Curiosity Weekly
Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine, brings you the latest scientific discoveries each week. Covering topics from neuroscience to climate tech, AI, and genetics, the show breaks down complex research so anyone can understand. Sam interviews expert guests and investigates groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs affecting our world.
Episodes
Can I Cut Mold Off My Cheese?: The Science of Food
Like it or not, food safety is something that people often bend the rules on. We leave leftovers on the counter too long, we use the five second rule, or maybe we don’t wash our veggies as well as we should. Today, it’s more important than ever to make sure that we can trust the food we’re eating and know how to take care of it properly so that we don’t get sick. To discuss the science of food saf
Mythbusting Reproductive Health
Reproduction is the basis for life and yet, for many, it’s still a mystery. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by author and gynecologist Dr. Karen Tang to discuss the rumors, misconceptions, and realities of reproductive health. Before that, Sam explains why scientists were surprised to hear jaguars meow for the first time. Later, she’ll dig into some new research that suggests there ma
Awareness in a Vegetative State
When someone goes into a coma or vegetative state, it is only natural for their doctors and loved ones to try to understand their level of awareness of the world around them. But, every patient is different and it’s not as simple as it looks in the movies. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by a noted expert in the field of covert consciousness, Dr. Adrian Owen. They discuss his work on
Menstruation in Space
Microgravity causes a ton of changes in the human body and there’s been a lot of research showing how these changes affect astronauts. One bodily function that hasn’t been studied during an active space mission? Menstruation. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Manju Bangalore, an astronaut-in-training and reproductive scientist aiming to research how the human body menstruates while i
Why Does My Brain Make Me So Sensitive
There’s a misconception that feeling deep emotions is a personality trait, rather than a neurological phenomenon. A lot of the time, it’s nature, not nurture that causes heightened emotional sensitivity. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply. They discus
Lefties, Raise Your Hands
Most people are right-handed. So this episode, we are celebrating International Left-Handers Day to honor the 10% of the population that are left-handed. To discuss the unique elements of the left-hand brain, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with clinical neuropsychologist Dr. David Carey. She also dives into the question of why so many people are right-handed and later, she explores a study that
Training the Families of Astronauts: Then and Now
It’s been 57 years since humans first landed on the moon and there are a lot of ways that space travel has evolved since then. One of the major differences is that we now support and give credit to the families supporting the astronauts behind the scenes. Here to discuss how those communities shaped the Apollo Era and how we’ve learned to better support astronaut families is sociologist Dr.
CSI Shark: Forensics of a Shark Attack
Researching apex predators often means putting yourself in situations that are mind-boggling to the average person. Our guest, Rosie Moore, is no stranger to this. She’s found herself lost at sea researching bull sharks, waist deep the Everglades trying to find Burmese pythons, and in shark-infested waters right after an attack. This episode, she talks to host Dr. Samantha Yammine
If You Give a Shark a Cookie…
It’s that time of year again… #SharkWeek starts July 26 on Discovery and HBO Max. To celebrate, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by renowned shark behavior expert and Shark Week star, Dr. Tristan Guttridge. The two talk all things sharks; from their social dynamics to their genetics to their migration patterns and beyond. Before that, Sam looks at a study that explores how ocean aci
Programming the Body to Fight Cancer
There is some recent research that’s testing out cancer treatments that can utilize the power of our immune systems to attack cancer cells. It’s called CAR T-cell therapy and it involves programming immune cells to target and attack cancer in the body. Here to explain more is Dr. Shreya Shukla, a biomedical engineer specializing in this treatment. But first, host Dr. Samantha Yammine will separate
Jealousy Vs. Envy
Everybody experiences feelings of the old green-eyed monster now and again, but for such a common mental state, there’s a surprising lack of scientific research about it. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with author Dr. Jennifer Bevan about her research on jealousy and how we communicate it to others. Before that, Sam digs into the latest sunscreen ingredient approved by the FDA and what
The Researchers Translating Whale Language
Understanding animal communication has always seemed out of reach, but as technology advances, it might be more possible than ever before. Project CETI is an organization aimed at translating the language of sperm whales. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. David Gruber– the founder and CEO of Project CETI– to discuss how and why his team is translating whale conversations. Before
The Machine That Lets Us Look At Dark Energy
The universe is expanding and the people of Earth want to know more! The Nancy Grace Roman Telescope is set to launch sometime in 2026 which will bring about some answers when it comes to understanding dark energy and how it stretches the universe. Here to discuss this groundbreaking project is Swapna Krishna, a science journalist who specializes in all things space. Before that, Sam will look int
Cocaine is in Our Waterways. How are Animals Responding?
