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.
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?
Crime & punishment in a "dangerous" world
Just how dangerous do you think the world is? Because that changes how you'd punish a violent criminal (if you're a woman). Also, if you're frustrated with your democratically elected government... what alternatives are you open to?
What is FOMO? (And how do I get rid of it?)
You know that stab of anxious envy when you see people having a good time (without you)? You can get rid of that. Also, Gabe and Conor are back — with an unfortunate story about a random act of violence.
Science unscripted: Is another pandemic brewing? The current bird flu situation
Nations are buying H5N1 bird flu vaccines amid the spread of the virus among livestock in the US. At least two children in North America have contracted the disease from unknown sources. How serious is the situation?
How your brain understands other people (sometimes WRONG!)
Some people seem very good at guessing what you're thinking. And some of us might find that we think very deeply about what people are thinking or feeling. The reason appears linked to special connections between some the youngest parts of the brain, evolved 300 million years ago. We explored…