Unexplainable podcast

Unexplainable

·

  Vox  

Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know ... and then keeps right on going. This Vox podcast explores scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and all the things we learn by diving into the unknown. New episodes every Wednesday.

Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know ... and then keeps right on going. This Vox podcast explores scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and all the things we learn by diving into the unknown. New episodes every Wednesday.

 

#127

Can we live in space?

NASA is planning for humans to live on the moon by 2040. But how much space can the human body handle? (Updated from 2022) For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

29 Nov 2023

32 MINS

32:50

29 Nov 2023


#126

The ice cream effect

Decades of studies suggest that eating ice cream reduces diabetes risk. Could ice cream be ... good for you? And what does “good for you” mean? For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

15 Nov 2023

29 MINS

29:21

15 Nov 2023


#125

The data vigilantes

Data sleuths are working outside the system to keep science honest. But is there a better way to prevent scientific misconduct and fraud? For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Nov 2023

31 MINS

31:53

08 Nov 2023


#124

Trouble on Pickles Reef

Coral reefs are an essential ecosystem undeniably threatened by climate change. Can scientists breed a stronger coral for the future? For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Nov 2023

26 MINS

26:47

01 Nov 2023


#123

Redefining death

This Halloween, we look at how technology is forcing us to ask: When is someone actually dead? And we look into research that is raising a further question: Could death someday be reversible? This episode originally ran on November 22, 2022. For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

25 Oct 2023

33 MINS

33:55

25 Oct 2023


#122

The Orcanizing

Over the last few years, orcas have been targeting boats, often leaving them stranded at sea. Are these orcas trying to attack humans, or is there something more mysterious going on? For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Oct 2023

22 MINS

22:12

18 Oct 2023


#121

Unexplainable or Not with Wyatt Cenac

Our game show is back! This time, comedian Wyatt Cenac is in the hot seat in front of a live audience. Can he guess which climate mystery has been solved and which ones are still unexplainable? For show transcripts, go to [bit.ly/unx-transcripts] (http://bit.ly/unx-transcripts) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to read about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

04 Oct 2023

34 MINS

34:06

04 Oct 2023


#120

Rogue waves

Towering walls of water sometimes appear in the ocean without warning or apparent cause. What drives their terrifying power? For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Sep 2023

28 MINS

28:26

27 Sep 2023


#119

Does garlic break magnets?

What would an episode of Unexplainable have sounded like if it had been made in 100 CE? For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Sep 2023

30 MINS

30:40

20 Sep 2023


#118

How to decode a thought

Can researchers decipher what people are thinking about just by looking at brain scans? With AI, they're getting closer. How far can they go, and what does it mean for privacy? To buy tickets to our upcoming live show in New York, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainablelive] (http://vox.com/unexplainablelive) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Sep 2023

31 MINS

31:54

13 Sep 2023


#117

It’s getting harder to see

Something about modern life is leading to higher rates of nearsightedness across the world. What is it? To buy tickets to our upcoming live show in New York, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainablelive] (http://vox.com/unexplainablelive) For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

30 Aug 2023

20 MINS

20:51

30 Aug 2023


#116

Jumping the gun

At last year’s World Athletics Championships, sprinter TyNia Gaither was disqualified for false starting... after the gun went off. Officials said she started faster than humanly possible. How can that be? This episode originally ran on June 15, 2022. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (For%20more,%20go%20to%20http://vox.com/unexplainable%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20great%20place%20to%20view%20show%20transcripts%20and%20read%20more%20about%20the%20topics%20on%20our%20show.%20Also,%20email%20us!%20unexplainable@vox.com%20We%20read%20every%20email.%20Support%20Unexplainable%20by%20making%20a%20financial%20contribution%20to%20Vox!%20bit.ly/givepodcasts%20%20https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (For%20more,%20go%20to%20http://vox.com/unexplainable%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20great%20place%20to%20view%20show%20transcripts%20and%20read%20more%20about%20the%20topics%20on%20our%20show.%20Also,%20email%20us!%20unexplainable@vox.com%20We%20read%20every%20email.%20Support%20Unexplainable%20by%20making%20a%20financial%20contribution%20to%20Vox!%20bit.ly/givepodcasts%20%20https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Aug 2023

33 MINS

33:55

23 Aug 2023


#115

Can we talk to animals?

Two scientists explain how AI might help us translate animal communication, and what we might learn from their squawks, chirps, songs, and chatter. This episode was recorded live at the Aspen Ideas Festival. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

16 Aug 2023

34 MINS

34:21

16 Aug 2023


#114

Unexplainable or Not: Beach day!

