Learn about why scientists study “mystical experiences” in psychedelics; and precisely measuring a neutron’s lifetime.

Learn about how mice seem to feel each other’s pain; why our known solar system just got a little bigger thanks to “Farfarout” 2018 AG37; and the history of quinine, the malaria cure that eventually led to the gin and tonic.

It's pretty dangerous to stay awake for days and weeks on end.

Learn about common misconceptions around learning that even educators believe; the scientific reason why it feels like you always have more room for dessert; and how science writer Carl Zimmer responded when we asked him “what is life?”

Learn about where the water on Earth might have come from; the surprising history of the pretzel, including the monk who invented it; words you probably didn’t know are named after people; and where “runner’s high” comes from, and whether it’s genetic.

Learn about why we now know what a dinosaur's cloaca looks like. You’ll also learn why smells change with context from food science expert Harold McGee.

Learn about a secret apartment in the Eiffel Tower; the official protocol for announcing alien life to the world; and how Saros cycles have changed the way we’ve designed calendars throughout history, with some help from Dr. David Warmflash.

Contrary to popular belief, cats do like some people.

Learn about why there’s no patent for the polio vaccine; a hypothesis that says a black hole would incinerate you; and what causes “Alexander’s band,” the dark strip of sky inside a double rainbow.

Learn about the impressive memories of goldfish. Plus, hear from Dr. Kat Arney about why an evolutionary perspective may be the key to fighting cancer.

Learn when you can catch the Geminid Meteor Shower this month, and why it’s unique; why jet lag is worse when you travel east; and research into how the Earth’s wandering poles may have caused our ice age.

Learn about how guaranteed 8-hour work days came to the US; the liking gap; and the shocking defense systems of tomato plants.

Learn about the benefits of living near a volcano; different types of carbonated water; and how to procrastinate right.

Learn about a simple brain-training task that may reduce motion sickness, what parasites found in medieval human remains can tell us about eradicating them today, and the two main reasons why everything takes longer than you think it will.

Learn about the Diderot Effect; how cave art becomes animated in firelight; and why running may be good for your knees.