Alle afleveringen
3.237 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Hibernation: The Ultimate Suspended Animation!
3 mei 2012 · 27 min
What is hibernation exactly? Is it the opposite of sleep? Is it the future of manned space exploration? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Julie and Robert enter the hibernacula and discuss this perplexing biologic state. Lees meer
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Space Junk in the Trunk
1 mei 2012 · 25 min
How much junk can we accumulate in Earth's orbit before we seal off our world? Before we cut the planet off from the cosmos and doom civilization to a new dark age? In this episode, Robert and Julie look skyward to space exploration's garbage. Lees meer
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Contact Lenses of the Gods
26 april 2012 · 28 min
Imagine a contact lens that displays data against your eyeball, delivering everything from sports scores to soap operas. Contact lens display technology may make this a reality. In this episode, Robert and Julie explore this future augmented reality. Lees meer
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Oh the Lucid Dreams we Weave ...
24 april 2012 · 39 min
Whether awake or dreaming, our neocortex is always shuffling about data and creating stories. But what if you could enter your dream and become the master of your fate? Join Julie and Robert as they weave a tale about how and why we lucid dream. Lees meer
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Voyager and the Scale of our Solar System
19 april 2012 · 21 min
The Voyager probes continue their journey toward the edge of our solar system, but how much distance have they covered? In this episode, Julie and Robert wrestle with the scale of our solar system, from the atomic fires of our sun to the Ooort cloud. Lees meer
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The Odorous Language of Plants
17 april 2012 · 22 min
Do you speak the language of the carrots? From the screams of grass blades to the stink songs of carnivorous plants, the green kingdom is abuzz with the silent voices of plants. In this episode, Robert and Julie bend their ear to whispers in the leaves. Lees meer
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Illusions and Light
13 april 2012 · 17 min
The optical world we perceive is cast in illusion - and the properties of light itself dictate that reality. In this episode, Robert and Julie spin off a discussion of blue skies, sunlight and more. Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Sloth
10 april 2012 · 24 min
Sloth: When does mere laziness become moral failure? When does apathy descend into sloth? In this episode, Julie and Robert tackle one final deadly sin, traveling through both Dante's purgatory and the neural pathways of the human mind. Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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Cat Parasites Conquer the World
5 april 2012 · 42 min
The most successful organisms hide in the shadows. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is just such a puppet master, and its marionettes include rodents, cats and human beings. In this episode, Julie and Robert uncover Toxo's neural-hijacking scheme. Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Wrath
3 april 2012 · 38 min
Wrath: Where does wrath arise from in the human brain and why do we malign it as one of the seven deadly sins? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Julie continue the buffet of vice in an examination of human anger. Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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Virtual Sex and Linked Dreaming
29 maart 2012 · 35 min
Imagine a future in which astronauts engage in virtual encounters with Earth-bound spouses. What sort of technology will make this possible? In this episode, Julie and Robert discuss computer-mitigated sexual experiences and linked dreaming. Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Lust!
27 maart 2012 · 39 min
Lust: Are we slaves to our desire? Can we resist our passions, or should we go full-satyr and embrace the inner goat? Join Robert and Julie as they journey through the maelstroms of Dante's Inferno and into a scientific discussion of the ""sin"" called lust. Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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Organisms: Heavyweight Division
22 maart 2012 · 19 min
Just how big can an Earth organism get? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Julie and Robert look at some of the heavyweight contenders for the largest life form on the planet - and the answer isn't "blue whale." What is it? Tune in to find out. Lees meer
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Godzilla vs. Kong vs. Barbie
20 maart 2012 · 29 min
Godzilla vs. Kong vs. Barbie: Are you terrified of giant monster attacks? Well, this is the episode for you. Join Robert and Julie as they calm your fears with a healthy dose of science. Listen in as they examine the morphological limitations of gigantic creatures (and more). Lees meer
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Stendhal Syndrome: Kicked in the Brain by Art
15 maart 2012 · 31 min
Imagine a work of art so beautiful that it causes heart palpitations and hallucinations. This Stuff to Blow Your Mind episode dives into the surreal world of Stendhal syndrome. What's the science behind this psychosomatic illness? Tune in to find out. Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Grasping Greed
13 maart 2012 · 36 min
Greed: Would you like more money? Sure, we all would. But how does greed break down in the mind? Where's the line between appreciating wealth and complete corruption? In this episode, Julie and Robert dive into the world of Scrooge McDuck, King Midas and more. Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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Novelty Junkies
8 maart 2012 · 22 min
Do you love new experiences and fresh ideas? Join Julie and Robert as they examine neophilia, the love of novelty. How can this swell-sounding human attribute lead one person down the road to ruin and another through a life of success? Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Glutton Chops
6 maart 2012 · 35 min