In this episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is asking a hard-hitting question: why are scientists giving salmon cocaine? Well, it turns out that the reasoning has less to do with throwing a fish rave and more to do with understanding how chemical pollutants affect animals living in our waterways. Sam is joined by study author Dr. Jack Brand to get further insight and talk about what exactly happens
Science Needs Creativity
Science and art have always intersected but are still thought of as separate and opposing disciplines. This week, to talk about how the two concepts converge and how they benefit one another, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by interdisciplinary artist Kindra Crick. Sam also investigates a very interesting finding about a previously unseen remora behavior as well as a study that looks into why
Copy, Paste, Clone: What it Takes to Bring Back the Past
For a subject that won the Nobel Prize in 2012 and could be considered a scientific miracle, we surprisingly don’t hear a lot about cloning today. This episode, Dr. Vilceu Bordignon joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to give us an update on where we are with the science of cloning and how that technology is moving forward. Sam also looks into some new studies that explain why some old houses feel haunted
What Out-of-Body Experiences Reveal About Consciousness
It might sound like a sci-fi concept, but out-of-body experiences are surprisingly common, affecting up to 20% of the population. To explore what happens when our sense of self detaches from our physical form, we are joined by neuroscientist Dr. Marina Weiler, who challenges the traditional view that the brain creates the mind. Before that, Sam investigates the evolutionary mystery of why true cra
Hantavirus Outbreak: Separating Fact from Fear
All you late night caffeine drinkers, it turns out that habit might be making you more impulsive. And with all the news of the hantavirus outbreak, we’ve brought on Laurel Bristow to break down what we know about hantavirus historically, what’s happening now and if there’s anything to fear. And later on, we’ll learn what is actually happening with brain-based computers and how soon the future migh
Why Are People Getting Poop Transplants?
It might sound like a wacky treatment, but recently, the fecal microbiota transplant has emerged as an effective way to help reshape our gut microbiomes. There are a lot of ideas on how to use this emerging therapy, so to help us sort through the misinformation, we are joined by author and general surgeon, Dr. James Kinross. Before that, Sam digs into a bizarre question: why do humans ha
How Violent Video Games Shape Perception
The debate about video games and mental health has been happening for decades and sometimes it can be hard to cut through the noise. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Craig Anderson, an expert on media and aggression, to understand what science says happens when kids play violent video games. Before that, Sam will dig into how something called the Grandmother Hypothesis
AI in Healthcare Isn’t What You Think
Artificial Intelligence has seemingly taken over every industry and headline in the past year, making it hard to keep up with advances in the technology. And things are evolving quickly, particularly in medicine. Here to help us understand where AI can help and hinder processes in the medical industry is Dr. Nina Kottler, a radiologist and AI expert. Before that, we explore a new st
How Much Socializing Do You Really Need?
Recent studies based on raccoons ability to solve puzzles taught researchers a lot about a raccoon’s desire to learn their environment. Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks to Dr. Ben Rein about his new book, “Why Brains Need Friends,” and learns all about the neurological benefits of friendship and the power of socializing. And finally, adorable microscopic organisms called tardigrades might&nbs
Ending Animal Testing: Realistic or Not?
