Best Lab Rat Chat Podcasts (2025)

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How to Not Raise an iPad Baby 25:58

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2h ago25:58

25:58

Our attention spans are… not doing so great these days. With copious amounts of technology, apps, news articles, and social media posts at our fingertips, it makes sense that a lot of people are noticing how much more difficult it is to get into a state of deep reading. On part two of our literacy series, editorial correspondent Teresa Carey speaks…

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A is for Apple… Or is it AI? 22:50

7d ago22:50

22:50

Literacy is murkier than we think. This episode, as a part one of our literacy series, we explore recent research related to one of the most important milestones in our academic lives: learning to read. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Emily Wood, a speech language pathologist who studies the methods we use for testing literacy in kids. She s…

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And Just Like That, You Have Nostalgia 22:19

14d ago22:19

22:19

Every parent has wondered if their baby’s crying is normal at some point or another. While there is no “normal,” evidence shows that genetics might actually have a part to play in how long babies cry for. And another universal experience, harking back to “the good old days” in pop culture and our personal lives. Senior Producer, Teresa Carey, speak…

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The La Brea Tar Pits Are a Climate Crime Scene! 27:52

21d ago27:52

27:52

Los Angeles is home to the only place in the world where ancient fossils are being actively excavated in the middle of the city: The La Brea Tar Pits. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks to the deputy director and assistant curator of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Dr. Regan Dunn. They talk about what makes this site so fascinating and what w…

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Ozempic & Prescribed Quiet with Dr. Emma Beckett 18:09

28d ago18:09

18:09

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are everywhere. But with so much information available about this category of drug, it can be hard to know what to trust. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, to unpack the facts and fictions behind GLP-1s and how we talk about them. Sam also talks with a …

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DNA Doesn’t Always Solve Crime 26:23

1M ago26:23

26:23

Forensic DNA is supposed to be the end all be all when it comes to solving crime, so why are there so many false convictions when it comes to using DNA evidence? Today, Senior Producer Teresa Carey talks to Dr. Gregory Hampikian about forensic DNA, fingerprints, AI, and the limitations of scientific evidence in criminal investigations. Host, Dr. Sa…

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Sharks Ghosted South Africa and Alison Towner Has the Receipts 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

Sharks are vanishing from South Africa’s coast and Alison Towner knows why. One of the world’s top great white experts and a leading woman in STEM, Alison joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to break down her new Shark Week specials: Air Jaws: Return of Colossus and Great White Assassins and reveal what’s really happening to these iconic predators. Then, Sa…

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Shark Week Gets Toxic: Forrest Galante Tracks Alien Sharks 31:27

2M ago31:27

31:27

Shark Week returns July 20 on Discovery! This episode is the Shark Week audio companion Part 1! Dr. Samantha Yammine dives into the most surprising shark science of 2025, from sharks that make noise to the nano-scale ‘sharkitecture’ inside their skeletons. Sam also interviews Forrest Galante, wildlife biologist and featured Shark Week expert in Ali…

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Busting Skincare Myths with Dr. Michelle Wong 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

The skincare industry is riddled with false advertising, misleading labels, and supposed “miracle cures.” So, as a consumer, how are you meant to know what’s fact and what’s fiction? Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the science behind skincare, from how the collagen industry is causing deforestation in the Amazon for a product that might n…

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The Puzzle of AI Ethics with Dr. Cansu Canca 22:03

2M ago22:03

22:03

You’ve heard of the attention economy, but what about the intention economy? Rather than competing for consumers’ attention, our devices are now attempting to predict our purchasing patterns through AI. And who better to discuss that issue than Dr. Cansu Canca, a leading expert in AI ethics and founder of the AI Ethics Lab? She joins Senior Produce…

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We Started a Queer Book Club! 📚 – That’s A Mouthful with Cody & Matt 19:56

