Tag: research
-
The Chimps are Talking
A study was published in Nature examining communication among chimpanzees. It found that chimps use "words," and can combine the words into "syntactic-like structures," the beginnings of phrases and sentences. Jeff and Anthony dig into how the researchers came to this conclusion, and discuss how this might alter their perception of primates. [more]
-
Work Less, Have More Kids, and Be Kind
Sometimes, when something seems obvious, science still needs to confirm it. This week, Anthony and Jeff take a look at a trio of stories that may seem not to require investigation, but reveal interesting subtleties upon further study. First up, a look at how working fewer hours may lead to happiness. Then, a report on how and why Americans are having fewer children. And finally, a report that shows acts of kindness are actually therapeutic. [more]
-
The Goldfish’s Bad Rap
A team of researchers at the University of Oxford has found via experimentation that goldfish use markings on the floor below them to measure how far they have traveled. The study disproves the long-held belief goldfish have little or no memory. Anthony and Jeff talk about what this means for goldfish reputations, worldwide, and other animals who fight with unfair stigmas. [more]
-
Mutating Astronaut Blood, A Cautionary Tale
Researchers at NASA have been holding on to astronaut blood for 20 years. But that's not the story. The story is that over that period, the blood has been mutating. Anthony and Jeff discuss this new wrinkle in the dangers of space travel - and space colonization - and how some very smart people are thinking about it. [more]
-
Swear Words and Boring People
Words have power - and maybe swear words have the most power. Jeff and Anthony take a look at the data that suggest the best reasons and ways to curse your @$! off. Then, a group of researchers set out to find the most boring person in the world. What makes a person boring? Anthony and Jeff debate the dull. [more]
-
Potty Trained Cows and a Whiter White
Two stories about small, unexpected ways scientists are trying to combat global climate change. First, can greenhouse gases be reduced by training cows to pee in a toilet? Can cows be trained to pee in a toilet? Researchers from Germany are trying to find out, and Jeff and Anthony have opinions! Then, what if you could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home by simply painting the roof? Scientists at Purdue believe their new world record holding white paint could do just that. Anthony and Jeff take a look. [more]
-
And the Winners Are…
It's that time of year again! The winners of this year's Ig Nobel Prizes have been announced and Anthony and Jeff couldn't be more excited. Every year, the fine folks at Improbable Research award Ig Nobel Prizes to scientists and researchers who have advanced our understanding of the world in ways that border on the unnecessary. They are fun, funny, and fascinating. The journal Nature has said “The Ig Nobel awards are arguably the highlight of the scientific calendar” and you can tune in this week and find out why. [more]
-
Leave Your Phone and Why You Left?
Is your cell phone making you dumber, just by being near you? Researchers now have evidence that the closer your smart device is to you, the less smart you actually are. Anthony and Jeff discuss phone addiction, and what to do with this research. The, both Jeff and Anthony are left-handed. But what does that mean scientifically? And why? They delve into the murky waters of handedness and sort through the prevailing theories. [more]
-
Call Made By Your Name
What’s in a name? A lot, apparently. New research suggests that your first name shapes the way other people perceive your age, personality, and how good you are at your job – and the findings could mean some classic psychology experiments were wrong. Jeff and Anthony are doing their part to discredit their own names. [more]
-
Piggy and the Brain
US-based researchers have successfully kept alive the brain cells of decapitated pigs for 36 hours, sparking concerns over the ethics involved in such frontline research. The researchers said they had succeeded in delivering oxygen to the cells via a system of pumps and blood maintained at body temperature. The key question being that if a brain is revived in this way, would a human being involved have any memories, an identity and rights? Jeff and Anthony request that you please just let them die. [more]
Do NOT join our secret society. You’ll just wind up with a bunch of cool stuff. It’s gross.