Gluttony: When does appetite transform into disorder? What are we to make of competitive eating? Join Robert and Julie as they continue their science-guided tour of hell, chatting with gluttons in the Inferno's third circle and considering modern forms of gluttony. Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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Tidally Locked Perpetual Darkness
1 maart 2012 · 20 min
Why do we never see the moon's backside? What would the Earth be like if one side always faced the sun? In this episode, Robert and Julie contemplate tidally locked planets and moons, where one side of the globe burns while the other freezes in darkness. Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Green With Envy
28 februari 2012 · 35 min
Envy: Guided by science, Julie and Robert continue their journey through the pleasures and perils of the seven deadly sins. This time the vice of choice is envy, so prepare to discover the neuroscience behind schadenfreude in this episode. Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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The Fantastic Voyage of Endoscopic Cameras
23 februari 2012 · 30 min
You no longer have to turn yourself inside out to travel through your digestive track. Just swallow a camera-bot, grab some pop corn, and watch the kernels traverse your guts. Join Robert and Julie as they look into the world of capsule endoscopy. Lees meer
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The Seven Deadlies: Pride Cometh Before the Brain
21 februari 2012 · 21 min
Pride: What is pride, and why is it considered such a bad thing? Is pride actually an evolutionary virtue? Join Julie and Robert as they take listeners on a guided tour of the so-called seven deadly sins. Tune in for a look at the science behind pride.Painting by Jacques de Backer (Luciano Pedicini/© Alinari Archives/CORBIS) Lees meer
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Absolute Disgust
16 februari 2012 · 37 min
There's plenty of stuff in this world to summon your disgust. But why do we feel this way? Is there logic behind repulsion, and if so what is your brain trying to say? In this episode, Robert and Julie enter a world of hacking coughs, dog feces and more. Lees meer
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Monogamy Shamogamy
14 februari 2012 · 29 min
From black vultures to angler fish, the Earth is home to many monogamous species. Humans, however, don't quite make the list. In this episode, Julie and Robert explore why humans have a hard time with the concept of monogamy. Are we hard wired to stray? Lees meer
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In the Lair of the Rat King
7 februari 2012 · 28 min
In medieval Germany it was a dire omen of plague-ridden doom. Today, it remains more of a grotesque cultural reference. Join Robert and Julie as they enter the lair of the rat king, and prepare to be shocked by the reality of microbial rat kings. Lees meer
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Virgin Galactic: $200,000 Ticket to Ride
2 februari 2012 · 29 min
Want to blast into space with celebrities? Virgin Galactic might just be your ticket to ride. Join Julie and Robert as they discuss the landmark space tourism venture and the future of space travel. Plus what might happen if Kanye ventured into space? Lees meer
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The Existential Horror of the Humanzee
31 januari 2012 · 31 min
A Russian program to breed human/chimpanzee hybrids? Prisoners injected with animal testes? These grotesque tales shed light on the line between humans and chimpanzees. In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss humanity's attempts to create a humanzee. Lees meer
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We Are Stardust
26 januari 2012 · 21 min
The atoms in your heart once burned in the fires of a dead star. Does this constitute an almost-spiritual connection to the cosmos or is it mere chemistry? In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss the billion-year-old carbon inside us. Lees meer
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Hug it Out
24 januari 2012 · 41 min
Just what sort of hugger are you? Do you squeeze random strangers? Do you grapple your pals in a bear hug or go for the side-hug? In this episode, Julie and Robert discuss the science of hugging it out. Plus, you'll learn about Robert's most awkward hugs. Lees meer
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The Science of Arguing
19 januari 2012 · 26 min
Why do we argue? How much bickering is ego sparring and to what extent our evolutionary heritage involved? Join Julie and Robert as they dive into the science behind arguing, from the argumentative theory of reasoning to the health benefits of squabbling. Lees meer
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The Magic Eight Ball of Your Existence
17 januari 2012 · 35 min
The Magic Eight Ball of Your Existence: Imagine a computer model of the entire world, one on which world leaders can test their decisions and gauge the ripple effect of their actions. Is such a simulation possible? In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss plans for a Living Earth Simulator. Lees meer
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Would You Rather: Bug Diet vs. Bacteria Diet
12 januari 2012 · 35 min
So which would you choose: an exclusive diet of bugs for the rest of your life, or an endless string of fermented feasts? In this "Would You Rather?" episode, Julie and Robert present the facts and let you decide which diet you'd choose. Lees meer
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Black Blizzards of the Dust Bowl
10 januari 2012 · 25 min
Just what was the Dust Bowl? In this episode, Robert and Julie travel back to the ruined farms and black blizzards of the Great Depression. How did we plant trees to combat ecological damage, and how do we hope to defeat the Gobi Desert today? Lees meer
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Cheating in the Name of
5 januari 2012 · 34 min
Have you ever cheated on a test? You're not alone. But what goes on in a student's mind when they reach for the cheat sheet and how does it play out in various cultures? In this episode, Robert and Julie look at what science has to say about cheating. Lees meer
