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.

 

#143

The Yips

Think about the thing you’ve practiced more than anything else in the world. Maybe it’s painting. Or writing. Or playing the piano. Now imagine you wake up one day and you just can’t do it. You’re not sick. You’re not injured. But that one thing is impossible. It’s called the yips, and even the most talented people in the world experience it. What could cause them to lose their superpowers? And is there anything they can do to get them 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] (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

27 Mar 2024

27 MINS

27:52

27 Mar 2024


#142

The bleeding edge, part two

Diagnosing diseases such as endometriosis can require difficult steps, like surgery. But researchers are hoping to use menstrual fluid to make detecting the condition much easier. 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

20 Mar 2024

24 MINS

24:26

20 Mar 2024


#141

The bleeding edge

Periods and menstrual fluid have long been overlooked by scientists. Now, researchers are starting to suspect they might be sources of medical treasure. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Mar 2024

18 MINS

18:55

13 Mar 2024


#140

Aliens from Earth?

Was there a technologically advanced species living on Earth long before humans? And if one had existed, how would we know? (Updated from 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] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Mar 2024

26 MINS

26:44

06 Mar 2024


#139

How scientists are searching for aliens

They’re not looking for UFOs or decoding government secrets. They’re doing something much simpler. 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

28 Feb 2024

16 MINS

16:30

28 Feb 2024


#138

A universal virus-killer?

Airborne diseases kill millions of people a year, despite available antibiotics and vaccines. But scientists think there might be another solution to fighting these diseases, one that harnesses the power of light. 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

21 Feb 2024

24 MINS

24:22

21 Feb 2024


#137

Why do we cry?

Humans seem to be the only animals that cry from emotion. This Valentine’s Day, we’re wondering: What makes our tears so special? (Updated from 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] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Feb 2024

24 MINS

24:10

14 Feb 2024


#136

Should you quit Diet Coke?

Safety questions have haunted aspartame — the no-calorie sweetener used in many diet soft drinks and other low-calorie products — since its invention. Some answers exist, but should we trust them if they were influenced by the beverage industry? 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

07 Feb 2024

25 MINS

25:36

07 Feb 2024


#135

The case for cursing

Can swearing make you stronger? 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

31 Jan 2024

27 MINS

27:36

31 Jan 2024


#134

The math problem that could break the internet

Today's internet is built on a series of locks and keys that protect your private information as it travels through cyberspace. But could all these locks be broken? (Updated from 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] (http://bit.ly/givepodcasts) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

24 Jan 2024

38 MINS

38:33

24 Jan 2024


#133

Garbage patch kids

Scientists didn’t think it was possible for life to thrive in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Then, they found some anemones ... and some huge questions about entire new ecosystems built on plastic. If you want to hear more about plastic in the ocean, we have another episode about how 99% of ocean plastic is missing: [http://bit.ly/3HnW9b2] (http://bit.ly/3HnW9b2) For even 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

17 Jan 2024

20 MINS

20:18

17 Jan 2024


#132

A stethoscope for the rainforest

Researchers planted microphones in a forest and walked away. Listening back could help heal rainforest ecosystems. 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

10 Jan 2024

26 MINS

26:33

10 Jan 2024


#131

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

What’s up with the weird golden egg at the bottom of the ocean? How do eggs actually choose sperm? Hit sports podcast host Pablo Torre tries to guess which of these mysteries has actually been solved on our latest episode of Unexplainable or Not. 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

03 Jan 2024

30 MINS

30:23

03 Jan 2024


#130

Something weird near the beginning of time

The James Webb Space Telescope launched two years ago, giving scientists a new view into the early universe. Now, it's revealed a big new cosmic mystery. 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

20 Dec 2023

21 MINS

21:01

20 Dec 2023


#129

The tallest mountains on Earth are ... underground?

An expedition to Antarctica. Strange seismic readings. Clues to uncover a hidden part of our planet. 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

13 Dec 2023

19 MINS

19:59

13 Dec 2023


#128

Weaponizing uncertainty

Our show celebrates uncertainty. But as environmental reporter [Amy Westervelt] (https://drilled.media/) explains, the concept also has a dark side. 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

06 Dec 2023

25 MINS

25:21

06 Dec 2023


#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