Ask Us Anything by Popular Science

Why can't we remember being babies?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:03:00 -0000

Plumbing the depths of their childhood memories, PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ explain why almost no humans remember infancy or early childhood.

Read the Popular Science story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/why-dont-i-remember-being-a-baby-study/⁠⁠

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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How come only modern humans need braces?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:01:00 -0000

Chomping right through the history of orthodontics and human bone development, PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ investigate why human ancestors never needed braces, but so many modern humans do.

Read the Popular Science story that inspired this episode: ⁠https://www.popsci.com/science/why-need-braces/⁠

And make sure you check out our guests Erin & Erin on their show This Podcast Will Kill You: ⁠https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com⁠

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Did any dinosaurs actually spit venom?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:01:00 -0000

Digging deep into the fossil record, PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ investigate whether there really were venomous dinosaurs, like the Dilophosaurus depicted in the first Jurassic Park movie.

Read the Popular Science story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/venomous-dinosaurs/

And make sure you check out the I Know Dino podcast, co-hosted by our special guest Garret Kruger: https://iknowdino.com/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What's the most eco-friendly burial option?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:03:00 -0000

After a lifetime of trying to put things in the right bin, we all eventually arrive at the ultimate recycling dilemma: what to do with our bodies after we die? PopSci Editors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠Laura Baisas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ go on exploration to find out what is the most environmentally friendly option for handling human remains? Despite all the new technology, experts say there’s one clear answer, and it’s surprisingly old-school.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/technology/cremation-burial-most-eco-friendly/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Why do (most) cats hate water?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:03:00 -0000

From ancient deserts to kittenhood lessons, PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (PLUS SPECIAL FELINE GUESTS) dive into why most cats are so averse to water.

Read Sarah's story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/why-cats-hate-water/

And make sure you read all about Simon the cat, heroic member of the British Navy: https://www.popsci.com/environment/navy-cat-simon/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Surviving freezing temperatures: How low can humans go?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:03:00 -0000

Humans are homeotherms, meaning that our core body temperature stays roughly constant, but what happens when conditions drive that body temp down? PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bundle up to get to the bottom of just how cold humans can get and still survive.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/coldest-temperature-humans-can-survive/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Decoding wintery precipitation: What causes snow, sleet and freezing rain?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:02:00 -0000

Are you as tired as we are of winter weather? Well, at least it helps to know how it works! PopSci Editors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Laura Baisas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ go on a wintry expedition through all our least favorite types of precipitation.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/environment/chance-of-precipitation-explained/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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How fast would NYC crumble without people? Featuring 'Survivorman' Les Stroud

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:02:00 -0000

In a world without people, how fast would NYC fall apart and nature take over? PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠⁠⁠ go through the timeline for re-wilding America's densest city.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/environment/abandoned-nyc-what-would-happen/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠⁠

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How do squirrels find their buried nuts in winter?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:01:00 -0000

Every fall, squirrels hide thousands of acorns—but how do they find them again in the winter? PopSci Editor ⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠⁠Annie Colbert ⁠ get a little nutty to find the answer.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/how-squirrels-find-nuts/

To learn more about Tommy Tucker, visit: https://www.popsci.com/environment/famous-ww2-squirrel-tommy-tucker/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠⁠

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What happens to your bag after you check it in?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:02:00 -0000

Each year, roughly 500 MILLION bags are checked at U.S airports, with only 0.4% getting lost - so how DO airlines move your bags around and keep track of them. PopSci Editors ⁠⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Laura Baisas go on a journey to explain it all.

Read the full story that inspired this episode:
https://www.popsci.com/technology/what-happens-to-your-checked-bag/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠⁠

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What is human composting?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:04:00 -0000

A growing number of Americans are choosing to return to earth after death—literally. Green burials, and specifically human composting, is an environmentally conscious, life-sustaining option that’s now legal in 14 states. But how does a human composting vessel work? And what exactly happens to Grandpa’s hip replacement once he’s been “recycled?” PopSci Editor ⁠⁠Sarah Durn⁠⁠ and Editor-in-Chief ⁠⁠Annie Colbert⁠⁠ dig deep to explain it all.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/how-human-composting-works/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to ⁠https://popsci.com/ask⁠

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Why do we get goosebumps? Plus: RL Stine!

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:01:00 -0000

Goosebumps are a valuable tool for many animals. They keep mammals with thick fur warm by trapping air near their skin, or help make them look bigger when facing off against a rival.

However, in humans a wide range of emotions can also induce goosebumps. BUT WHY? Join PopSci Editor Sarah Durn and Editor-in-Chief Annie Colbert as they explain the science AND chat with Goosebumps legend, RL Stine.

Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/why-goosebumps-happen/

If you have a question for a future episode, go to https://popsci.com/ask

00:00 Exploring Personal Goosebump Triggers and Their Ancient Animal Roots

04:43 Unpacking the Autonomic Nervous System's Role in Cold and Fear Responses

07:38 Distinguishing Chills from Goosebumps in Response to Music, Art, and Awe

10:29 Goosebumps Author R.L. Stine Shares Origin of the Book Series' Name

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Welcome back to Ask Us Anything from Popular Science

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:28:00 -0000

Join us as we dive into your weirdest, most mind-burning questions–from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. This is… Ask Us Anything. New episodes drop every other Wednesday starting November 12, with more AUA questions and answers here: https://www.popsci.com/category/ask-us-anything/

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How do chatbots work?

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

If you remember chatting with SmarterChild back on AOL Instant Messenger back in the day, you know how far ChatGPT and Google Bard have come. But how do these so-called chatbots work—and what’s the best way to use them to our advantage?

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

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How is Voyager's vintage technology still flying?

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0000

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 launched back in 1977 with only a five-year mission to take a gander at Jupiter and Saturn’s rings and moons. Obviously, the Voyager spacecrafts have persisted a lot longer than five years: 46 years, to be exact. They’re still careening through space at a distance between 12 and 14 billion miles from Earth. So how have they lasted four decades longer than expected?

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Can you become a morning person?

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0000

There's plenty of good reasons to be a morning lark. So is it possible, or is biology totally against us wannabe early birds?

Hosted by Lauren Young: https://twitter.com/laurenjyoung617

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Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

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Where’s the best place to sit in a movie theater?

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

We all have our preferred seats at the movies. But is there scientifically a best place to sit? Stan Horaczek has the answer.

Hosted by Stan Horaczek: https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek

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Are the bees still dying?

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Five or ten years ago, all we heard was "save the bees." Well, are they still dying? PopSci's Philip Kiefer has the answers—and they're surprisingly complicated.

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Why do we like pimple popping?

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

It's super gross, but you can't look away—why are pimple popping videos so magnetic?

Hosted by Chelsey B. Coombs: https://twitter.com/chelseybcoombs

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

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Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

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How do planes fly?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Airplanes are massive, heavy, gigantic hunks of metal. So how do their engines keep them aloft? PopSci's Rob Verger has the details.

Hosted by Rob Verger: https://twitter.com/robverger

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What’s the best way to reheat pizza?

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Cold pizza is *chefs kiss.* But what if you want to heat up that leftover 'za? Our DIY editors have done the (mostly) delicious research to tell you the scientifically best way to reheat pizza.

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What’s the best way to detox?

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

There's a lot of talk these days about the best way to "detox" your bod. But the real secret to it all was inside you all along.

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Can I have a pet fox?

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Foxes are cute, seemingly cuddly, and full of personality. So can we have them as pets? PopSci's Philip Kiefer explains why the answer gets complicated.

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How can I be more photogenic?

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Without the filters, without the FaceTune—just using light, camera know-how, and posing—is there a way to be more photogenic? Photography expert and PopSci editor Stan Horaczek will have you looking your best (using science!) in no time.

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What’s a haboob?

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Ever heard of a haboob? Don't worry, PopSci's Chelsey B. Coombs explains it all—from their anatomy to their historical appearances.

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Is the megalodon shark still alive?

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Could the legendary megalodon shark still be lurking in our oceans? PopSci's Purbita Saha dishes out the details.

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Why do we get wisdom teeth?

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Season 3 is HERE! First up, Lauren sinks her teeth into a real head-scratcher—why do we still get wisdom teeth if they're useless?

Hosted by Lauren Young: https://twitter.com/laurenjyoung617

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Season 3: Premiering 6/21!

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Season 3 goes live on Tuesday, June 21st! We'll answer questions like why we still get wisdom teeth, are the bees still dying, and what is the scientifically best way to reheat pizza—all with a brand new group of hosts. Episodes publish twice a week. See you soon!

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24. Did food taste better 50 years ago?

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

It's the season 2 finale! What did food taste like 50 years ago—and was it actually better than it is now?

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Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

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23. What is a super car?

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

There are regular cars, there are luxury cars, and then there are.... SUPER cars. But what even is a super car? As our host explains, it can often be more of a vibe than anything else—but there are some specific criteria to hit.

Hosted by Rob Verger: https://twitter.com/robverger

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22. What would happen if the sun went out?

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

The sun is, to put it lightly, quite important to life on Earth. What would happen if it suddenly went poof?

