Curiosity Daily

Learn how a newly detected methane spike on Mars may change our understanding of the red planet; and how you can participate in a new research study on game transfer phenomena, with researcher Angelica Ortiz de Gortari.

Learn what Chutes and Ladders can tell us about the way culture can influence art; how to survive the aftermath of a nuclear explosion, according to science; and how being kind to yourself can make you physically healthier.

Learn about some of the weirdest types of lightning; why nobody’s been able to solve the traveling salesman problem; and why it’s easier to spot a lie on a podcast or radio show than it is in other media.

Learn about whether our ancient ancestors were healthier than we are; why Neptune is sometimes further away from the sun than Pluto; and how to know if you’re an echoist, which is the polar opposite of a narcissist.

Learn about how dogs may have evolved to love humans; how you can spot bad nutrition advice; and how 10-thousand year old chewing gum may change our understanding of ancient society.

Learn about the Turing machine, an imaginary device that’s the basis for all computers. Plus: what can Godzilla tell us about our collective anxiety? We’ll also discuss a listener question about exoplanets with a special guest, Ralph Crewe from the podcast Science, News, and Qs.

Learn about developing cutting-edge technology, from photonic quantum computing to advanced artificial intelligence. Plus: the science behind making driverless cars as safe and reliable as we want them to be.

Learn about the optical illusion that makes stars look like UFOs; surprising facts about Fermat’s last theorem, one of math’s greatest mysteries; and why the most common form of prejudice may surprise you.

Learn about whether dark mode really is easier on your eyes, according to research. Then, learn about how new antibiotics are being developed with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.”

Learn why talking to yourself in the third person can help you keep your emotions in check. Then, learn about “superbugs” (and why we need to stop them) with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.”

Learn about why it could be hard to communicate with humans of the future; how a potted plant can help you boost your productivity; and why coffee makes you poop.

Learn about how to feel less excluded and why it’s so important, with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about a new device that makes sound go one-way.

Learn about how scientists developed a self-repairing battery. Plus: science communicator Trace Dominguez answers a listener question about the difference between 4G and 5G networks.

Learn about the unbelievable level of purity and complexity that goes into producing new technologies; what researchers are working on and how the world will look in the future thanks to their efforts; the cool things liquid crystals can do; and more.

Learn about an upcoming solar sail launch to test solar propulsion; why the tongue map you learned about in school is all wrong; and new research that says debating politics online may not be a total waste.