Episodes

Jan. 8, 2025

Weird Wednesday - Cyborg Insect Swarms, Illegal Illness, Toilet Seats Versus Toilet Paper, Left Out Bananas, and TDIH 0 The Battle of New Orleans

It is a Weird Wednesday episode, and we cover scientists that have developed technology to control cyborg insect swarms, a town that made getting sick illegal, toilet seats that can’t handle toilet paper, and another town that is just going bananas over pealed bananas- we’ll explain. Plus, on This Day in History, we look back to the Battle of New Orleans. Scientists develop technology to control cyborg insect swarms | ScienceDaily Scientists develop technology to control cyborg insect swarms | T...
Jan. 7, 2025

"Smart Cell" Construction Kit, Video Games That Improve Mental Health, and TDIH - The Video Phone Released 30 Years Ago

Bioengineers develop a groundbreaking 'Smart Cell' construction kit for disease-fighting therapies" and how some video games can improve your mental health and add balance to your life. Plus, on This Day in History, the video phone that was released over 30 years ago. Breakthrough for 'smart cell' design | ScienceDaily Journal of Medical Internet Research - Open-World Games’ Affordance of Cognitive Escapism, Relaxation, and Mental Well-Being Among Postgraduate Students: Mixed Methods Study Open-...
Jan. 6, 2025

Why Winter Increases Your Chances of a Cold, 2025 Stargazing Events, and TDIH - The Wheel of Fortune

On today’s episode, we’ve all heard it before during winter - “If you don’t dress warm, you're going to catch a cold”. We take a look at why winter makes you more vulnerable to colds. Also, what 2025 has in store for your stargazing plans. Plus, on This Day in History, we spin the wheel for the first time, as Wheel of Fortune debuts on NBC. Why winter makes you more vulnerable to colds – a public health nurse explains the science behind the season | The Conversation January stargazing: Ring in 2...
Jan. 3, 2025

Are Humans Changing Earth's Tilt and Rotation? Plus, Carnivorous Squirrels and TDIH - Construction Begins on the Brooklyn Bridge

Human activity could be changing the Earth’s tilt and rotation, and researchers discover squirrels that don’t just eat nuts - they hunt and eat voles. Plus, on This Day in History, construction begins on the Brooklyn Bridge, the first steel-wire suspended bridge in the world. Human activity is changing Earth’s tilt and rotation. What does that mean for the planet? | BBC Science Focus Magazine Carnivorous squirrels documented in California | ScienceDaily ASCE Metropolitan Section - Brooklyn Bridg...
Jan. 2, 2025

New Species Discovered in the Past Year, Living Underwater Update, and TDIH - First Spacecraft to Escape Earth's Gravity

We look back at some of the more interesting species discovered in 2024. Plus, an update on the Weird Wednesday story of a man targeting the record for consecutive days living underwater. On This Day in History, the first spacecraft to escape Earth’s gravity and enter geocentric orbit – and here’s a hint – it did NOT come from the United States. Scientists have identified an estimated 10% of all species on Earth. Here’s what they found in 2024 | CNN Vampire hedgehogs, pirate spiders and fishy fu...
Dec. 31, 2024

Humor Believe to be Older Than Humans, Artificial Heart Patients Regrow Heart Muscle, and TDIH - NYE Times Square Tradition Begins

Scientists notice that great apes love teasing and fooling around, which leads them to believe humor is older than humans. Plus, researchers discover some artificial heart patients are able to regrow heart muscle, offering new hope for future treatments. On This Day in History, the tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve at Times Square began over 100 years ago and a few later, the ball drop begins. Great Apes Joke Around, Suggesting Humor Is Older Than Humans | Scientific American Spontaneous p...
Dec. 30, 2024

AI-Designed Viral Gene Therapy, Treasure Filled Shipwrecks Identified, and TDIH - the First Major Auto Industry Labor Dispute

AI-designed "nanocages" that mimic viral structures are offering groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy and biomedical innovation. Also, 250 shipwrecks containing 22 tons of gold and silver have been identified off the coast of Portugal. Plus, on This Day in History, the first major labor dispute in the US auto industry. Virus that threatened humanity opens the future | ScienceDaily 250 ships with treasures off Portugal coast - The Portugal News Shipwreck with 22 Tons of Gold Treasure Ident...
Dec. 28, 2024

The Oldest Mammalian Ancestor Discovered, an Update on the Flight of the Parker Solar Probe & TDIH: Howdy Doody Premiers on NBC

On today's episode; the oldest mammalian ancestor is discovered, an update on the flight of the Parker Solar Probe, plus, on 'This Day in History', the show that would influence children's television for generations to come -- Howdy Doody. World's oldest mammalian ancestor discovered in Mallorca This dog-like predator is the oldest known mammal ancestor | Popular Science Early–middle Permian Mediterranean gorgonopsian suggests an equatorial origin of therapsids | Nature Communications TDIH: Norb...
Dec. 23, 2024

NASA Probe Set to Touch the Sun and TDIH - “Twas the Night Before Christmas"

