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What Happens When You Swallow a Leech? Mar 20, 2017

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Although cases are rare, a non-zero number of patients have gone to doctors with a leech stuck in their throat over the years. In this special episode, we explore this gross but fascinating circumstance. Music by Eric Matyas www.soundimage.org

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Stealing Sand, Communicating via Poop, and Clinical Trial Participation Mar 13, 2017

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and is in such high demand that tons of it are being stolen from beaches. White rhinos use middens as a complex communal message board. Plus, clinical trials need more volunteers -- we explain why.

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Hallucinogenic Honey, Squid Brains, and Why Hot Food Is So Satisfying Mar 06, 2017

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Ancient armies sometimes used hallucinogenic honey as a bioweapon. New research shows how different squid brains are from human brains. Plus, we break down why hot food seems more satisfying than cold food.

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Face Punching Legality, Misophonia, and Ties Between Honesty and Profanity Feb 28, 2017

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Morality aside, is it ever legal to punch someone in the face? Unrelated: Researchers have identified the brain bits responsible for finding certain sounds incredibly annoying. Plus, highly profane people may be more honest.

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The Danger Episode: Solar Flares, Cosmic Rays, and App Terms of Service Feb 21, 2017

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Solar flares may be responsible for deadly whale beachings. New research clarifies cosmic radiation exposure for frequent fliers. Plus, purposefully complex terms of service let apps harvest our personal data.

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Virgin Shark Births, Weighted Anxiety Blankets, and a Border Wall's Impact on Wildlife Feb 14, 2017

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A zebra shark has given birth to viable babies without a mate. Weighted blankets may help people battle anxiety and insomnia. Plus: How much damage would a U.S. boarder wall do to local wildlife?

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The Blood of the Young, Crustacean Bioweapons, and Our Oldest Ancestor Feb 06, 2017

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A proposed anti-aging treatment transfuses young people's plasma into old people's blood. A species of boxer crab clones and carries sea anemones as weapons. Plus, the oldest known ancestor of all vertebrates was a wee sack of teeth.

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Tornadoes Demystified, Global Medicine, and Why the President's First 100 Days Matter Jan 31, 2017

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Tornadoes' centers leave you cold and breathless; now we know how. Underuse and overuse of particular medical treatments is a global problem. Plus, the history and politics behind the importance of a president's first 100 days.

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Wonder Woman's Creator, School Suspensions' Effects, and Charging in Airplane Mode Jan 23, 2017

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Wonder Woman's iconic themes of truth, matriarchy, and bondage reflect on her fascinating creator. Schools are suspending more students than ever, with lasting effects. Plus: Do smartphones really charge faster in airplane mode?

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Gun Violence Contagion, Pregnancy Brain, and Dirty Towels Jan 17, 2017

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Research indicates that gun violence is contagious like a disease. Pregnancy causes measurable changes in the brain. Plus, science tells us how frequently we should wash our bath towels.

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