Curiosity Weekly - Discovery

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Smart Contacts, Stoned Dolphins, Birdsongs vs Traffic Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

We discuss how scientists have developed a cancer-detecting contact lens, the behaviors of inebriated dolphins, and how listening to birds singing can help our mental health!

Smart Contacts

“Scientists Create Smart Contact Lenses That Diagnose Cancer” by Ophthalmology Breaking News
- https://ophthalmologybreakingnews.com/scientists-create-smart-contact-lenses-that-diagnose-cancer
“A Microchambers Containing Contact Lens for the Noninvasive Detection of Tear Exosomes” by Shaopei Li, Yangzhi Zhu, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Satoru Kawakita, Shenghan Guan, Jianjun Chen, Zijie Li, Kalpana Mandal, Jamal Bahari, Shilp Shah, Juchen Guo, Heemin Kang, Wujin Sun, Han-Jun Kim, Vadim Jucaud, Mehmet R. Dokmeci, Pete Kollbaum, Chi Hwan Lee, and Ali Khademhosseini
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202206620?af=R

Stoned Dolphins

“Dolphins 'Deliberately Get High' on Puffer Fish Nerve Toxins By Carefully Chewing and Passing Them Around” by Adam Withnall
- https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/dolphin-facts-puffer-fish-high-b1847115.html
“Dolphins Getting High on Fish Toxin? Or Just a Load of Puff?” by NBC News
- https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/dolphins-getting-high-fish-toxin-or-just-load-puff-n3691

Birdsongs vs Traffic

“Birdsongs alleviate anxiety and paranoia in healthy participants” by E. Stobbe, J. Sundermann, L. Ascone & S. Kühn
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20841-0
“Listen! Birdsong Is Good for Mental Health” by Nicole Siller
- https://neurosciencenews.com/birdsong-mental-health-21639/

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Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/smart-contacts-stoned-dolphins-birdsongs-vs-traffic

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Cognitive Bias, Body Battery, 3D Printed School Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

Today you’ll learn about the science of cognitive bias, how scientists may have found a way to turn your body into a battery, and how the first 3D-printed school in Europe is about to be built in Ukraine.

Cognitive Bias

“Cognitive Biases and Brain Biology Help Explain Why Facts Don't Change Minds” by Keith M. Bellizzi
- https://theconversation.com/cognitive-biases-and-brain-biology-help-explain-why-facts-dont-change-minds-186530
“Misinformation and Its Correction: Continued Influence and Successful Debiasing” by Stephan Lewandowsky, Ullrich K. H. Ecker, Colleen M. Seifert, Norbert Schwarz, and John Cook.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1529100612451018

Body Battery

“Scientists Found a Way To Turn Your Body Into a Battery With Your Clothes On” by Drew Turney
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a40807192/clothes-that-power-electronics/
“Stretchable, Breathable, and Stable Lead-Free Perovskite/Polymer Nanofiber Composite for Hybrid Triboelectric and Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting” by Feng Jiang, Xinran Zhou, Jian Lv, Jian Chen, Juntong Chen, Haruethai Kongcharoen, Yihui Zhang, and Pooi See Lee
- https://www3.ntu.edu.sg/CorpComms2/Releases/NR2022/NR_220512_energy/energy%20harvesting.pdf

3D Printed School

“EUROPE’S FIRST 3D PRINTED SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN WAR-TORN UKRAINE” by PAUL HANAPHY
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/europes-first-3d-printed-school-to-be-built-in-war-torn-ukraine-215791/
“The first 3D-printed school in a warzone is being printed in Ukraine” by Giulia Carbonaro
- https://uk.news.yahoo.com/first-3d-printed-school-world-150512856.html
“Ukraine: World’s first 3D-printed school in a warzone, foundation laid” by Baba Tamim
- https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/worlds-first-3d-printed-school-ukraine

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/cognitive-bias-body-battery-3d-printed-school

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Asthma Cure, Shark Intestines, Human Brain Cells in Rats Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

Today we explore whether there is a potential long-term cure for asthma based on recent studies, how shark intestines are shaped exactly like a Tesla Valve, and what happens when you transplant human brain cells in newborn rats.