On Christmas Eve NASA aims to touch our Sun in hopes to learn more about how it works and the source of its high-energy solar particles. Plus, on This Day in History, we look back one of the most famous holiday poems of all time - “Twas the Night Before Christmas". Watch: NASA Experts Discuss Mission to 'Touch the Sun' with Parker Solar Probe - Newsweek NASA is set to touch sun on Christmas Eve | firstcoastnews.com Parker Solar Probe - NASA Science It's been a hell of a year, and we're going to ...
Dec. 20, 2024

Yardwork Leads to Found Mastodon Jaw, the Coexistence of Humans, Giant Sloths, and Mastodons. Plus, TDIH - The Failed Coup Attempt by Hitler

One New York homeowner’s yardwork unearths a rare mastodon jaw. Plus, there is new evidence that humans, giant sloths, and mastodons coexisted for over 10,000 years. On This Day in History, we look at the failed coup attempt by Adolf Hitler before he was elected Chancellor of Germany. New York Homeowner’s Yardwork Reveals Complete Mastodon Jaw Bones and Teeth | Good News Netowrk Giant sloths and mastodons lived with ancient humans in the Americas | AP News Murder Hornets Have Been Eradicated Fro...
Dec. 19, 2024

The Plan to Re-Freeze the Arctic, Could Geo-Thermal Be Our Long-Term Energy Solution? & TDIH: NASA's Plan for a Moon Base ... in 1988

On today's episode, we've got details on the plan to refreeze the Arctic. Plus, could geo-thermal prove to be the renewable energy source we've all been waiting for? And on 'This Day in History', NASA's 1988 plan for a moon base and manned trips to Mars Sponsored by Factor - use promo code coolstuff50 to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping Factormeals.com/50coolstuff A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risks | CNN The pla...
Dec. 18, 2024

Vast Reserve of Hydrogen Found, Weird Wednesday - Fish Getting Busy, Googly Eye Sculptures, "Trekkie" Plate Issues, and a Festive Car. Plus, TDIH - Piltdown Skull Hoax

A vast reserve of geologic hydrogen was found. Plus, Weird Wednesday has fish getting busy after an earthquake, sculptures with googly eyes, the "Trekkie" license plate that was causing trouble, and a festive car. Also, on This Day in History, we look back at the Piltdown skull hoax. Massive new energy source discovered hiding under Earth’s surface | BBC Science Focus Magazine Northern California earthquake prompts an endangered Death Valley fish species to get busy | Phys.org Stop sticking goog...
Dec. 17, 2024

Cream-Based Vaccines, the Connection Between Leaded Gas and Mental Health, and TDIH - the Prize for Alien Communication

Getting your vaccine from a needle could be a thing of the past, as a cream-based vaccine is being developed. Also, how your mental health may have been altered by leaded gas, if you were born before 1996. Plus, on This Day in History, the prize offered for communicating with aliens, however it doesn’t include Martians - as that was thought to be too easy! Stanford scientists transform ubiquitous skin bacterium into a topical vaccine | Stanford Medicine Discovery and engineering of the antibody ...
Dec. 16, 2024

Google Claims its New Quantum Chip Could Prove the Existence of Parallel Universes, New Technology Could Aid the Search for Aviation's Biggest Mystery & on TDIH, the Last Eruption of Mount Fuji

Google claims its new quantum chip could prove the existence of parallel universes, new technological advances could aid the decade-long hunt for aviation’s biggest mystery, and on 'This Day in History', the last eruption of Mount Fuji. Google says its new quantum chip indicates that multiple universes exist | TechCrunch Google Says Its New Quantum Chip May Prove Parallel Universes Exist - Newsweek Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chip The bold new science that could soon solve the grea...
Dec. 13, 2024

Extinct Greak Lakes Fish Found Alive, the Evolution of Animals Ability to See Color, and TDIH - The Clip-on Tie Changes the World of Fashion

One extinct Great Lakes fish has been discovered alive again … but in the wrong lake. Staying in the animal kingdom, new research suggests animals’ ability to see color evolved BEFORE bright colors emerged in nature, but why? Plus, on This Day in History, the fashion world gets easier as the clip-on tie is invented. 'Extinct' Great Lakes Shortnose Cisco fish discovered in Lake Superior | USA Today Animals Evolved Color Vision before Bright Colors Emerged | Scientific American The Birth of The Cl...
Dec. 12, 2024

Caffeine: The Ultimate Performance Booster, But Timing Is Key and How Exercise Can Help with Memory. Plus, TDIH - The First Motel

A new study says that caffeine can boost physical and mental performance, but it added it should be timed wisely to optimize benefits and avoid side effects. Also, new research says that exercise can boost your memory for a full day. Plus, on This Day in History, the first motel is opened. Here's the best (and worst) time to drink your morning caffeine | BBC Science Focus Magazine Short-term cognitive boost from exercise may last for 24 hours | ScienceDaily The World’s First Motel Was a Luxury E...
Dec. 11, 2024