Scientific testing on animals has existed for hundreds of years and is considered a controversial element of how modern research is done. To discuss the past, present, and future of animal testing, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by veterinarian and bioethicist Dr. Lisa Moses. Sam also looks at a new study exploring an alternative treatment to sleep apnea and one that looks into how peopl
The Analog Movement
As reliance on digital technology increases, there are plenty of people who are rejecting their screens and moving back to physical devices and experiences. The analog movement isn’t just a social media trend, there’s real science backing the potential psychological benefits of being offline. Here to discuss how our digital habits affect us is Dr. Natalia Khodayari, a postdocto
Inside the High-Tech Hunt for Dinosaur Bones
These days, discovering a new species of dinosaur looks a lot different than it does in the movies. Technology enables paleontologists to search for dino bones with care and precision. Here to discuss his recent discovery of the Spinosaurus mirabilis is Dr. Paul Sereno. Host, Dr. Samantha Yammine also looks into Humanity’s Last Exam which is a test designed for AI to fail 
Medicinal Psychedelics: Hype or Health?
The brain is a complex and adaptable organ; one that can be transformed by a multitude of external factors. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine investigates the ways the brain can be altered from the outside in. First, she looks into new research on the brain’s response to consistent meditation practice. Then, she sits down with Dr. Ishrat Husain to discuss the efficacy of psychedelics in
Magic Mushrooms Help Trees Gossip
The trees are talking about us… but not the way you think. Almost thirty years ago, Dr. Suzanne Simard discovered a vast network of fungal threads beneath the forest floor that functions as a complex communication network. This episode, Dr. Simard joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss how trees connect with one another and how that discovery changed the way we think about forest ecosystems. Sam al
Online BS Fools Everyone, Even Experts
It’s hard to imagine just how much misinformation lives online and it turns out that people are only able to identify it a fraction of the time. To speak more on developing the essential skill of recognizing misinformation online, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Professor Timothy Caulfield. Sam also investigates a new study on motivation that might help us all tackl
Life Under the Sea, No Singing Crabs
They say it’s better down where it’s wetter… but is it really? Aquanauts have more in common with astronauts than they do with singing marine life. In fact, NASA conducts research into the biological and psychological effects of space on the ocean floor. This episode, Sam is joined by Dr. Dawn Kernagis, an aquanaut and neuroscientist who spent 16 days living underwate
Happiness IRL
If everyone wants happiness, why does it so often seem hard to achieve? This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by psychologist Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky to talk about positive psychology and what science tells us about how to be happy. Sam also explores a new study that says swearing can give you a physical boost and, to celebrate the Olympics, she digs into the physics behind curling.
Tips For Pits: The Science of Body Odor
It’s not a stretch to say that everyone suffers from unwanted body odor from time to time. Whether it’s stress, exercise, or heat, there are plenty of reasons why we sweat and there is a lot to learn about our bodies from the odors they create. To learn more about the science of body odor, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Chris Callewaert, aka Dr. Armpit. Before that,
History Punished Scientists - Are We Doing the Same Thing?
It’s easy to think that every major scientific breakthrough in history was met with acceptance and enthusiastic fanfare, but that is not the case. Many modern scientific truths were discovered by researchers who were punished for their ideas at the time. To discuss this topic, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Matt Kaplan, author of the book I Told You So: Scientists Who Are Ridiculed, Exiled
Does Your Dog Actually Feel Guilt?
Exploring the science behind pet ownership is a more complicated process than you might think. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by the author of The Science of Pets, Jay Ingram. They talk about the relationship between animals and humans and how we may not always see eye to eye when it comes to interpreting certain behaviors. Sam also looks into the histor
Urban Ecosystems With The Rat Detective
We know that the health of the planet affects human health but what about the other way around? This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Kaylee Byers to discuss how human and animal health is interconnected, particularly in urban environments. Sam also investigates new research that looks into the largest spider colony in the world and the biology of addiction.