Asthma Cure

“Potential Long-Term Treatment for Asthma Found” by Aston University
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220809141233.htm
“A Potential Long-Term Asthma Treatment Has Passed Early Trials in Mice” by DAVID NIELD
- https://www.sciencealert.com/a-potential-long-term-asthma-treatment-has-passed-early-trials-in-mice
Most Recent Asthma Data
- https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm

Shark Intestines

“Shark Intestines Spiral Like a Valve Invented By Nikola Tesla” by Alex Fox
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sharks-intestines-spiral-valve-invented-nikola-tesla-180978307/
“Shark spiral intestines may operate as Tesla valves” by Samantha C. Leigh, Adam P. Summers, Sarah L. Hoffmann and Donovan P. German
- https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2021.1359

Human Brain Cells in Rats

“Human brain cells transplanted into baby rats’ brains grow and form connections” by Jessica Hamzelou
- https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/10/12/1061204/human-brain-cells-transplanted-baby-rats-brains/
“Maturation and circuit integration of transplanted human cortical organoids” by Omer Revah et al.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05277-w

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/asthma-cure-shark-intestines-human-brain-cells-in-rats

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Small Talk, Crab Battery, Ancient Dragons Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Today we discuss how only four minutes of small talk with a stranger can help you predict their personality traits, an exciting biodegradable battery option on the horizon, and a new discovery into the origins of dragons!

Small Talk

“Four Minutes of Small Talk Can Reveal Key Personality Traits” by Sascha Pare
- https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/aug/31/four-minutes-of-small-talk-can-reveal-key-personality-traits-study-says
“Small Talk and Theory of Mind in Strategic Decision-Making” by Neha Bose and Daniel Sgroi
- https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/staff/dsgroi/theoryofmind.pdf

Crab Battery

“Crab and Lobster Shells Could Be Used To Make Renewable Batteries” by Sofia Quaglia
- https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/sep/01/crab-lobster-shells-could-used-make-renewable-batteries
“A sustainable chitosan-zinc electrolyte for high-rate zinc-metal batteries” by Meiling Wu, Ye Zhang, Lin Xu, Chunpeng Yang, Min Hong, Mingjin Cui, Bryson C. Clifford, Shuaiming He, Shuangshuang Jing, Yan Yao, and Liangbing Hu
- https://www.cell.com/matter/fulltext/S2590-2385(22)00414-3

Ancient Dragons

“Ancient 'dragons' were Earth’s first gliding reptiles” By Jennifer Nalewicki
- https://www.livescience.com/ancient-gliding-reptile-dragon-trees
“The postcranial skeleton of the gliding reptile Coelurosauravus elivensis Piveteau, 1926 (Diapsida, Weigeltisauridae) from the late Permian Of Madagascar” by Valentin Buffa, Eberhard Frey, J. Sébastien Steyer & Michel Laurin
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02724634.2022.2108713?utm_medium=email&utm_source=EmailStudio&utm_campaign=Tree+canopy+changes+facilitated+the+evolution+of+the+first-ever+gliding+reptile%2C+new+study+suggests_4423303&cookieSet=1

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/small-talk-crab-battery-ancient-dragons

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Remote Mines, Mouse Embryos, Down Syndrome Treatment Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

Let’s talk about a potential new high-tech mine in Minnesota, how scientists have created a synthetic mouse embryo using stem cells, and a major breakthrough in the cause of and treatment for Down Syndrome.

Remote Mines

“This Remote Mine Could Foretell the Future of America’s Electric Car Industry” by Ana Swanson
- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/business/economy/electric-cars-us-nickel-mine.html
“Fight over Minnesota nickel mine plan by Talon Metals is local — and global, too” by Mark Reilly
- https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2022/08/31/talon-metals-nickel-mine-minnesota.html

Mouse Embryos

“Scientists Use Stem Cells To Create Synthetic Mouse Embryos” by Associated Press
- https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/scientists-use-stem-cells-create-synthetic-mouse-embryos-rcna44881
“Post-gastrulation synthetic embryos generated ex utero from mouse naive ESCs” by Shadi Tarazi, Alejandro Aguilera-Castrejon, Carine Joubran, Nadir Ghanem, Shahd Ashouokhi, Francesco Roncato, Emilie Wildschutz, Montaser Haddad, Bernardo Oldak, Elidet Gomez-Cesar, Nir Livnat, Sergey Viukov, Dmitry Lokshtanov, Segev Naveh-Tassa, Max Rose, Suhair Hanna, Calanit Raanan, Ori Brenner, Merav Kedmi, Hadas Keren-Shaul, Tsvee Lapidot, Itay Maza, Noa Novershtern, and Jacob H. Hanna
- https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674%2822%2900981-3