Drones Inspired by Birds, Weird Wednesday - Salmon Hats for Orcas, Another Word of the Year, and Interesting Spanish Scrabble Champion. Plus TDIH - Anesthetic Use in Dentistry

New drones inspired by birds that jump for take-off. It’s Weird Wednesday and Reggie has orcas that are wearing salmon for hats, the Merriam-Webster’s word of the year, and the winner of the Spanish Scrabble Championship who doesn’t speak Spanish. Plus, on This Day in History, Dr. Horace Wells and the first use of anesthetic in dentistry. Bird-inspired drone can jump for take-off | ScienceDaily For Orcas, Dead Salmon Hats Are Back in Fashion | Scientific American No, Orcas Probably Aren't Revivi...
Dec. 10, 2024

Improving Your Life with Good Habits, Temporary E-Tattoos That Could Replace EEG Setups, and TDIH - The Theory of Gravity

How training your body to have good habits can change your life for the better and the revolutionary spray-on electronic tattoo that replaces traditional EEG setups, offering a more comfortable and reliable way to monitor brain activity while paving the way for advanced brain-computer interfaces. Plus, on This Day in History; Edmund Halley’s and Isaac Newton’s collaboration on the theory of gravity. Good habits are life-changing: A psychologist's guide to hacking your brain's autopilot Temporary...
Dec. 9, 2024

New Desalination Method Could Provide Water for Billions, Possible Wolf Pollinators, and TDIH - the Kecksburg UFO incident

Researchers have developed a cost-effective solar-powered desalination method using clay minerals to enhance seawater evaporation, potentially providing clean water for billions worldwide and endangered wolves in Ethiopia may also be pollinators for one specific plant. Plus, on This Day in History, we look back at the Kecksburg UFO incident. Billions of People Could Benefit from This Breakthrough in Desalination That Ensures Freshwater for the World A wolf walks into a flower — and appears to po...
Dec. 6, 2024

Notre Dame's New Interior, the Human-Dog Bond Is Older Than Previously Thought, and TDIH - The Book That Helped Change Obscenity Laws

The restoration of an icon - Notre Dame shows off the new interior after the devastating fire five years ago, and the human-dog bond may be older than we thought. Plus, on This Day in History, the court case and book that helped change obscenity laws. Notre Dame Cathedral unveils its new interior 5 years after devastating fire | AP News How did humans and dogs become friends? Connections in the Americas began 12,000 years ago | University of Arizona News Scientists discover exactly when man and ...
Dec. 5, 2024

Using Your Fat to Predict Alzheimer's, Oldest Known Bird Lays an Egg, and TDIH - The Creation of ARPANET and the Internet

Your body’s fat could predict Alzheimer's disease up to 20 years ahead of symptoms, plus a 74-year-old bird might be a mom again. And, on This Day in History, we look back at ARPANET and how it led us to the internet we know today. Hidden fat predicts Alzheimer's 20 years ahead of symptoms | ScienceDaily Wisdom, The World's Oldest Bird, Lays Egg At 74 Years Old After Finding New Mate | IFLScience Wisdom: World's oldest known wild bird lays egg at '74' | BBC Albatross - Description, Habitat, Imag...
Dec. 4, 2024

Weird Wednesday - 2024 Word of the Year, Fake Gibson Guitars Seized, Underwater Living Record Attempt, and the Defective Candy Bar; plus TDIH - Henry Ford's Peach Ship

It’s Weird Wednesday and Reggie has the Oxford Word of the Year, fake Gibson guitars, a 'living underwater' record attempt, and a defective candy bar. Plus, on 'This Day in History', Henry Ford’s Peace Ship expedition fails miserably during WWI … or perhaps it did not? We've got the details of this peculiar story featuring the famous industrialist. 'Brain rot' is the Oxford University Press word of the year | AP News Why ‘Brain Rot’ Is 2024’s Word of the Year | Scientific American More than 3,00...
Dec. 3, 2024

The Pace of Brain Rot, The Value of Pyrite - No Longer Just "Fool's Gold", and TDIH - Neon Lights First Displayed

The reason why some human brains don’t rot for thousands of years, and who’s the fool now? Pyrite, or fool’s gold, could fuel our future. Plus, on This Day in History, the first neon lights are displayed in public. Why These Millennia-Old Brains Are So Well Preserved | Scientific American We Used to Make Fun of Fool's Gold. Now, It Might Fuel Our Future | Popular Mechanics How Pyrite Or “Fool’s Gold” Could Be The Fuel Of The Future Thanks To Its Lithium Connection | MSN.com December 1910: Neon l...
Dec. 2, 2024

The Language of Pain, Nuclear Fusion Advancements, and TDIH - How "Manifest Destiny" Shaped the US

What do you say when you get hurt? We dive into the research around the universal language of pain and how one company is making strides towards the first nuclear fusion reactor. Plus, on This Day in History, the announcement that helped shape the US using the philosophy of “Manifest Destiny”. Expressions of Pain May Have a Common Origin | Scientific American Scientists achieve major milestone with levitating, virtually limitless energy device: 'A feat in and of itself' New Zealand powers half-t...