Science Unscripted
From advances that will change our lives to offbeat oddities, Spectrum keeps you abreast of developments in the realm of European science and technology news.
This one's for the short kings
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?
Is this pseudo-profound bull****?
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.
Yes, men find female breasts attractive. But why?
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.
Cuddle much (in bed)?
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.
Want to quit smoking or vaping? Play chess & run hard.
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).
Be happier! (Play music!)
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.'
How much sex makes you happiest?
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?
You already have a 'moral compass' (with or without a pope)
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.'
Are you a liar?
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.
What causes a scientist to actually pack up and leave?
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.
A case of bullying
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.
Borders & break-ups
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?
Why don't I like my audiobook?
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.
Why's that fish looking at me?
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.
What exactly is 'the ick'?
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.
Eggs, AI & how to get people to have babies
Why are birth rates falling? And do they ever go back up? Also, a study on eggs — and an email about two horses peeing.
Should I give up on climate change?
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.
Is news bad for me? Science has an answer.
Trump, pandemic, war... more Trump. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news (or feeling burned out) — you may be consuming it wrong.
The end of social media fact checking?
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X — across platforms, fact checkers are being fired and replaced with... well, promises that regular people can do the job instead. They can't.
Bird flu 2025 - Spread, symptoms, risk
The words 'next pandemic' are being thrown around by more and more experts watching the spread of avian influenza in North America. Why?