Down Syndrome Treatment

“Hormone that could improve cognitive function in Down syndrome identified” By Helen Floersh
- https://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/scientists-have-identified-hormone-could-restore-cognitive-function-down-syndrome#:~:text=Now%2C%20a%20team%20of%20researchers,it%20could%20improve%20cognitive%20performance.
“GnRH replacement rescues cognition in Down syndrome” by MARIA MANFREDI-LOZANO et al.
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq4515

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/remote-mines-mouse-embryos-down-syndrome-treatment

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A Wandering Mind, Song of the Humpback, Robocap Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

Today we discuss the science behind a wandering mind, the ins and outs of songs composed by humpback whales, and how an innovative new robotic capsule might help our digestive systems absorb drugs that aren’t as effective to take orally.

A Wandering Mind

“The science of a wandering mind” By Tim Vernimmen
- https://knowablemagazine.org/article/mind/2022/science-wandering-mind
“How Self-Generated Thought Shapes Mood—The Relation between Mind-Wandering and Mood Depends on the Socio-Temporal Content of Thoughts” by Florence J. M. Ruby, Jonathan Smallwood, Haakon Engen, and Tania Singer
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0077554

Song of the Humpback

“Humpback Whales Pass Their Songs Across Oceans” by Carl Zimmer
- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/science/humpback-whale-songs-cultural-evolution.html
“Humpback Whales Almost 9,000 Miles Apart Have Been Caught Singing The Same Song” by Carly Casella
- https://www.sciencealert.com/humpback-whales-almost-9000-miles-apart-have-been-caught-singing-the-same-song

Robocap

“RoboCap – The Robotic Capsule Designed to Improve Drug Delivery in the Gut” by Sarah Whelan
- https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/robocap-the-robotic-capsule-designed-to-improve-drug-delivery-in-the-gut-366073
“RoboCap: Robotic mucus-clearing capsule for enhanced drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract” by SHRIYA S. SRINIVASAN et al.
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.abp9066
“Tiny robotic pill RoboCap delivers drugs to guts and could end injections like insulin” by Nergis Firtina
- https://interestingengineering.com/health/tiny-robotic-pill-robocap-drugs-guts
“Human Insulin Injection” by MedLine Plus
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682611.html

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/a-wandering-mind-song-of-the-humpback-robocap

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Frog Skin Cells, Shrimp Robots, Oral Insulin Tablet Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Today we discuss how frog skin stem cells were recently used to create microscopic living machines, how scientists are trying to replicate the powerful punch of a mantis shrimp, and a new breakthrough in the creation of an oral insulin tablet.

Frog Skin Cells

“Frog skin cells turned themselves into living machines” by Laura Sanders
- https://www.sciencenews.org/article/frog-skin-cells-self-made-living-machines-xenobots
“A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” by Douglas Blackiston, Emma Lederer, and Michael Levin
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.abf1571

Shrimp Robots

“Small, Mighty Robots Mimic the Powerful Punch of Mantis Shrimp” by US Army Research Laboratory
- https://neurosciencenews.com/mantis-shrimp-robot-19301/
“Robot mimics the powerful punch of the mantis shrimp” by Harvard University
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If4IURa2Joo

Oral Insulin Tablet

“Breakthrough results in developing an oral insulin tablet” by University of British Columbia
- https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-08-breakthrough-results-oral-insulin-tablet.html
“Major Breakthrough In Development Of Oral Insulin Tablet Made In Rat Study” by Katie Spaulding
- https://www.iflscience.com/major-breakthrough-in-development-of-oral-insulin-tablet-made-in-rat-study-65127

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/frog-skin-cells-shrimp-robots-oral-insulin-tablet

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Robot Squirrels, AI Labor Prediction, Dolphin Gangs Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Today you’ll learn about how squirrels are parkour experts and can be used to teach robots to move in a similar way, how artificial intelligence can help expectant mothers predict childbirth risks, and the gangs of dolphins that are roaming our oceans.

