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Finding Your Body’s Sleep Rhythm Jul 10, 2025

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We often think of sleep as the gas that keeps us running. We refuel at night — or whenever we can — run around all day until our tanks are empty, and then do it all over again the next day. But some sleep scientists would like us to think about sleep less as fuel, and more as a biological rhythm — one that’s as essential to our overall health as our heartbeat. On this episode, we’ll explore how finding your body’s unique sleep rhythm can help you get better rest.

The Big Chill and the Future of Refrigeration Jul 03, 2025

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We’ve only been able to harness the cold for our benefit for a little over 100 years, but innovations like refrigeration and air conditioning have completely transformed the way we live and eat. But it all comes at a cost — and not just financially. On this encore episode, how advances in cold technology have shaped our lives and changed the world.

Inside the Dramatic Race to Decode the Human Genome Jun 26, 2025

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Twenty-five years ago, President Bill Clinton announced a historic achievement: The completion of the first-ever survey of the human genome. The ceremony focused on the power of unity and collaboration — but, behind the scenes, the journey to this generational discovery had been marked by a bitter, cut-throat competition. We look back at the race to decode the human genome — and who really won.

Why Friends Are Good for Your Brain Jun 19, 2025

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Friends make us laugh, they have our back, we share memories and stories. Beyond that, scientists are learning that friendships are key in keeping us healthy and thriving. On this episode, we explore why researchers say our brains are wired for connection, and why making our friendships a priority is one of the key pillars of longevity. We’ll get some research-backed advice on making new friends as adults and hear from two friends who love spending time with each other, though they usually can’t remember their adventures.

Why We’re Hardwired for Revenge Jun 12, 2025

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When someone wrongs us, getting revenge can feel like the only right move — the only way for us to balance the scales, to set the world right again. But the consequences can be disastrous, especially when payback becomes an all-consuming obsession.

On this episode, we talk with lawyer-turned-researcher James Kimmel about his new book, "The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction — and How to Overcome It." We discuss the evolutionary roots of revenge, the neuroscience behind why it feels so good, and how Kimmel eventually traded vengeance for forgiveness. We also find out what caused a murder of crows to target an unsuspecting woman, and what was behind their years-long grudge.

Exploring the Secrets of Human Creativity Jun 05, 2025

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Creativity plays a role in every facet of our lives, from childhood education, to everyday problem-solving, to the artistic works we enjoy and the innovations shaping our future. We explore what human creativity is, how it works, and some of the unexpected ways it’s remaking our world.

Sharks — From Fear to Fascination May 29, 2025

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Before dinosaurs, before trees — even before Saturn had its rings – there were sharks. The fierce predators have been swimming in our oceans for hundreds of millions of years, standing the test of time as they survived all five of Earth's mass extinction events.
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What It Takes to Prove the Truth May 22, 2025

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We all want the truth — but how exactly do we know when something's true? Often, the answer relates to evidence or proof, something capable of convincing us and easing our doubts. But whether or not different kinds of proof are accepted can vary widely by person and situation. On this episode, we explore proof and evidence, and how it affects our perception of what is true.
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Cybercrime and How Hackers Prey on Human Nature May 15, 2025

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Cybercrime has been around for as long as computers have — but over the past 20 years, it's exploded into a global threat, with staggering financial, political, and even personal consequences. We hear about the virus that ushered in the age of social engineering attacks, the history of cybercrime, and what led one man to become a hacker.
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Lightening the Load of Motherhood May 08, 2025

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We often hear about the joys of motherhood — the incomparable sense of love, the magic of watching your kids discover the world, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. But motherhood can also be a grind. On this encore episode, we take a look at the experience of modern motherhood — the challenges, the sometimes impossible standards, and the strategies that help moms thrive.
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