Science unscripted

Science unscripted

The science stories that will actually change your day — and maybe make you laugh. Science unscripted is a podcast, radio show & YouTube channel driven by listeners. Hello from Germany :)

Episodes

How long do you want to live?

June 26, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Is your life meaningful?

June 18, 2025 • 30 mins
The answer might be no. But if you say yes ... then what exactly are you picturing when you say yes?
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This one's for the short kings

June 12, 2025 • 30 mins
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?
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Is this pseudo-profound bull****?

June 5, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Yes, men find female breasts attractive. But why?

June 1, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Cuddle much (in bed)?

May 22, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Want to quit smoking or vaping? Play chess & run hard.

May 15, 2025 • 30 mins
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).
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Be happier! (Play music!)

May 8, 2025 • 30 mins
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.'
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How much sex makes you happiest?

May 1, 2025 • 30 mins
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?
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You already have a 'moral compass' (with or without a pope)

April 25, 2025 • 30 mins
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.'
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Are you a liar?

April 10, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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What causes a scientist to actually pack up and leave?

April 5, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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A case of bullying

March 27, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Borders & break-ups

March 20, 2025 • 30 mins
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?
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Why don't I like my audiobook?

March 7, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Why's that fish looking at me?

February 20, 2025 • 30 mins
An experiment off the coast of Corsica suggests fish can recognize specific 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.
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What exactly is 'the ick'?

February 13, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Eggs, AI & how to get people to have babies

February 6, 2025 • 30 mins
Why are birth rates falling? And do they ever go back up? Also, a study on eggs — and an email about two horses peeing.
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Should I give up on climate change?

January 30, 2025 • 30 mins
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.
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Is news bad for me? Science has an answer.

January 17, 2025 • 30 mins
Trump, pandemic, war... more Trump. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news (or feeling burned out) — you may be consuming it wrong.
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