Science unscripted

DW

The science stories that will actually change your day — and maybe make you laugh. Science unscripted is a podcast, radio show & YouTube channel driven by listeners. Hello from Germany :)

  • 30 minutes
    How different are the brains of boys and girls?
    A new study shows a sex difference in the early growth of the human brain. Does it matter?
    19 February 2026, 4:39 pm
  • 29 minutes 59 seconds
    When a pet’s death really hurts
    The loss of a pet can affect you more than losing a loved one, a new study shows. With one exception.
    12 February 2026, 11:55 am
  • 30 minutes
    Why do humans have (relatively) large penises?
    Compared to chimps or gorillas, human males are unusually well endowed. A new study suggests it's partly because men 'size each other up' before a fight.
    29 January 2026, 5:03 pm
  • 30 minutes
    How casual hookups are good (and healthy) for singles
    You really do benefit from 'friends with benefits,' a new study suggests. Also, a forgotten birthday can tank employee morale and a look at how the Autobahn lead to more support for the Nazi party.
    22 January 2026, 5:50 pm
  • 30 minutes
    The anomie within
    When it feels like society's breaking down right before your eyes, it's called anomie. And it can lead to an even a darker place.
    15 January 2026, 6:00 pm
  • 30 minutes
    Do you think animals can think?
    It's an interesting question. Even more intriguing is why you believe what you do — and whether you live near a city.
    8 January 2026, 5:07 pm
  • 29 minutes 59 seconds
    Neanderthals chose to eat each other?
    Cannibalism happened among the Neanderthals. That much we knew. Now, a paleoanthropological discovery has possibly uncovered an ugly truth about our distant cousins. Conor and Gabe head to a cave in Belgium to check it out.
    1 January 2026, 4:05 pm
  • 30 minutes
    Happy New Year!
    Thanks to everybody who listened during this year. Most of all, thank you to those who wrote to us and — in the process — became part of our show.
    21 December 2025, 4:05 am
  • 30 minutes
    Imagine your way to better friendships...?
    Want to like someone more? It just takes eight seconds. Also, mice that smelled bacon... had more obese children?
    18 December 2025, 1:22 pm
  • 30 minutes
    Who do you give to? (And who do you not?)
    $1,000 is put in your hand. With one condition: You have to donate it. What do you do next?
    11 December 2025, 4:51 pm
  • 30 minutes
    The Batman effect
    A pregnant woman enters a tram. Nearly 40% of the time, she's offered a seat. Unless someone else enters. Dressed as batman.
    4 December 2025, 4:28 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App