The Biggest Animal Sanctuary in the World with Forrest Galante
There are always constraints when it comes to conservation. Finances, logistics, population dynamics, medicine, and general care all need to be considered when asking: how do we best care for our planet? This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Forrest Galante, a wildlife conservationist and biologist to discuss his new series Vantara: Sanctuary Stories, now streaming on HBOMax&nb
The End of the Universe
To understand how our universe might end, scientists often have to go back to the beginning. This episode of Curiosity Weekly, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by astrophysicist Dr. Katie Mack to discuss theoretical cosmology, astrophysics, and what scientists are thinking might happen to our universe in the distant future. Sam also explores a newly discovered fire amoeba and a r
Why Scientists Can’t Agree on Aging
It’s a new year which means many of us are focusing on resolutions designed to take better care of our bodies as we age. But, even those conducting research on healthy aging find it a complicated concept to define. To help navigate the topic, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Paul Robbins, a professor and co-director of the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolis
Why Society Treats Allergies Like a Nothingburger
Allergies are estimated to affect upwards of 30% of people globally, so why are they so often swept under the rug? People in restaurants lie about their allergies, food labelling is difficult to understand, and those with the allergies are often forced to be their own advocate to avoid a potentially life-threatening medical situation. On this episode, senior producer Teresa Carey intervi
We Are Starting to Talk Like ChatGPT
Language has always evolved but it seems like technology has sped that process up to a staggering degree. Memes, algorithms, AI, and social media are altering the words we use and the way we use them. To speak more about the phenomenon, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Adam Aleksic, an etymologist and author of the book Algospeak. Sam also explores a new search engine th
The Inequity of Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most powerful forces shaping our world today. With an uptick in extreme weather events, it’s time to focus on how to adapt to this new normal from a public health perspective. Senior Producer Teresa Carey speaks with Dr. Georges C. Benjamin about the health impacts of climate change and how people can support their communities during climate events. Then
This is Your Brain on Sleep
We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so you’d think we’d know more when it comes to understanding what is going on in our bodies and brains when we’re doing it. But studying sleep is surprisingly complex and there are a lot of ideas trying to untangle why we need sleep. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Iliff from the
The Batmobile Lab That Chases Storms
Meteorologist and storm chaser Dr. Reed Timmer doesn’t just study extreme weather, he drives straight into it with a custom build, storm proof vehicle. Host Dr. Samanthat Yammine talks with him about the science of surviving the planet’s increasingly volatile storms, the data he’s able to collect up close, and what it takes to study a storm system from the inside. Watch him put science to the test
How Science Can Hack Flavor
Will eating mint cancel out the feeling of spice in your mouth? How do you manipulate aroma compounds to mimic the taste of lemon? When it comes to the science of flavor, there is no shortage of questions to ask. On this episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by renowned flavor scientist, author, and co-founder of Noma’s Fermentation Lab, Dr. Arielle Johnson. Together, they discuss how food and s
This Episode Will Make You Love Math
If sitting down to solve a math problem is your personal nightmare, you’re not alone. On this episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by drag queen and math communicator Kyne Santos to talk all things math and how it fuels our everyday lives. Sam also digs into how caffeine can make us persist in impossible tasks and, thanks to listener submissions, she follows up on
The Non-Fiction of Science Fiction
We all know that science shapes science fiction, but what happens when the opposite is also true? This episode, senior producer Teresa Carey speaks with legendary science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson about the intersection of science and science fiction and how the latter allows us to think about the effects of scientific advancement. Host, Dr. Samantha Yammine also digs into what happens i
Your Garden Is Not an Island: How to Protect Pollinators
Humans and nature have always coexisted. But, human intervention makes our modern world look very different than it once did. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine digs into how humans are reshaping the wild. Sam speaks to Dr. Harland Patch about the decline of insect populations around the world and how we can provide better environments for pollinators. She also dives into the world of CRISPR
Your Life Runs on GPS. And GPS Runs on Duct Tape
GPS runs our world, but the system is far from perfect and much more fragile than people believe. This episode, GPS expert Logan Scott speaks with senior producer Teresa Carey about the past, present, and future of GPS and how to avoid catastrophe when something goes wrong. Host, Dr. Samantha Yammine also explores the first new potential treatment for Huntington’s disease and how queen ants are cr
Designing Cities for a Warmer World
As the climate shifts into a new normal, plenty of questions are being asked about the state of urban planning around the world. Mainly: how can we better adapt our cities to climate change? What does it mean to create a climate-resilient city? This episode, Senior Producer Teresa Carey is joined by Jesse M. Keenan, an expert in climate adaptation and sustainable urban development, to discuss how
How Everyday People Power Big Science
Whether you call it citizen science, participatory science, or community science, research conducted by everyday people has led to major discoveries across a wide range of fields. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Caren Cooper to discuss the benefits and mechanics when it comes to public participation in science. Dr. Cooper is an expert in the field and the author of Citizen
Who Says Science Can’t Be Silly?
