Kurzgesagt Podcast: Science Revealed

What if one year could redefine the future of humanity? In this episode, we explore the most exciting and game-changing scientific breakthroughs of 2026—from advances in artificial intelligence and medicine to space exploration, clean energy, and quantum technology. These aren’t just lab experiments; they’re discoveries already shaping how we live, work, and survive on this planet. We break down cutting-edge innovations like next-generation vaccines, smarter AI systems, fusion energy progress, new exoplanet findings, and revolutionary materials that could transform transportation and computing. More importantly, we explain what these breakthroughs actually mean in everyday terms—who benefits, who’s at risk, and what changes might be coming sooner than we expect. Fast-paced, hopeful, and grounded in real science, this episode is your guided tour through the ideas pushing humanity into the future.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 has traveled farther than any human-made object in history—and what it discovered at the edge of our solar system reshaped our understanding of space. In this episode, we explore Voyager 1’s historic journey beyond the planets and into interstellar space, explaining what it actually detected as it crossed the heliopause—the boundary between the Sun’s influence and the wider galaxy. We break down the strange changes in cosmic radiation, magnetic fields, and charged particles that confirmed Voyager 1 had truly left the solar system. You’ll also learn what the spacecraft revealed about the solar wind, how scientists know it’s now in interstellar space, and why Voyager’s instruments are still sending valuable data decades later. A fascinating look at humanity’s most distant messenger—and what lies beyond the protective bubble of our Sun.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

The Gulf Stream is one of the most powerful and influential ocean currents on Earth—and it quietly shapes weather, climate, and life across the planet. In this episode, we explore how the Gulf Stream forms, how it moves warm water across the Atlantic, and why it plays a crucial role in regulating temperatures in North America and Europe. We break down the science behind ocean circulation, the connection between the Gulf Stream and global climate systems, and what could happen if this current weakens or shifts due to climate change. From milder European winters to stronger storms and rising sea levels, the effects of the Gulf Stream reach far beyond the ocean. A clear and fascinating look at the hidden engine driving Earth’s climate system.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

Water is everywhere—but why do we actually need to drink it to survive? In this episode, we break down the science of hydration and explain the vital roles water plays in the human body. From regulating body temperature and transporting nutrients to supporting brain function and cellular chemistry, water is at the center of nearly every biological process. We’ll also explore what happens when you don’t drink enough, how hydration needs vary by age and activity, and common myths about water intake. A clear, science-backed look at why water isn’t just refreshing—it’s essential for life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

Cannabis is often labeled as harmless—but is it really? In this episode, we take a science-based look at marijuana use and explore when, why, and how it can start doing more harm than good. From brain chemistry and motivation to mental health, sleep, memory, and long-term dependence, we break down what research actually says about frequent weed use. We discuss how cannabis affects dopamine, productivity, emotional regulation, and anxiety, why quitting can be harder than expected, and what withdrawal really feels like. This episode also examines who is most at risk, how tolerance quietly builds, and why “everyone’s doing it” isn’t a reliable measure of safety. This is not a moral lecture—it’s an honest conversation about health, habits, and making informed choices in a world where weed is increasingly normalized.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

What are the fundamental principles that govern the natural world? In this episode, we explore the core foundations of the natural sciences—physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science—and how they work together to explain reality. From observation and experimentation to scientific laws, theories, and models, we examine how knowledge is built, tested, and refined over time. The episode also highlights key concepts such as causality, energy, matter, evolution, and systems thinking, revealing how these ideas unify diverse scientific disciplines. Whether you’re a student, a curious learner, or a science enthusiast, this episode offers a clear and engaging roadmap to understanding how science explains the universe.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

Thyroid disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they often go undiagnosed or misunderstood. In this episode, we explore the science and clinical management of common thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, and thyroid nodules. We break down how the thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy, growth, and hormone balance—and what happens when this system goes wrong. You’ll learn to recognize key symptoms, understand diagnostic tools such as blood tests and imaging, and gain insight into modern treatment options ranging from medication and lifestyle management to surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. This episode provides a clear, practical overview for anyone interested in endocrine health, medical science, or improving patient awareness and outcomes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

As 2025 comes to a close, this episode takes a sweeping look at the scientific breakthroughs, discoveries, and debates that shaped the year. From major advances in artificial intelligence and medical research to new insights in space exploration, climate science, and quantum technology, Scientific Horizons: The 2025 Year in Review breaks down what mattered most—and why. We explore how these developments are already influencing everyday life, the ethical questions they raise, and the discoveries that could redefine the future. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about where humanity is headed, this episode offers a clear, engaging snapshot of the year that pushed the boundaries of knowledge.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

What if the science behind Stranger Things isn’t as fictional as it seems? In this episode, we break down the real physics concepts hidden beneath the show’s supernatural storylines—from parallel universes and alternate dimensions to electromagnetism, energy fields, and the limits of human perception. How close is the Upside Down to real multiverse theories? Could portals, telekinesis, or time distortion ever exist according to modern physics? We separate cinematic fantasy from scientific fact, using real-world theories to explain what Stranger Things gets right, what it exaggerates, and what remains purely science fiction. Perfect for fans of the show and anyone curious about how pop culture intersects with real physics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

MRI machines are among the most powerful medical tools ever built—but they’re also incredibly dangerous if basic rules are ignored. In this episode, we break down why wearing metal in an MRI machine can be life-threatening. From the extreme magnetic forces that can turn everyday objects into deadly projectiles to the science behind radiofrequency heating and electrical currents inside the body, we explain what really happens when metal meets an MRI. You’ll hear real-world incidents, the physics behind the risks, and why even tiny metallic items—jewelry, implants, or forgotten coins—can cause serious injury or equipment damage. A must-listen for anyone curious about medical technology, patient safety, and the hidden power of magnets.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