2M ago19:56

19:56

Welcome to That’s A Mouthful, the unfiltered, no-BS podcast where Cody & Matt tackle today’s most unexpected, hilarious, and heartfelt topics — one mouthful at a time. This episode kicks off something brand new: our official book club! 📚 Our first pick? Your Lonely Nights Are Over by Adam Sass — think Scream meets Heathers with a queer twist, full …

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Genetic Data and Black Americans with Dr. Janina Jeff Ringo 26:52

2M ago26:52

26:52

Genetic testing has had some ups and downs over the past few years, with wide swaths of data sets setting a precedent for potential individualized healthcare. But, oftentimes, that data misrepresents African-descended individuals and doesn’t paint the whole picture. Population geneticist Dr. Janina Jeff Ringo joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to disc…

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Pride for the First Time: What to Expect, What to Wear & Why You Belong 🌈 20:32

2M ago20:32

20:32

Are you heading to your very first Pride event—or still deciding if you should go? We’ve got you covered. In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of That’s a Mouthful, we tackle all your biggest Pride questions: What should you wear? What if you don’t feel “queer enough”? Can you hook up at Pride? We also share personal stories, safety tips, sunscr…

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Science Loves a Binary. Dr. Shawn Hercules Is Breaking It Down 25:05

3M ago25:05

25:05

It’s Pride Month! To help us celebrate, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Shawn Hercules, a queer, non-binary cancer researcher and science communicator. They’ll discuss Shawn’s research into breast cancer among people of African ancestry, how policies around gender affirming care can positively affect healthcare at large, and the importance of…

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Ocean Literacy & Conservation 31:24

3M ago31:24

31:24

The key to protecting our oceans is understanding them. So, today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine leans into learning about the power and struggles of the environments that keep our planet blue. From the power of bioluminescence and how it’s changed how we study molecular biology to the importance of salt for our bodies and cultures, there is so much to…

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Digital Privacy & Protecting Your Data 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

You might think you have nothing to hide on your devices but everyone does. From bank accounts to passwords to travel plans, protecting your digital privacy is one of the biggest issues we face today. Digital privacy expert Eva Galperin joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss the importance of protecting your data and how to best do so. Sam also…

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The Scramble to Solve Space Scrap 26:21

3M ago26:21

26:21

Looking up at the dark sky on a clear night means seeing the lit up little satellites move their way around the night sky. Those satellites might be pretty to look at but researchers are currently working to solve a decades-old problem: what happens when they encounter space junk? Today, producer Teresa Carey speaks with Dr. John Crassidis from the…

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Climate Change in the Pacific Islands 30:57

4M ago30:57

30:57

It’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we’re using this week’s episode to highlight scientists and researchers from those regions to emphasize their contributions to science across all different fields of study. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Steven Mana’oakamai Johnson. He explains how people are responding to clim…

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Birding for Beginners in a Changing World 33:35

4M ago33:35

33:35

Birdwatching has taken off as a hobby in recent years, and for good reason! Birds are vital members of our planet’s ecosystems and are major bioindicators when it comes to understanding how climate change is affecting different environments. Joining host Dr. Samantha Yammine today are two passionate birders who use science to understand bird behavi…

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Why the 9-1-1 “Lab Rats” Episode Broke the Internet 24:14

4M ago24:14

24:14

The 9-1-1 “Lab Rats” episode shocked fans—and not in a good way. In this episode of That’s a Mouthful, we break down the chaos, controversy, and conspiracy theories surrounding the show's most polarizing storyline yet. From Bobby Nash’s possible death (or resurrection?) to wild fan theories involving Jesus and Wrath of Khan, we dissect why this epi…

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Will AI Replace Scientists? 22:25

4M ago22:25

22:25

The tasks that AI is able to perform has grown exponentially over the years but there are a few things AI still struggles with, like accurately mimicking scientific methodology. Dr. James Zou joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine today to discuss recent updates in AI’s ability to play the role of scientist. He is an associate professor of Biomedical Data…