Some of society’s greatest scientific achievements were made based on research that might sound silly or bizarre to the average person. But curiosity-driven exploration is just as important to science as research that starts out with clear-cut applications in mind. So, this episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Carly Anne York. Dr. York wrote The Salmon Cannon and th
Mapping Minds is the White Whale of Brain Science
Understanding exactly how the billions of neurons and trillions of connections in our brains could be one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history. And, surprisingly, we’re not as far off from that as you might think. In episode 2 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Forrest Collman who helped create the most detailed brain diagram ever made. Sam also digs int
Is a Lab-Grown “Brain” Conscious?
Neuroscience is tricky… to say the least. Dedicated scientists have been exploring the organ since ancient times but there is still so much we don’t know about what goes on between our ears. In part 1 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Toker about his research on consciousness through experimenting with lab-grown organoids. He explains what we can
Connection and Play Can Keep the Doctor Away
There’s no real replacement for traditional medicine, but what if there was an intuitive way to prevent the effects of things like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain? Social prescription is the act of being prescribed activities that center around connection with community, art, and nature. And it’s backed by science! Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by author Julia Hotz to talk about the ins and
How to Not Raise an iPad Baby
Our attention spans are… not doing so great these days. With copious amounts of technology, apps, news articles, and social media posts at our fingertips, it makes sense that a lot of people are noticing how much more difficult it is to get into a state of deep reading. On part two of our literacy series, editorial correspondent Teresa Carey speaks with two experts on the subject: Dr. Maryanne Wol
A is for Apple… Or is it AI?
Literacy is murkier than we think. This episode, as a part one of our literacy series, we explore recent research related to one of the most important milestones in our academic lives: learning to read. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Emily Wood, a speech language pathologist who studies the methods we use for testing literacy in kids. She speaks with Sam about how we can better address gap
And Just Like That, You Have Nostalgia
Every parent has wondered if their baby’s crying is normal at some point or another. While there is no “normal,” evidence shows that genetics might actually have a part to play in how long babies cry for. And another universal experience, harking back to “the good old days” in pop culture and our personal lives. Senior Producer, Teresa Carey, speaks with Dr. Clay Routledge about the good feelings
The La Brea Tar Pits Are a Climate Crime Scene!