Earth’s seasons are not caused by how close we are to the Sun, but by the planet’s axial tilt. In this episode, we explore how Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received across different regions throughout the year, creating the cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. You’ll learn how the tilt influences day length, solar energy distribution, and temperature changes, and why the Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience opposite seasons at the same time. We also clarify common misconceptions—such as why Earth is actually closest to the Sun during Northern Hemisphere winter—and examine how seasons differ near the equator and the poles. This episode offers a clear, science-based explanation of one of Earth’s most familiar yet often misunderstood natural phenomena.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Bernoulli’s Principle explains the fundamental relationship between pressure, velocity, and height in a moving fluid. First formulated by Daniel Bernoulli in the 18th century, the principle shows that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases—an idea that underpins much of modern fluid dynamics. In this episode, we break down the Bernoulli equation in simple terms, exploring how energy is conserved within flowing fluids and why pressure, kinetic energy, and potential energy are interconnected. You’ll learn how this principle applies to real-world phenomena such as airplane lift, wind over buildings, blood flow in arteries, carburetors, and even why shower curtains get pulled inward. Whether you’re a student, an engineer, or simply curious about the physics behind everyday motion, this episode provides a clear and practical understanding of one of the most important laws governing fluids and airflow.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Isaac Newton’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica is one of the most influential scientific works ever written, laying the foundations of classical physics. But what many people don’t know is that even Newton made a fascinating mistake inside this groundbreaking book—an error that went unnoticed for centuries. In this episode, we uncover the surprising flaw hidden within the Principia, explore what Newton got wrong, and explain how modern scientists eventually discovered and corrected it. We also look at how this mistake reveals the challenges of early scientific discovery and why the Principia remains a masterpiece despite its imperfections. Whether you’re a science lover or a history enthusiast, this deep dive into Newton’s “forgotten error” shows how even the greatest minds can slip up—and still change the world forever.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

What does a person experience when they’re in a coma? Are they dreaming, aware, or completely unconscious? In this episode, we break down the science of coma states—how they happen, what the brain is doing, and what patients report after waking up. From medically induced comas to traumatic brain injuries, we explore the biology of consciousness, recovery challenges, and the unexpected stories of those who came back. You’ll learn:🔬 What causes coma and how the brain behaves during it🧠 The difference between a coma, vegetative state, and brain death👁️ Whether coma patients can hear or feel what’s around them💉 Why doctors put some patients into coma intentionally 🕰️ What recovery looks like after waking up Join us as we uncover the mysterious world between life and unconsciousness—and what it reveals about the human brain.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Dive into the mysterious world beneath the waves and discover just how incredibly deep our oceans truly are. In this episode, we journey from the sunlit surface to the pitch-black abyss, where pressure could crush a submarine and strange creatures glow in the dark. Explore the layers of the sea, the secrets of the Mariana Trench, and the bizarre life-forms that thrive in total darkness. We’ll uncover how scientists measure the depths, why so much of it remains unexplored, and what might still be hiding miles below. 🔎 From floating plankton to alien-like sea giants — the ocean is deeper, darker, and more mysterious than you ever imagined.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

For months at a time, entire regions of the Arctic and Antarctic are plunged into complete darkness—no sunrise, no daylight, just a long, cold night. But what exactly causes this mysterious phenomenon known as the Polar Night? In this episode, we explore: Why the Earth’s tilt creates weeks or even months of darknessThe different types of polar night—from civil to astronomicalHow animals, plants, and humans survive in a world without sunThe psychological effects of long periods of darknessWhat life looks like in places like Tromsø, Svalbard, and Antarctica during this timeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

What do animals really want to eat—and why? In this episode, we explore the fascinating science behind animal food preferences, from household pets to wildlife. You’ll discover how biology, evolution, smell, taste, texture, and even emotion shape what dogs, cats, birds, and other animals naturally gravitate toward. We break down: Why dogs rely on scent more than tasteHow wild ancestors influence modern food preferencesThe role of protein, fat, and instinct in animal dietsHow animals make choices when offered multiple foodsThe surprising ways environment and training shape appetiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

From the menstrual cycle to the miracle of childbirth, this episode breaks down the biology of reproduction in a way that’s simple, factual, and deeply informative. We explore what actually happens during menstruation, why it occurs, and how the body prepares for pregnancy each month. Then we walk through the stages of pregnancy—from conception and implantation to fetal development, trimester changes, and what expecting mothers typically experience along the way.  Whether you’re curious about how the human body creates life or want a clear scientific explanation of reproductive health, this episode offers an easy-to-understand journey through one of nature’s most remarkable processes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

What makes you you? In this episode, we break down the fascinating science of DNA, genes, and inheritance — the biological code that shapes every living thing. Discover how traits are passed from parents to offspring, how mutations occur, and why genetic diversity is vital for evolution and survival. We’ll also explore groundbreaking advances in genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and the ethical questions that come with editing life itself. Perfect for anyone curious about the building blocks of life and how our genetic blueprint defines who we are.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.

Why do we age—and can science slow it down? In this episode, we explore the fascinating biology behind aging and longevity. From the role of DNA damage, cellular senescence, and telomere shortening to the promise of anti-aging research and genetic interventions, we uncover how our bodies change over time and what scientists are learning about extending healthy human life. Featuring breakthroughs in longevity science, calorie restriction studies, and the impact of lifestyle and genetics, this episode takes you inside the cutting-edge world of aging research.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support.