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Indigenous Climate Solutions, Virus Thaw, AI Brain Implant 17:49

4M ago17:49

17:49

When tackling solutions to climate change, we tend to focus on westernized approaches rather than listening to Indigenous Peoples about the best ways to protect our earth. So, today, just in time for Earth Day, Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Myrle Ballard about natural resource and environmental management from Indigenous perspectives. Then, …

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Iceberg Ahead, Microbiome Map, Non-Alcoholic Wine 27:51

4M ago27:51

27:51

Icebergs are natural behemoths, littered across the ocean. They are both subjects of awe and fear among sailors so today, Dr. Samantha Yammine discusses the ins and outs of these ginormous monoliths with an experienced sailor and iceberg admirer, producer Teresa Carey. Then, Sam speaks to Dr. Beth Culp, a lead author on a recent study that maps out…

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What Really Counts As Cheating? The Messy Gray Areas of Modern Relationships 28:10

5M ago28:10

28:10

Is liking a thirst trap cheating? What about still having a dating app — or texting "I miss you" to someone who's not your partner? Cody and Matt are diving ALL the way into one of the internet's most chaotic relationship debates: what actually counts as cheating? From obvious red flags to messy gray areas (and a few controversial hot takes), we br…

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Fungal Zombies, Audible Enclaves, mRNA Vaccines 26:32

5M ago26:32

26:32

Fungal parasites like the ones shown in The Last of Us might not be starting up a zombie apocalypse anytime soon but that doesn’t mean they’re not causing trouble in other ways. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Carolyn Elya, a mycologist specializing in fungi’s unique ability to take over the brains of insects. They discuss how that compar…

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Adolescent Turtles, Measles, Lab-Grown Diamonds 22:34

5M ago22:34

22:34

We’re all about answering questions here at Curiosity Weekly. Questions like: where do baby sea turtles actually go when they waddle from their cozy beach nest into the ocean? Host Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the mysteries of adolescent sea turtles before bringing on our special guest, Jessica Malaty Rivera, to answer even more questions, this ti…

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Flower Trade, Climate Tech, Aquafaba 33:08

5M ago33:08

33:08

Spring has officially sprung! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming. But, have you ever wondered the journey that flowers take from the soil to your vase at home? Today on Curiosity Weekly, author Amy Stewart joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to chat about the global flower trade. Sam is also joined by producer Teresa Carey…

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🚨 911 on Fox: Shocking Twists, Buddy Theories & Season 8 Predictions! 🚨 20:25

5M ago20:25

20:25

🔥 Buck and Eddie... is it finally happening?! In this episode, we dive deep into the latest 911 on Fox drama, including Matty’s shocking fate, Eddie’s unexpected exit, and the fanfic moment that became reality! Plus, we analyze the biggest fan theories (👀 #Buddy) and what’s next for the 118. Could we be heading toward the most intense season yet?! …

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Women In Science & The Future of Male Contraception 29:15

5M ago29:15

29:15

It’s Women’s History Month and to celebrate we have Katie Hafner on Curiosity Weekly to discuss the history of women in STEM and ways we can highlight their contributions today. Then, Sam looks into the Wooly Devil, aka the first new plant genus found in a national park in almost 50 years. Finally, Sam and producer Teresa Carey talk about what to k…

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Men’s Health Matters: Testosterone, Insulin Resistance & Taking Charge of Your Well-Being 21:07

6M ago21:07

21:07

In this episode of That's a Mouthful, we dive deep into men's health with Matt as he shares his personal journey with testosterone levels, insulin resistance, and the importance of proactive healthcare. From navigating fatigue and hormonal imbalances to making informed diet and lifestyle changes, we explore why regular health checkups and self-advo…

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Name That Cell, Ancient Genomes, Cell-Cultured Salmon 29:20

6M ago29:20

29:20

Cells may be the building blocks of life (and highschool biology), but who knew they were so complicated? Dr. Samantha Yammine digs into different types of cells and their functions with editorial correspondent Teresa Carey as they discuss the difficulties in defining what a cell even is. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, a pat…

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The Science of Survival 32:19

6M ago32:19

32:19

The new season of Naked and Afraid premieres Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 8pm EST on Discovery. To celebrate, host Dr. Samantha Yammine talks to legendary survivalist Rob Nelson about his experiences thriving in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Rob also gets into some of the facts and myths behind common survival techniques. Then, Sam…

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📚 New Year, New Books & The Mystery of Cody’s Age | That’s a Mouthful Podcast 17:37

6M ago17:37

17:37

The boys are back! Cody and Matt return for their first episode of 2025, catching up on life, books, and internet mysteries. From reading goals (Cody's aiming for 25 books this year!) to hilarious misconceptions about their age and Twitter drama, this episode has it all. Matt also shares the incredibly thoughtful (and emotional!) Christmas gift fro…

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Sea Sponge, Black in Marine Science, Stem Cell Mice 25:23

6M ago25:23

25:23

Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Tiara Moore who is a marine ecologist and the founder of Black in Marine Science to talk about her research as well as her advocacy work to ensure equitable systems are in place for Black scientists within the scientific community. Sam digs into a deep sea sponge that has inspired researchers to create a filter…

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Longevity Tourism, AI & Mental Health, Fracking 32:49

6M ago32:49

32:49

The White Lotus is about to be back on our screens on Max so today, we’re diving into the latest trend among elite travelers: longevity tourism. Then, our host Sam speaks to Dr. Jodi Halpern about the mental health effects that come along with the rise of AI technology. And finally, we explore the ins and outs of fracking. Link to all sources here …

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Red Dye 3, Extremophiles, Butterflies 29:49

7M ago29:49

29:49

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, today our host Dr. Samantha Yammine digs into the science behind what really causes butterflies in your stomach when you’re experiencing infatuation. Then, astrobiologist Dr. Lynn Rothschild joins us to discuss extremophiles and what they can tell us about potential life on other planets. And finally, we disc…

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Canine Chat, Emotional Support Animals, Sniffer Dogs 25:58

7M ago25:58

25:58

Today, we dive into the science around man’s best friend to celebrate the Puppy Bowl airing on Animal Planet, February 9th. Sam explores what’s really going on with the recent phenomenon of people teaching their dogs to communicate through word buttons. Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach joins the show to discuss her research into the mental health benefits of …

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Wildfire Tech, #ADHDtest, Human Echolocation 26:38

7M ago26:38

26:38

On today’s episode, we dive into the tech helping us respond to the growing risk of wildfires, including the use of AI systems and smoke detectors. Then, Sam speaks to Dr. Linda Charmaraman from the Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab about a recent study that looks into misinformation on TikTok when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Finally, we talk …

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Electro-Agriculture, Space Exploration, Vision Repair 31:02

7M ago31:02

31:02

Electro-Agriculture “Scientists Grow Crops in Near-Total Darkness Thanks to New ‘Electro-Agriculture’ Technique.” by Adam Kovac. 2024 “Electro-agriculture: Revolutionizing farming for a sustainable future.” by Bradie S. Crandall, Marcus Harland-Dunaway, Robert E. Jinkerson, et al. 2024 Space Exploration with Dr. Robert Lillis “An ESCAPADE to Mars, …

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Habit Formation, Space Bacteria, Leftie Musicians 22:53

7M ago22:53

22:53

Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery! This week, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Anastasia Buyalskaya, a behavioral scientist, to unravel habit formation and debunk the 21-day myth. We also learn about a newly discovered link between musical training and left-handedness. Plus, hear about some space station bacteria that are flexing thei…

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Introducing: Curiosity Weekly 1:57

8M ago1:57

1:57

Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don’t need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests …

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Re-release :Depression Temp, Cold Water Menopause, Ultrasound Sticker 10:16

