Ask Us Anything by Popular Science
Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Join our editors as they explain it all, with new episodes every other Wednesday.
Submit a question for a future episode at https://popsci.com/ask
26
How is Voyager's vintage technology still flying?
10 min
27
Can you become a morning person?
22 min
28
Where’s the best place to sit in a movie theater?
12 min
29
Are the bees still dying?
28 min
30
Why do we like pimple popping?
10 min
31
How do planes fly?
11 min
32
What’s the best way to reheat pizza?
9 min
33
What’s the best way to detox?
14 min
34
Can I have a pet fox?
21 min
35
How can I be more photogenic?
17 min
36
What’s a haboob?
11 min
37
Is the megalodon shark still alive?
13 min
38
Why do we get wisdom teeth?
15 min
39
Season 3: Premiering 6/21!
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40
24. Did food taste better 50 years ago?
<p>It's the season 2 finale! What did food taste like 50 years ago—and was it actually better than it is now? </p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
41
23. What is a super car?
<p>There are regular cars, there are luxury cars, and then there are.... SUPER cars. But what even is a super car? As our host explains, it can often be more of a vibe than anything else—but there are some specific criteria to hit. </p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/robverger" target="_blank">Rob Verger</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/robverger" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/robverger</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
42
22. What would happen if the sun went out?
<p>The sun is, to put it lightly, quite important to life on Earth. What would happen if it suddenly went poof?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson" target="_blank">Sara Kiley Watson</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
7 min
43
21. Can stress kill you?
<p>If you're looking for a sign to take a vacation... this might be it.</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
44
20. Why can't we all touch our toes?
<p>We finally dive into the classic question—why <em>can't</em> we all touch our toes? And why the heck is it such a big deal?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
12 min
45
19. What does space smell like?
<p>Sure, you can't literally smell IN space. But what if you could? Just how stinky is it out there?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelFeltman" target="_blank">Rachel Feltman</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelFeltman" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RachelFeltman</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
46
18. Do we really need homework?
<p>Homework—we've all done it. (Or avoided it.) But is homework truly necessary for learning and becoming a fully formed human?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek" target="_blank">Stan Horaczek</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
47
17. How much water should I drink a day?
<p>Most people will tell you to drink 8 cups of water per day—but what if we told you that the answer is SO much more complicated than that?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
48
16. What did dinosaurs taste like?
<p>Modern dinosaurs obviously taste like chicken—because they ARE chickens. But what would dinos like stegosauruses and T. rexes have tasted like back in the day?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
49
15. What'd happen if I ate my computer?
<p>So... yes, this is a weird question. But electronics are hard to recycle, ok? Can't we just toss them down the hatch? What would they do to our bodies?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
50
14. How can you safely send nude photos?
<p>In a pandemic world, we've gotta get a little creative in order to stay intimate. But even sending a nude can be dangerous—so how can we do it safely?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
8 min