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21. Can stress kill you?

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

If you're looking for a sign to take a vacation... this might be it.

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20. Why can't we all touch our toes?

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

We finally dive into the classic question—why can't we all touch our toes? And why the heck is it such a big deal?

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19. What does space smell like?

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Sure, you can't literally smell IN space. But what if you could? Just how stinky is it out there?

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18. Do we really need homework?

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Homework—we've all done it. (Or avoided it.) But is homework truly necessary for learning and becoming a fully formed human?

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17. How much water should I drink a day?

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Most people will tell you to drink 8 cups of water per day—but what if we told you that the answer is SO much more complicated than that?

Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, right here!

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16. What did dinosaurs taste like?

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Modern dinosaurs obviously taste like chicken—because they ARE chickens. But what would dinos like stegosauruses and T. rexes have tasted like back in the day?

Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, right here!

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15. What'd happen if I ate my computer?

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000

So... yes, this is a weird question. But electronics are hard to recycle, ok? Can't we just toss them down the hatch? What would they do to our bodies?

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14. How can you safely send nude photos?

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000

In a pandemic world, we've gotta get a little creative in order to stay intimate. But even sending a nude can be dangerous—so how can we do it safely?

Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, right here!

Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

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13. Can you cure a hangover?

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Let's face it—hangovers suck. But what if there was a way to cure them?

Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, right here!

Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

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Season 2: Premiering 9/7!

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0000

If you liked season 1 of our show, then you are going to LOVE Season 2. We’ll hit your feeds on Tuesday, September 7th, with new hosts and new questions to tackle—including how to safely send nude photos, what would a dinosaur taste like, how to cure a hangover, and so much more. So tune in on September 7th wherever you get podcasts for twice-a-week episodes. For more updates, you can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @askpopscipod. Thanks for listening, and see you soon!

Ask Us Anything Twitter: https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod

Ask Us Anything Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askpopscipod/

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

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12. Why can't we see more colors?

Thu, 06 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000

The world is teeming with colors we see everyday. But humans don’t see every color on the light spectrum. There is a whole world of color that we can’t recognize.

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11. What is an allergy?

Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000

As many of us know far too well, allergy season is upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. But why do our bodies cause us such pain every spring? And why are people allergic to certain foods or animals?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10. What's your brain doing when you daydream?

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0000

On long days, it's not unusual to conjure up scenes of lush beaches, serene mountaintops, or even a cozy blanket fort and a good movie. But what's happening in our brains when we do that? And is it healthy to do this so often?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9. Are there good viruses?

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0000

For the last year and a half, we've really only had one big virus on our minds—and it's a very bad one. But are there good viruses out there? And what can viruses do for us?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8. Why can't we burn our trash in volcanoes?

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0000

At first glance, a volcano’s hot lava seems ideal for incinerating our trash. But, like so many things in science, it’s so much more complicated than that.

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7. Can you overdose on weed?

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0000

There aren't any recorded deaths attributed solely to marijuana—you can't really blaze yourself to death. But even so, is it possible to overdose on it?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6. What causes side stitches?

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0000

If you know, you know—that jabbing, stabbing pain in your side just when you hit your groove in a work out. So what's actually going on in your body when you get a side stitch?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5. How much sleep do you actually need?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

We all lead busy lives, so it's easy to skimp out on catching all of those Zs. But the question is, how much sleep can you get without sacrificing any cognitive function?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4. What would happen if you fell into a black hole?

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Black holes—humungous, dense, celestial objects—suck in everything that cross their jaws (also known as their event horizons). But what if one sucked YOU in?! Two words: lethal spaghetti.

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. Can you survive on a single food forever?

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Grocery shopping can be a chore. But what if, even hypothetically, you could survive by only consuming one food for the rest of your life? There's a way to do it—but it involves a whole buttload of potatoes.

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. Why don't we all grow to be 10 feet tall?

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Claire is 5'4", and Jess is 6'1", and most of the world is somewhere in between. But why is it that we don't just all end up being 10 feet tall? What's stopping us from growing sky-high?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Can you boost your immune system?

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Between the COVID-19 pandemic and the classic flu season, many of us often wonder: is it possible to boost our immune systems so they can vanquish any threat?

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Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailer: Ask Us Anything by Popular Science

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

Premiering Tuesday, March 16th, Ask Us Anything is a brand new podcast from the editors of Popular Science. It’s a bite-sized show that answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from what the universe is made of to why not everyone can touch their toes. If you like The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week, we promise you’ll love Ask Us Anything—and you’ll hear a few familiar voices on it, too! Check out new episodes of Ask Us Anything every Tuesday and Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices