Science unscripted
Science unscripted is a podcast, radio show, and YouTube channel that covers science stories with a humorous twist. It is driven by listener questions and aims to make science accessible and entertaining. The show is produced by DW, a German public broadcaster, and is hosted from Germany.
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Is your life meaningful? (pt. 2)
Ever freaked out about finding 'meaning' in your life? A new study might help you understand where that (uniquely human) feeling comes from. (Note: We published part 1 on June 15, 2025)
Pathological cringe & a pill to 'delete' trauma
A single drug undid the damage in mice who'd suffered early-life trauma. Also, a contagious form of 'cringe avoidance' is spreading — and listen in to the soft sounds of Jurassic crickets.
Can a dog understand these facial expressions?
If dogs could understand our faces... how could we prove that, scientifically? Also, AI gets banned from the classroom and a study that put heavy metal festival fans through.... some serious pain.
How to speak without saying anything
Gabe and Conor are back to talk about a science museum you should never visit, a cosmic event you shouldn't miss... and a well-researched communications strategy used by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
If you could put on VR goggles and talk to your future self... would that help you become who you want to be? Or would it harm you?
SpaceX & a low-g baby?
When Elon Musk talks about a human 'civilization' on Mars, he's suggesting we'll have babies there. Should we?
The 'Google maps' inside a pigeon's liver
A new experiment shows pigeons use immune cells to navigate our planet. The discovery redefines our understanding of how an animal can 'feel' Earth's magnetic field.
Do you want to have kids?
There are plenty of reasons NOT to have kids. But a new paper suggests having them may be the only way to protect gender equality over the long term.
The testosterone age (or Honey, I shrunk my testes)
Influencers, billionaires, even the US health secretary. Proponents of testosterone — as a hormonal therapy or barometer of "masculinity" — are causing men to self-medicate. With nasty consequences.
Hantavirus: What to expect from here
This ship phase is over. But the nature of this virus means cases may rise — even as officials contain it.
Is the hantavirus the next pandemic?
If you want to understand why the Andes variant of the hantavirus is different than COVID-19, this episode's for you.
The ad that makes you drink more
We know advertising works. (It's why the industry exists.) But a new study on beer ads in Germany shows how. Causally.
How can I tell if someone's smart?
Some people seem to know if others are intelligent. Others... don't. A new study suggests why.
There's almost no way to make us like AI art. Why?
A new study tried just about everything to get people to have a more positive reaction to AI poetry and prose. It failed. Almost always. And it's worth talking about why. (NOTE: A human wrote this.)
Deepfake nudes & why men make them
Lust? Humiliation? Control? If you think you know why men and boys make fake AI nudes of women and girls... first-of-its-kind research suggests a motivation that's almost more troubling. (Note: If you or anyone you know is the victim of non-consensual intimate imagery, the global non-profit StopNCII.org provides step-by-step support in 38 languages.)
When do you think the world will end?
A shockingly high number of people believe a global calamity will happen in their lifetime. Are you one of them?
The war on phone blasting
A viral TikTok of a woman kicked off a plane is a good time to talk about how to (productively) confront loud people.
Why do I get goosebumps when I listen to music?
Some of us get chills from music, movies or art. And others... never do. Why is that?
Wait — who's friendzoning who here?!
It's usually guys who complain about being 'friendzoned.' But new research says it definitely happens to women, too — sometimes.
How different are the brains of boys and girls?
A new study shows a sex difference in the early growth of the human brain. Does it matter?
When a pet’s death really hurts
The loss of a pet can affect you more than losing a loved one, a new study shows. With one exception.
Why do humans have (relatively) large penises?
Compared to chimps or gorillas, human males are unusually well endowed. A new study suggests it's partly because men 'size each other up' before a fight.
How casual hookups are good (and healthy) for singles
You really do benefit from 'friends with benefits,' a new study suggests. Also, a forgotten birthday can tank employee morale and a look at how the Autobahn lead to more support for the Nazi party.
The anomie within
When it feels like society's breaking down right before your eyes, it's called anomie. And it can lead to an even a darker place.
Do you think animals can think?
It's an interesting question. Even more intriguing is why you believe what you do — and whether you live near a city.
Neanderthals chose to eat each other?
Cannibalism happened among the Neanderthals. That much we knew. Now, a paleoanthropological discovery has possibly uncovered an ugly truth about our distant cousins. Conor and Gabe head to a cave in Belgium to check it out.
Happy New Year!
Thanks to everybody who listened during this year. Most of all, thank you to those who wrote to us and — in the process — became part of our show.
Imagine your way to better friendships...?
Want to like someone more? It just takes eight seconds. Also, mice that smelled bacon... had more obese children?
Who do you give to? (And who do you not?)
$1,000 is put in your hand. With one condition: You have to donate it. What do you do next?
The Batman effect
A pregnant woman enters a tram. Nearly 40% of the time, she's offered a seat. Unless someone else enters. Dressed as batman.
Does the world feel... off to you?
If you feel overwhelmed... and you don't know why... new research suggests you may be experiencing something called 'mismatch.'
Mountain gorilla menopause & why raccoons are the next dogs
We're on our way to having a new housepet, a study suggests. Also, mountain gorillas join humans as part of the (exclusive) 'grandmother hypothesis.'
Gen Z can't sleep (but at least they're not out committing crimes)
An alarming number of young people are using two very unhelpful drugs to help them sleep. Also, what's behind the sharp decline in youth crime?
When people talk about 'dehumanization,' listen
Dehumanizing a group of people is step 4 on the 10-step path to genocide. We should pay attention when politically powerful people start saying it.
Can you tell the difference?
Is a hair-loss product causing men (primarily) to become depressed and suicidal? Also, can you pass our AI voice test?
Women have more to lose when healthcare gets cut
Women will die at disproportionately higher rates as the US rolls back access to public insurance programs (like medicaid). Also, AI tools like ChatGPT change how honest we are... and not in a good way.
Why do men die earlier?
Five years. That's the (significant) difference between male/female life expectancies in human beings. If we'd like to change that (and shouldn't we try?), a new study suggests we look at the animals that reverse this rule, and how they do it.
Keeping score (or how to doom a relationship)
If you're keeping a mental list of what your partner 'owes' you, a new study suggests... maybe don't?
Does getting married make your life more satisfying?
On this week’s Science unscripted, a quantitative and qualitative glimpse into how harmful politics can be for relationships, a glimpse into the future of pregnancy, and an unabashed analysis of what marriage does for our feeling of satisfaction.
Huntington's disease: Curing the incurable?
On Science unscripted this week, we dissect the latest research on political violence. Also, we look into what scientists are calling a breakthrough for an incurable neurodegenerative disease.
Rate my professor? No thanks.
Think you're getting a fair review of a teacher from a rating site? Think again. Also, two studies shed light on who wakes up more when a baby cries... and the connection between 'stereotypes' and condoning political violence.
Painkillers, pregnancy & autism — what the research says
A metastudy on pregnant women taking the painkiller acetaminophen is at odds with the leaked 'autism report' commissioned by US Health Secretary RFK Jr. Also, why so many people avoid information about their own health, and a beautiful obituary.
Have you lived a good life?
If you read enough obituaries, you might unearth what people (and society) find important about existence. What do you want yours to say?
Could a spray 'end all viruses' in humans?
If a coworker coughs or your partner pukes... you know you're gonna get sick. Unless an antiviral does the same thing to humans that it did to mice (and hamsters).
What can you tell from a piece of poo?
We're back! (And a bit jetlagged.) Join us as we discuss a foul smell at Frankfurt airport and a potentially false "report" about a president's bathroom habits.
Cool people have six things in common. Do you share them?
A large-scale, global study has determined the characteristics that make people cool. Be warned: Trying to be cool is not one of them.
WE'RE ON VACATION!
Science unscripted will go quiet for a few weeks as Gabe & Conor — and hopefully you as well — enjoy the summer holidays. If you have an insight, epiphany or scientific question in the meantime (or you just want to forward a meme), feel free to send them to su@dw.com, or leave a comment for us at DW Podcasts on YouTube!
Pay attention to Peter Thiel's narrative
When an influential right-wing thinker tells a story of human history, 'stagnation' and the 'Antichrist'... question his premise and maybe consult a narratologist.
How long do you want to live?
If you could take two pills (once a week) and live 30% longer, would you? Because a study on mice using drugs approved for humans suggests you may have to answer this question soon.
Is your life meaningful?
The answer might be no. But if you say yes ... then what exactly are you picturing when you say yes?
This one's for the short kings
Ever want to be taller? That might mean you're more competitive (and jealous). Also, if someone asked you which animal is the most abundant on earth... what would you say?
Is this pseudo-profound bull****?
Ever been a victim of 'pseudo-profound bull***'? A new study hints at why. Also, why you probably shouldn't be putting tape over your mouth, and a look at people follow rules... even when they don't actually have to.
Yes, men find female breasts attractive. But why?
This week on Science unscripted, what event(s) led to racoons setting foot in Germany? Why do our fingers prune up after a long bath? And a study conducted in Papua has bold claims about female breasts.
Cuddle much (in bed)?
The way you and your partner fall asleep says a lot about what's going on in your life. Also, a surprising new study suggests being healthy (heart-wise) isn't as beneficial as we thought for living a longer life.
Want to quit smoking or vaping? Play chess & run hard.
When you're trying to quit an addiction... what happens in that moment or two just before you fail? Researchers in Germany are trying to solve that. Gabe took part (sort of).
