Curiosity Daily Podcast: Kids v. Sarcasm, 24,000-Year-Old Worm, Why Betelgeuse Dimmed

Learn about why younger kids don’t understand sarcasm; a 24,000 year old living worm; and Betelgeuse’s “Great Dimming.”

August 02, 2021

Episode Show Notes:

Kids don't get sarcasm until around age 7 because of the kind of thinking it requires by Kelsey Donk

A 24,000 year old worm was discovered in Siberia, alive and kicking by Cameron Duke

Remember when Betelgeuse was acting weird? Turns out it was just a dust cloud by Steffie Drucker

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