Robot Squirrels

“Science’s next great leap: using squirrels to teach robots how to ‘parkour’” by Joe Pinkstone
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/08/05/sciences-next-great-leap-using-squirrels-teach-robots-parkour/
“Squirrel parkour: How leaping squirrels could inspire more nimble robots” by Lucia F. Jacobs, Nathaniel Hunt & Robert J. Full
- https://bigthink.com/life/squirrel-biomechanics/
“SCIENCE’S NEXT GREAT LEAP: USING SQUIRRELS TO TEACH ROBOTS HOW TO ‘PARKOUR’” by Joe Pinkstone
- https://www.impactlab.com/2021/08/15/sciences-next-great-leap-using-squirrels-to-teach-robots-how-to-parkour/

AI Labor Prediction

“Successful Labor Outcomes in Expectant Mothers Using AI” by Mayo Clinic
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220830131708.htm
“Artificial intelligence is being used to accurately predict women’s childbirth risks” by Tristan Bove
- https://www.yahoo.com/now/artificial-intelligence-being-used-accurately-115041630.html?guccounter=1

Dolphin Gangs

“Dolphins form largest alliance network outside humans, study finds” by University of Bristol
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220829153233.htm
“How Do Dolphins Communicate?” by Discovery Cove
- https://discoverycove.com/orlando/blog/how-do-dolphins-communicate/#:~:text=Dolphins%20Speak%20Body%20Language,each%20other%20and%20spy%20hopping.
“Dolphins Have Formed the 'Largest Alliance Network Known Outside of Humans'” by Robyn White
- https://www.newsweek.com/dolphins-formed-largest-alliance-network-known-outside-humans-1738428

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/robot-squirrels-ai-labor-prediction-dolphin-gangs

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Music and Dementia, Microbe Rocket Fuel, Bitcoin Mining Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

Today you’ll learn about how music is being used to combat dementia, how scientists are making more efficient rocket fuel from bacteria, and the environmental effects of bitcoin mining.

Music and Dementia

“Music Helps Patients With Dementia Connect With Loved Ones” by Marla Paul
- https://neurosciencenews.com/music-alzheimers-connection-21316/
“Music: Bridging Memories for People With Alzheimer's” by Dennis Thompson
- https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-09-06/music-bridging-memories-for-people-with-alzheimers

Microbe Rocket Fuel

“Bacteria for Blastoff: Using Microbes to Make Supercharged New Rocket Fuel” by Aliyah Kovner

https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2022/06/30/bacteria-for-blastoff/

“Microbes May Hold the Secret to Creating More Powerful Rocket Fuel” By Kevin Hurler

https://gizmodo.com/microbes-produce-powerful-and-cleaner-rocket-fuel-1849142045

Bitcoin Mining

“Technology: University of New Mexico researchers find Bitcoin mining is environmentally unsustainable” by University of New Mexico
- https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/966192
“How Does Bitcoin Mining Work?” by Matt Whittaker
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-mining/

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/music-and-dementia-microbe-rocket-fuel-bitcoin-mining

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The Myth of Man Flu, Arctic Lakes, Buzzing Bats Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Let’s talk about whether “man flu” is fact or fiction, how the Arctic lakes just threw a curveball at our climate change projections, and the genius new way bats are tricking their predators.

The Myth of Man Flu

“Man flu is not a thing – Gender-specific secondary analysis of a prospective randomized-controlled trial for acute rhinosinusitis” by Reidl et al.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399922003324?via%3Dihub
“Stop accusing men of overreacting – 'man flu' really does exist, doctor claims” by Nicola Davis
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/11/stop-accusing-men-of-overreacting-man-flu-really-does-exist-claims-doctor
“'Man Flu' May Be Real After All, Study Says” by Alice G. Walton
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/12/12/man-flu-may-be-an-actual-thing-study-finds/?sh=723fbdb31240
“The science behind “man flu”” by Kyle Sue
- https://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5560
“Is "man flu" really a thing?” By Robert H. Shmerling, MD
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/man-flu-really-thing-2018010413033

Arctic Lakes

“Bats buzz like hornets to scare off owl predators” by Freda Kreier
- https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01274-1
“Bats buzz like hornets to scare away predators” by Tess Joosse
- https://www.science.org/content/article/bats-buzz-hornets-scare-away-predators#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20mouse%2Deared,and%20send%20owls%20scurrying%20away

Buzzing Bats

“Arctic lakes are vanishing in surprise climate finding” by University of Florida
- https://phys.org/news/2022-08-arctic-lakes-climate.html
“In a surprise climate change finding, Arctic lakes are vanishing” by Karen Graham
- https://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-science/in-a-surprise-climate-change-finding-arctic-lakes-are-vanishing/article#ixzz7hLx9zkz6

Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/the-myth-of-man-flu-arctic-lakes-buzzing-bats

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