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The Way of the Sword
3 januari 2012 · 32 min
From samurai blades to claymores, the sword is one of humanity's most iconic inventions, and they've cut a bloody swath across history. In this episode, Robert and Julie consider the way of the sword, from their manufacture to their use in film and more. Lees meer
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Anatomy of a Hangover
29 december 2011 · 36 min
Anatomy of a Hangover: Before your next New Year's hangover, let's explore what creates that splitting headache and the realization that you're wearing half a gorilla costume. Join Julie and Robert as they lead you through the effects of drinking and tips to cure the condition. Lees meer
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Newton: The Chuck Norris of Science
27 december 2011 · 28 min
You are unprepared for the awesomeness of Sir Isaac Newton. Sure, he contributed to science, but a deeper look into his life shows just how Chuck Norrisy the man was. Plug in your headphones and prepare to enter the obsessive mind of a scientific master. Lees meer
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Sunken Dangers
22 december 2011 · 24 min
What mysteries rest at the bottom of the sea? Which embody nature's diversity? Which tell the tale of humanity's darker side? In this episode, Robert and Julie look to the vessels lost beneath the waves, and the things that linger in their rusting hearts. Lees meer
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Spontaneous Human Combustion
20 december 2011 · 24 min
Do people really just go up in flames? Do grannies really flare up like roman candles in their rockers and is there anything in science that explains why a middle-aged bachelor might burn down to his sneakers without warning? In this episode, Julie and Robert enter the dubious world of spontaneous human combustion. Where does the science end and the nonsense begin? Lees meer
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The Santa Claus Machine
15 december 2011 · 22 min
The Santa Claus Machine: How does Santa Claus make so many gifts? Clearly his elves have harnessed the power of nanomanufacturing. But what does this mean for the planet? In this episode, Robert and Julie consider the possibilities of limitless custom manufacturing. Lees meer
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Give the Gift of a Mystery Box
13 december 2011 · 37 min
Give the Gift of a Mystery Box: Why are mystery packages so appealing? How do they improve our mental faculties and fuel our creativity? In this episode, Julie and Robert share tales of sealed envelopes, quantum thought experiments, virginity boxes and things Pandora should never have opened. You might even score a gift idea or two. To learn more about the illustration, visit Art Spotlight: Arthur Rackham's Pandora. Lees meer
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Nanohealthcare: The Tiny Doctors Inside Me
8 december 2011 · 34 min
Imagine a future in which replacement organs grow in magnetic fields and smart pills work for months. Thanks to advances in nanotechnology, this age of super medicine is nearly here. In this episode, Robert and Julie explore the world of nanohealthcare. Lees meer
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Pyromania: What's Your Relationship with Fire?
6 december 2011 · 37 min
When does an appreciation for fire turn into an obsession with the flickering, golden god? Who are firebugs, and what drives them to burn? In this episode, Julie and Robert slip into their best burn suits and hide the matches as they explore pyromania. Lees meer
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The Hashtag Heard Round the World
1 december 2011 · 32 min
Waves of protest continue across the globe, but modern protesters benefit from social media technology. In this episode, Julie and Robert discuss history's largest protests, the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street and the future of protest. Lees meer
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Why do we protest?
29 november 2011 · 38 min
Humans rarely seem to agree, but when we do the results can be staggering. How does the phenomenon called protesting actually work? In this episode, Robert and Julie examine the world of protest and share a few tips for surviving your next rally. Lees meer
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The Future of Stink
24 november 2011 · 33 min
Will smell-o-vision make a comeback? Will our zombie movies smell like rotten flesh and our video games reek of voided bowels and fear? In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss the history of scented media and the emerging technology of printable smells. Lees meer
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Living with Robots: Can we build a better bot?
22 november 2011 · 39 min
Our cohabitation with robotic servants is pretty much guaranteed. So what are we doing today to make sure these are the sort of robot we can tolerate? In this episode, Julie and Robert discuss how our robotic caretakers are shaping up. Lees meer
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Smells to Blow Your Mind
17 november 2011 · 26 min
Did you know that smell is the only one of your senses with a direct connection to your brain? Or that fancy cheese and David Beckham's foot odor share the same molecular smells? In this episode, Robert and Julie break down the amazing science of smell. Lees meer
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Living With Robots: Worst Roomates Ever
15 november 2011 · 32 min
The robot invasion of our homes has begun, and the future is bright with robotic caregivers. But how to we plan to keep this cohabitation from feeling creepy? In this episode, Julie and Robert discuss "robot skin," thought-anticipating machines and more. Lees meer
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Martyrdom: Transcendence on the Rack
10 november 2011 · 34 min
We've all seen images of saints and martyrs rising above their torments, but is it really possible to find transcendence on the rack? In this episode, Robert and Julie look into the connections between physical pain and religious experience. Lees meer
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