Unexplainable • Vox

Dive into a captivating exploration of Earth's deep history with the latest episode of "Unexplainable", where hosts Noam Hassenfeld and guests like astrophysicist Adam Frank and climatologist Gavin Schmidt unravel the concept of ancient civilizations that might have once thrived on our planet. This episode, without shying away from the scientific and imaginative, delves into the provocative idea that signs of early technological species could be hiding within the geological record, waiting to be discovered.

The conversation takes the audience through a journey of discovery, analyzing curious patterns in carbon isotope ratios and other geological anomalies that suggest the presence of ancient industrial activities. As the discussion shifts towards the legacies of civilizations, Schmidt and Hassenfeld engage listeners with the intriguing "Silurian Hypothesis," which serves both as a reflective thought experiment and as a mirror to our current ecological footprint. "Unexplainable" invites its audience to ponder the dichotomy between leaving a lasting impact and embracing sustainable practices that would minimize our traces on Earth, prompting a critical look at our civilization's lasting mark on the geological timeline.

Dive into the realm of cosmic exploration with "Unexplainable," as speakers Brian Resnick and Robin George Andrews delve into the nuanced efforts of SETI—the scientific endeavor aimed at detecting extraterrestrial intelligence. Learn how radio telescopes become the ears of scientists, cautiously parsing the vast echoes of the universe for patterns that betray the existence of alien life. The discussion advances, revealing how SETI differentiates its methodical, empirically-backed investigations from unsubstantiated UFO claims and popular myths, solidifying its pursuit in scientific credibility.

Among the stars and static, the path to discovering extraterrestrial life is fraught with challenges, from discerning true alien signals amidst cosmic and human-made noise to contemplating the real possibility of spotting an alien craft in our solar system. With new, formidable astronomical tools at humanity's disposal, experts speculate on the chances of such a breakthrough occurrence. This episode of "Unexplainable" transcends mere scientific pursuit, touching upon the profound, almost philosophical ambition that drives us to seek answers to our solitude amongst the stars.

Discover the historic and potential future uses of UV light in infectious disease prevention in this intriguing episode of "Unexplainable," featuring insights from speakers Noam Hassenfeld, Dylan Matthews, David Brenner, and Jose-Luis Jimenez. The episode delves into the pioneering experiments of William and Mildred Wells from the 1930s, whose work with UV irradiation chambers in classrooms paved the path for contemporary research in combatting airborne pathogens. With the COVID-19 pandemic fueling a renewed interest in air disinfection, this timely discussion explores the viability and safety of far-UVC light as a modern-day mitigation strategy.

The narrative weaves through the complexities and debates surrounding the use of UV light against viruses, touching on both the promising advantages of this technology and the potential risks, such as ozone production and air quality concerns. The presence of Kim Moss brings additional depth to the conversation, while the speakers collectively emphasize the importance of further research and large-scale studies. This episode of "Unexplainable" invites listeners to consider the evolving science behind disease control and the critical examination of novel methods in our ongoing fight against airborne illnesses.

In the latest episode of "Unexplainable," listeners are taken on an investigative journey into the enigma of human tears with insights from Ad Vingerhoets, an expert delving into the emotional aspect of crying. What sets our tears apart from our primal need for survival? Vingerhoets's research, involving emotional inductions through films, seeks to unveil whether weeping genuinely alleviates pain or stress, shedding light on the physical and emotional responses that follow a good cry. He also explores how societal interactions and receptions of crying influence its benefits, asserting that empathy plays a crucial role in the cathartic experience of shedding tears.

The podcast further explores the societal and personal implications of crying—or the lack thereof—with a captivating narrative from Benjamin Perry, a seminary student striving to reintegrate the act of crying into his life and ministry. Perry's conscious effort to welcome tears uncovers the profound impact emotional expression has on connecting with oneself and others. His experience illustrates how crying fosters understanding and support within a community, challenging the stigmas and promoting a culture of empathy and vulnerability. The episode peers into the fascinating, yet still largely uncharted, intersection of science, sociology, and human emotion surrounding the simple, yet complex act of crying.

Dive into the intricate world of food safety and industry influence with the latest episode of 'Unexplainable,' as industry experts like Marion Nestle, Keren Landman, and Byrd Pinkerton gather to discuss the ongoing debate on aspartame's safety. They unravel the web of scientific research and conflicting findings, providing listeners with an in-depth exploration of the complexities surrounding this widely-used artificial sweetener. The conversation brings to light the challenges consumers face when trying to make informed decisions amidst a sea of perplexing studies.

The episode takes a detailed look at the research, both against and in favor of aspartame, highlighting the World Health Organization's careful stance and the contrasting views from various safety studies. Furthermore, it examines the potential conflicts of interest that arise from industry-funded research, as noted by experts like Eric Milstone who advocate for a cautious approach. 'Unexplainable' sheds light on the consumer's predicament in navigating through contradictory research, and emphasizes the importance of investigating the behind-the-scenes connections of industry, study designs, and conclusions to discern aspartame's true impact on health.