Los Angeles is home to the only place in the world where ancient fossils are being actively excavated in the middle of the city: The La Brea Tar Pits. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks to the deputy director and assistant curator of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Dr. Regan Dunn. They talk about what makes this site so fascinating and what we can learn from what we find hidden in the tar. S
Ozempic & Prescribed Quiet with Dr. Emma Beckett
Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are everywhere. But with so much information available about this category of drug, it can be hard to know what to trust. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, to unpack the facts and fictions behind GLP-1s and how we talk about them. Sam also talks with a research team who uncovered a brand new colo
DNA Doesn’t Always Solve Crime
Forensic DNA is supposed to be the end all be all when it comes to solving crime, so why are there so many false convictions when it comes to using DNA evidence? Today, Senior Producer Teresa Carey talks to Dr. Gregory Hampikian about forensic DNA, fingerprints, AI, and the limitations of scientific evidence in criminal investigations. Host, Dr. Samantha Yammine also explores the Effort Paradox (a
Sharks Ghosted South Africa and Alison Towner Has the Receipts
Sharks are vanishing from South Africa’s coast and Alison Towner knows why. One of the world’s top great white experts and a leading woman in STEM, Alison joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to break down her new Shark Week specials: Air Jaws: Return of Colossus and Great White Assassins and reveal what’s really happening to these iconic predators. Then, Sam dives into new findings about hammerhead shark m
Shark Week Gets Toxic: Forrest Galante Tracks Alien Sharks
Shark Week returns July 20 on Discovery! This episode is the Shark Week audio companion Part 1! Dr. Samantha Yammine dives into the most surprising shark science of 2025, from sharks that make noise to the nano-scale ‘sharkitecture’ inside their skeletons. Sam also interviews Forrest Galante, wildlife biologist and featured Shark Week expert in Alien Sharks. Plus, Luke Tipple, an
Busting Skincare Myths with Dr. Michelle Wong
The skincare industry is riddled with false advertising, misleading labels, and supposed “miracle cures.” So, as a consumer, how are you meant to know what’s fact and what’s fiction? Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the science behind skincare, from how the collagen industry is causing deforestation in the Amazon for a product that might not actually work to why it’s important to get enou
The Puzzle of AI Ethics with Dr. Cansu Canca
You’ve heard of the attention economy, but what about the intention economy? Rather than competing for consumers’ attention, our devices are now attempting to predict our purchasing patterns through AI. And who better to discuss that issue than Dr. Cansu Canca, a leading expert in AI ethics and founder of the AI Ethics Lab? She joins Senior Producer, Teresa Carey, to discuss this shift in how we u
Genetic Data and Black Americans with Dr. Janina Jeff Ringo
Genetic testing has had some ups and downs over the past few years, with wide swaths of data sets setting a precedent for potential individualized healthcare. But, oftentimes, that data misrepresents African-descended individuals and doesn’t paint the whole picture. Population geneticist Dr. Janina Jeff Ringo joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss what we can learn from genetic testing, and th
Science Loves a Binary. Dr. Shawn Hercules Is Breaking It Down
It’s Pride Month! To help us celebrate, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Shawn Hercules, a queer, non-binary cancer researcher and science communicator. They’ll discuss Shawn’s research into breast cancer among people of African ancestry, how policies around gender affirming care can positively affect healthcare at large, and the importance of diverse voices in scientific research. Sam also e
Ocean Literacy & Conservation
The key to protecting our oceans is understanding them. So, today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine leans into learning about the power and struggles of the environments that keep our planet blue. From the power of bioluminescence and how it’s changed how we study molecular biology to the importance of salt for our bodies and cultures, there is so much to absorb when it comes to our oceans. Then, produce
Digital Privacy & Protecting Your Data
You might think you have nothing to hide on your devices but everyone does. From bank accounts to passwords to travel plans, protecting your digital privacy is one of the biggest issues we face today. Digital privacy expert Eva Galperin joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss the importance of protecting your data and how to best do so. Sam also explores recent updates on a nuclear battery that
The Scramble to Solve Space Scrap
Looking up at the dark sky on a clear night means seeing the lit up little satellites move their way around the night sky. Those satellites might be pretty to look at but researchers are currently working to solve a decades-old problem: what happens when they encounter space junk? Today, producer Teresa Carey speaks with Dr. John Crassidis from the University of Buffalo about this issue and what o
Climate Change in the Pacific Islands
It’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we’re using this week’s episode to highlight scientists and researchers from those regions to emphasize their contributions to science across all different fields of study. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Steven Mana’oakamai Johnson. He explains how people are responding to climate change across the Pacific Islands and the impo
Birding for Beginners in a Changing World
Birdwatching has taken off as a hobby in recent years, and for good reason! Birds are vital members of our planet’s ecosystems and are major bioindicators when it comes to understanding how climate change is affecting different environments. Joining host Dr. Samantha Yammine today are two passionate birders who use science to understand bird behavior and how we can better support our friends in th
Will AI Replace Scientists?
