increases Fatigue and Decreases Compassion.” by Izzy Gainsburg. 2023.
“Moving from compassion fatigue to compassion resilience Part 4: Signs and consequences of compassion fatigue.” by Debbie L. Stoewen. 2020.
“Compassion Fatigue.” by Chuck Russo, et al. 2020.

Arthritis Treatment

“Developing a Treatment for Arthritis from Stem Cell Signals.” by Josh Conway. 2023.
“Osteoarthritis.” NIH. 2023
“The Current State of Osteoarthritis Treatment Options Using Stem Cells for Regenerative Therapy: A Review.” by Michael Thoene. 2023.

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Tasmanian Tigers, Intensifying Hurricanes, Dog-Fox Hybrid Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about the possible return of the Tasmanian tiger, the future of hurricanes, and how one animal shelter made a stunning discovery.

Tasmanian Tigers

“For the first time, researchers decoded the RNA of an extinct animal.” by Katherine Kornei. 2023.
“Facts About Tasmanian Tigers.” by Alina Bradford. 2017.
“Genome of the Tasmanian tiger provides insights into the evolution and demography of an extinct marsupial carnivore.” by Charles Y. Feigin, et al. 2017.
“Historical RNA expression profiles from the extinct Tasmanian tiger.” by Emilio Marmol-Sanchez, et al. 2023.

Intensifying Hurricanes

“What’s driving an increasing number of hurricanes to rapidly intensify?” by Carolyn Gramling. 2023.
“2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.” disasterphilanthropy.org. 2023.
“Why the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is especially hard to predict.” by Carolyn Gramling. 2023.

Dog-Fox Hybrid

“Shelter Rescues Injured Animal - Turns Out To Be World’s First Dog-Fox Hybrid.” by Alice Gibbs. 2023.
“Pampas Fox.” animalia.bio. 2023.
“Hybridization in Canids - A Case Study of Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) Hybrid.” by Bruna Elenara Szynwelski, et al. 2023.

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PTSD in the Brain, Dopamine Decisions, Love Body Connection Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Today, you’ll learn about the brain mechanisms behind mechanisms behind post traumatic stress disorder, new insights into the effects of dopamine, and where love exists in our bodies.

PTSD in the Brain

“Posttraumatic brain activity predicts resilience to PTSD.” EurekAlert! 2023.
“Greater Early Post-Traumatic Activation in Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus Predicts Recovery From Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms.” by Jony Sheynin, et al. 2023.

Dopamine Decisions

“Dopamine regulates decision thresholds in human reinforcement learning in males.” by Karima Chakroun, et al. 2023.
“Dopamine regulates how quickly and accurately decisions are made.” ScienceDaily. 2023.
“Dopamine affects how brain decides whether a goal is worth the effort.” NIH. 2020.

Love Body Connection