Sam Sanders, host of Vulture’s Into It podcast, is in the hot seat for a new episode of our game show. Can he guess which sandy mystery has been solved and which ones are still unexplainable?  For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Aug 2023

29 MINS

29:35

09 Aug 2023


#113

Who let the wolves in?

Dogs were the first domesticated animal in history, emerging from wolves some 20,000 years ago. But how did wolves become dogs? To find the answer, scientists have to play with a lot of puppies. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

02 Aug 2023

24 MINS

24:46

02 Aug 2023


#112

Why do we have a moon?

In all our searching of the universe, we’ve never seen another moon like ours. It's big, it's weird, and it has played a huge role in shaping our planet. But how did we get it? Every possible story points to cataclysm. This episode originally ran on June 15, 2022. It is part of our [Lost Worlds] (https://www.vox.com/unexplainable/23165702/space-scientific-mysteries-venus-earth-mars-pluto-unexplainable-podcast) series exploring scientific mysteries buried in the deep past. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

26 Jul 2023

27 MINS

27:25

26 Jul 2023


#111

The Black Box: In AI we trust?

AI can often solve problems in unexpected, undesirable ways. So how can we make sure it does what we want, the way we want? And what happens if we can’t? This is the second episode of our new two-part series, The Black Box. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Jul 2023

30 MINS

30:45

19 Jul 2023


#110

The Black Box: Even AI’s creators don’t understand it

AI has the potential to impact our society in dramatic ways, but researchers can’t explain precisely how it works or how it might evolve. Will they ever understand it? This is the first episode of our new two-part series, The Black Box. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Jul 2023

34 MINS

34:58

12 Jul 2023


#109

Do animals grieve?

A dog on its owner’s grave. A killer whale carrying around its dead calf. A goose that isolates when its mate dies. These behaviors in animals may look like human mourning, but should scientists call them "grief?" For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Jennifer Vonk's research study on pet cats reactions to the death of companion animals can be found [here] (https://oakland.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dg2aco9zpnhyTiK) . Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

28 Jun 2023

26 MINS

26:51

28 Jun 2023


#108

Why do we dream?

Dreams are weird, but can they be a scientific tool? Can they teach us anything about humanity? About ourselves? This episode originally ran on April 12, 2022. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

21 Jun 2023

23 MINS

23:28

21 Jun 2023


#107

Cracking the Indus code

The Indus Valley civilization was one of the largest, most advanced civilizations in the ancient world. But we barely know anything about them, in large part because we haven’t been able to decipher the cryptic [symbols] (https://www.worldhistory.org/Indus_Script/) they left behind. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Jun 2023

24 MINS

24:27

14 Jun 2023


#106

Awestruck

Awe is what takes our breath away when we face a sky full of stars or listen to a moving piece of music. But scientists are still trying to pin down why we feel such a powerful emotion, and whether it’s possible to cultivate more of it in our lives. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

07 Jun 2023

24 MINS

24:52

07 Jun 2023


#105

Expecting: Weed and pregnancy

Many states have extremely punitive policies around cannabis and pregnancy. But researchers don't actually have great data on cannabis's harms. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

24 May 2023

30 MINS

30:46

24 May 2023


#104

Expecting: Baby brain

Caring for a child seems to change parents’ brains. But what does that actually mean for how parents think and experience the world? For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

17 May 2023

27 MINS

27:55

17 May 2023


#103

Expecting: Pregnancy souvenirs

Fetuses leave cells behind in their parents' bodies, where they braid themselves into tissues, and remain, for years. What are they doing in there? For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

10 May 2023

36 MINS

36:44

10 May 2023


#102

The tornado problem

2023 has been a record-setting year for tornadoes, and these storms came with barely any warning. So to better understand tornadoes, scientists might need to confront more of these storms head-on. This episode originally ran on July 12, 2021. For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (mailto:unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

03 May 2023

24 MINS

24:54

03 May 2023


#101

How to resurrect a mammoth

Scientists are hard at work trying to bring back woolly mammoths (and dodos). But should they? And what would they actually be bringing back? For more, go to [http://vox.com/unexplainable] (http://vox.com/unexplainable) It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! [unexplainable@vox.com] (unexplainable@vox.com) We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! [bit.ly/givepodcasts] (https://www.vox.com/pages/support-now?utm_campaign=contribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

26 Apr 2023

32 MINS

32:34

26 Apr 2023