The tasks that AI is able to perform has grown exponentially over the years but there are a few things AI still struggles with, like accurately mimicking scientific methodology. Dr. James Zou joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine today to discuss recent updates in AI’s ability to play the role of scientist. He is an associate professor of Biomedical Data Science at Stanford University where he created a
Indigenous Climate Solutions, Virus Thaw, AI Brain Implant
When tackling solutions to climate change, we tend to focus on westernized approaches rather than listening to Indigenous Peoples about the best ways to protect our earth. So, today, just in time for Earth Day, Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Myrle Ballard about natural resource and environmental management from Indigenous perspectives. Then, Sam gets into a new AI-powered brain implant that
Iceberg Ahead, Microbiome Map, Non-Alcoholic Wine
Icebergs are natural behemoths, littered across the ocean. They are both subjects of awe and fear among sailors so today, Dr. Samantha Yammine discusses the ins and outs of these ginormous monoliths with an experienced sailor and iceberg admirer, producer Teresa Carey. Then, Sam speaks to Dr. Beth Culp, a lead author on a recent study that maps out your gut’s microbiome. After that, Sam asks the q
Fungal Zombies, Audible Enclaves, mRNA Vaccines
Fungal parasites like the ones shown in The Last of Us might not be starting up a zombie apocalypse anytime soon but that doesn’t mean they’re not causing trouble in other ways. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Carolyn Elya, a mycologist specializing in fungi’s unique ability to take over the brains of insects. They discuss how that compares with the fungal zombies in the show and whether
Adolescent Turtles, Measles, Lab-Grown Diamonds
We’re all about answering questions here at Curiosity Weekly. Questions like: where do baby sea turtles actually go when they waddle from their cozy beach nest into the ocean? Host Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the mysteries of adolescent sea turtles before bringing on our special guest, Jessica Malaty Rivera, to answer even more questions, this time about the recent uptick in measles cases in the
Flower Trade, Climate Tech, Aquafaba
Spring has officially sprung! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming. But, have you ever wondered the journey that flowers take from the soil to your vase at home? Today on Curiosity Weekly, author Amy Stewart joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to chat about the global flower trade. Sam is also joined by producer Teresa Carey for a climate tech showdown, where Teresa t
Women In Science & The Future of Male Contraception
It’s Women’s History Month and to celebrate we have Katie Hafner on Curiosity Weekly to discuss the history of women in STEM and ways we can highlight their contributions today. Then, Sam looks into the Wooly Devil, aka the first new plant genus found in a national park in almost 50 years. Finally, Sam and producer Teresa Carey talk about what to know regarding male contraception. Link to Sho
Name That Cell, Ancient Genomes, Cell-Cultured Salmon
Cells may be the building blocks of life (and highschool biology), but who knew they were so complicated? Dr. Samantha Yammine digs into different types of cells and their functions with editorial correspondent Teresa Carey as they discuss the difficulties in defining what a cell even is. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, a pathogen evolutionary biologist about his work invest
The Science of Survival
The new season of Naked and Afraid premieres Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 8pm EST on Discovery. To celebrate, host Dr. Samantha Yammine talks to legendary survivalist Rob Nelson about his experiences thriving in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Rob also gets into some of the facts and myths behind common survival techniques. Then, Sam is joined by Naked and Afraid su
Sea Sponge, Black in Marine Science, Stem Cell Mice
Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Tiara Moore who is a marine ecologist and the founder of Black in Marine Science to talk about her research as well as her advocacy work to ensure equitable systems are in place for Black scientists within the scientific community. Sam digs into a deep sea sponge that has inspired researchers to create a filter that can protect our oceans from a future oil spi
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