Be happier! (Play music!)
Doesn't matter how old you are — learning a new instrument (or trying) has all sorts of side benefits. Also, it's about time we understand the 'most misunderstood serious illness.'
How much sex makes you happiest?
Sex is good for your mental and physical health — and now scientists know how much makes you happiest. Also, how many relationships are sexless... but both partners are OK with it?
You already have a 'moral compass' (with or without a pope)
On the day you were born, you already had the framework of your own personal morality inside you. And we know that because of a study on young children who were asked to do something really bad — because God 'told them to.'
Are you a liar?
Music can be really bad for you if it's forced on you (at work). Also, which people believe false headlines — and a study to help you spot a liar.
What causes a scientist to actually pack up and leave?
A “climate of fear” has taken hold as US researchers face budget cuts, mass layoffs and free-speech restrictions. Are they actually leaving, though? DW reached out to Germany’s “four pillars” of science to find out.
A case of bullying
A DW investigative report, together with Der Spiegel, looks into troubling allegations of workplace misconduct at Germany's Max Planck Society. Also, come celebrate as we mark 5 years of Science unscripted.
Borders & break-ups
The case of a French researcher denied US entry creates a jarring new crack between European scientists and their US peers. Also, if you're feeling lonely... but you're also in a relationship... well, what should you do?
Why don't I like my audiobook?
New research from Germany hints at what audiobooks of the future will sound like. Also, 'woolly mice' get blown out of proportion — and why you shouldn't get surgery on a Friday.
Why's that fish looking at me?
An experiment off the coast of Corsica suggests fish can recognize individual people (sometimes). Also, put a dot in front a zebrafish and, amazingly, you'll be a step closer to understanding the concept of free will.
What exactly is 'the ick'?
A new study has categorized the (wildly different) stuff that makes men and women get instantly and permanently disgusted by a romantic partner. And it's not always the 'icky' person's fault.
Eggs, AI & how to get people to have babies
Why are birth rates falling? And do they ever go back up? Also, a study on eggs — and an email about two horses peeing.
Should I give up on climate change?
With the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement... and its president chanting "Drill, baby, drill!"... it is absolutely fair to ask if your own personal climate footprint even matters anymore.
Is news bad for me? Science has an answer.
Trump, pandemic, war... more Trump. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news (or feeling burned out) — you may be consuming it wrong.
The end of social media fact checking?
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X — across platforms, fact checkers are being fired and replaced with... well, promises that regular people can do the job instead. They can't.
Bird flu 2025 - Spread, symptoms, risk
The words 'next pandemic' are being thrown around by more and more experts watching the spread of avian influenza in North America. Why?
Crime & punishment in a "dangerous" world
Just how dangerous do you think the world is? Because that changes how you'd punish a violent criminal (if you're a woman). Also, if you're frustrated with your democratically elected government... what alternatives are you open to?
What is FOMO? (And how do I get rid of it?)
You know that stab of anxious envy when you see people having a good time (without you)? You can get rid of that. Also, Gabe and Conor are back — with an unfortunate story about a random act of violence.
Science unscripted: Is another pandemic brewing? The current bird flu situation
Nations are buying H5N1 bird flu vaccines amid the spread of the virus among livestock in the US. At least two children in North America have contracted the disease from unknown sources. How serious is the situation?
How your brain understands other people (sometimes WRONG!)
Some people seem very good at guessing what you're thinking. And some of us might find that we think very deeply about what people are thinking or feeling. The reason appears linked to special connections between some the youngest parts of the brain, evolved 300 million years ago. We explored this with lead researcher Rodrigo Braga, a clinical neurologist, from Northwestern University.
A poo test for discrimination?
Being discriminated against — due to your ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, age or anything else — is harmful and wrong. A new study shows it also... changes the bacteria in your stool?
A gossiper's friend & how to think about drinking
Women drink less... if you ask them to visualize alcohol? Also, the yucky trick gossipers use to make you think they're kind — and why iron in red meat may be causing cancer (in your bottom).
Why are people getting skinnier?
Data from the US suggests we may have passed the point of 'peak obesity.' Have we? Also, spray testosterone in men's noses... and they'll emotionally dehumanize certain women.
Don't text & drive (especially during a full moon)
Quiz time: How could a full moon make roads more dangerous? (Email su@dw.com with your guess before you listen.) Also, teens (like all of us) use their phones while driving — and a jarring new study tells us how much.
Can we hit ‘pause’ on a human embryo?
Scientists in Berlin have shown you can stop the development of an embryo-like model - *NO HUMAN EMBYROS WERE USED IN THE EXPERIMENT* - and keep it alive to be developed later. The implications could be huge for IVF.
This is what a fake podcast sounds like
If a show made by AI sounds as good as one made by humans... what happens next?
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