Learn about whether “text speak” harms your literacy skills; why the s’mores recipe isn’t as old as you think; and what lead does to the human body.

Learn about how saying no to kids makes them more resourceful and why humans aren’t the only animals capable of deception. We’ll also answer a listener question about whether rocket stages ever hit ships in the ocean, with a little help from Cody Chambers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Matt Simon, author of “Plight of the Living Dead,” discusses real-life zombification in nature. Plus, learn about the most annoying sounds ever, according to research, and why leaders who are too smart are actually less effective.

Hugo Fruehauf, one of the inventors of GPS and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, tells the surprising story of how GPS was invented. Plus: learn about how planning cheat days could make your next goal easier to achieve.

Algorithms determine the best day to fly—not the day of the week.

Learn about why you get brain freeze, just how advanced neural networks are these days, and a science-backed trick for learning a new language.

Learn how scientists induced an out-of-body experience in a human without using drugs; and Earth’s geological “pulse.”

Learn why late buses cluster in threes, and which one you should choose; how you could get funding from the National Science Foundation for your big idea; and how long you should date someone before getting married, according to research.

Learn about how eclipses on Mars can tell scientists more about the planet’s interior, why we behave irrationally when our freedom is threatened, and how an ‘80s video game was at the center of a conspiracy theory.

Volcanoes have a lot to offer local residents.

Your eyes puff up due to the process of osmosis.

Turns out that nervous tickling sensation has a scientific explanation.

Neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan demystifies psychosomatic illnesses. Then, learn how scientists saw behind a black hole.

Learn about why you eat differently when you’re stressed; how humpback whales use “bubble nets” to catch fish; and the surprising genetic reason why females outlive males.

Learn about why regular bedtimes aren’t just for kids; a toxin in the pong pong seeds of the Cerbera odollam tree that’s been called the perfect murder weapon; and the best word you can say to convince people you’re not a robot.