8M ago10:16

10:16

Today, you’ll learn about the link between body temperature and depression, how taking the the Polar Bear Plunge could soothe symptoms of menopause, and a new sticker that can detect organ failure. Depression Temp •“Are Body Temperature and Depression Linked? Science Says, Yes.” by Jess Berthold. 2024. •“Surprising Link Discovered Between Body Temp…

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Re-release: Bipolar Blood Test, Music & Pain, Puffin Hybrid 11:26

8M ago11:26

11:26

Today, you’ll learn about a new blood test that could revolutionize bipolar diagnoses, how music could help knock out pain, and how a changing climate is changing puffins. Bipolar Blood Test •“Simple blood test can help diagnose bipolar disorder.” University of Cambridge. 2023. •“Bipolar Disorder.” NIH. n..d. •“Diagnosis and management of bipolar d…

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Re-release: Mind-Reading, Universe’s Brightest Object, Cinnamon 11:38

8M ago11:38

11:38

Today, you’ll learn about mind-reading machines, the brightest object in the known universe, and the potential power punch of cinnamon. Mind-Reading •“Mind-reading devices are revealing the brain’s secrets.” by Miryam Naddaf. 2024. •“The brain-reading devices helping paralysed people to move, talk and touch.” by Liam Drew. 2022. •“The rise of brain…

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Re-release: B12, Healthy Forests, Ketamine & the Brain 11:49

8M ago11:49

11:49

Today, you’ll learn about a supervitamin you might already be taking some good news about the health of the world’s forests, and a new study that mapped ketamine’s effects on the brain. B12 •“Vitamin B12 emerges as key player during cellular reprogramming.” by Alba Vilchez-Acosta. 2023. •“Vitamin B12: A key player in cellular reprogramming and tiss…

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Re-release: Microgravity Gardening, AI Learns Language, Elephant Numbers 11:19

8M ago11:19

11:19

Today, you’ll learn about the possible dangers of growing leafy greens in microgravity, a study that let AI tag along with a toddler to learn language the human way, and research on stabilizing elephant populations on the African savannah. Microgravity Gardening •“Simulated microgravity facilitates stomatal ingression by Salmonella in lettuce and s…

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Re-release: Silk-Making Bacteria, Deep Coral, CRISPR Agriculture 11:09

8M ago11:09

11:09

Today, you’ll learn about a bacteria that turns plastic into spider webs, a massive deep-sea discovery right in our own backyard, and how CRISPR could reshape agriculture for an entire continent. Silk-Making Bacteria •“Researchers Engineer Bacteria That Eat Plastic, Make Multipurpose Spider Silk.” Technology Networks. 2024. •“Two-step conversion of…

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Re-release: Powerful Polymer, Exoplanet CO2, Adoption Science 13:17

8M ago13:17

13:17

Today, you’ll learn about a new polymer that could battle antibiotic resistant infections, a possible new way to detect life on other planets from afar, and what to expect when you’re expecting to adopt a furry friend. Powerful Polymer •“Texas A&M Team Develops Polymers That Can Kill Bacteria.” by Shana K. Hutchins. 2023. •“The global threat of ant…

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Re-release: Daydream Brain, Power of a Laugh, Caffeine & Soccer 12:15

8M ago12:15

12:15

Today, you’ll learn about why you may want to consider letting yourself daydream, how a sense of humor might protect you from depression and anxiety, and the effects of caffeine on the performance of soccer players. Daydream Brain •“What Happens in the Brain While Daydreaming?” by Catherine Caruso. 2023. •“Is the role of sleep in memory consolidati…

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Re-release: Baby Language, AI Medicine, Human Collaboration 10:58

8M ago10:58

10:58

Today, you’ll learn about how babies pick up language before they’re even born, an AI that takes on the busy work for doctors, and new insight into how humans collaborate. Baby Language •“Babies’ Brains Are Primed For Their Native Language Before Birth.” by Nyla Husain. 2023. •“Prenatal experience with language shapes the brain.” by Benedetta Maria…