Yes, scientists really do create 'enhanced viruses' inside labs around the world. Should they?

Creating a 'super virus' (with gain of function research)

Three people. Ever. That's how many have been cured of HIV. We visited one of them to learn about the extraordinarily rare (and risky) treatment — and to find out if it can, even indirectly, lead to a true cure for 40 million more.

The 'Dusseldorf patient' — or the search for a safe HIV cure

Do you have a purpose in life? Would it matter if you didn't? Also, Gabe learns why it's wrong to say 'victims of sexual harassment.'

Weekly roundup — Unless you've experienced it, you have no idea

Ever wonder why, after encountering sexual harassment, so many people don't report it? There's a good reason for that. We talked to women about their encounters with harassment — and asked social psychologist Manuela Barreto, author of a new study, to explain.

Sexually harassed people don't do what you'd expect

The better your body is at sucking oxygen out of the atmosphere and pumping it toward your cells, the lower your risk of getting two kinds of cancer (and dying from three).

Breathe easier: As VO2 rises, cancer falls (in men)

A German urologist answers a listener email about fainting after urination, and why a prominent doctor thinks taurine won't extend human lives (like it did for mice and monkeys).

Weekly roundup — Press softly & don't pass out

Mosquito haters, rejoice: Researchers in Israel have created an insect repellant made of cellulose (plant compounds) that could save lives and make summer nights way more enjoyable.

Stop mosquitoes — with an 'armor' made of cream

How would it make you feel to know a virtual reality forest could make you as happy as a real one?

Nature's great, but have you tried VR?

'Comparison is the thief of joy,' a listener reminds us — and also, a researcher explains why people are feeling younger than ever.

Weekly roundup — Young, alone & happier for it

Forget your birth date. How old do you actually feel? That gap, or 'age bias,' is a real phenomenon — and for some reason it's getting wider.

Why do I feel younger than my age?

Get the latest science news. Broadcast from Germany throughout the week. Stay safe by being informed.

A staggering amount data suggests our mental health goes down — not up — when we try to solve our loneliness by socializing.

Lonely? Being around other people can make it worse

We love the emails. SU@dw.com — keep them coming! But there's one more way you can help shape this show: https://surveys.dw.com/c/su?maca=en-podcast_spectrum-31485-xml-mrss

We love the emails. SU@dw.com — keep them coming! But there's one more way you can help shape this show: <a href="https://surveys.dw.com/c/su?maca=en-podcast_spectrum-31485-xml-mrss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://surveys.dw.com/c/su?maca=en-podcast_spectrum-31485-xml-mrss</a>

Could you give us a minute?

We learn this week that Conor truly is a Celtic music-making machine. All it took was a c# from some busted toilet pipes. Also, thanks for all the emails about seated urination.

Weekly roundup — How do you say ‘lost soul’ in Gaelic?

Two people in the same neighborhood stub their toes. Whose hurts more? Unbelievably, it kind of depends on the size of their house.

‘Ouch!’ — Physical pain rises with envy

An excellent study shows that animals live substantially longer lives after daily doses of a natural amino acid. But please don't start chugging taurine-enhanced energy drinks (like Gabe does).

Live a longer, healthier life — with taurine?

Seemingly inexplicable seated urination, a wildflower meadow amidst the immaculate lawns of Cambridge University, birds singing soothing songs on the eastern bank of the River Rhine, and an oddly beautiful sound that emanates from a DW bathroom — this one's got it all.

Weekly roundup — What's that gorgeous noise?

Birdsong is apparently so good for human wellbeing all it takes is an audio recording to bring down anxiety levels — and paranoia. This show goes out to our listener Brent.

The songs of birds (even mp3s of them) are good for our nerves

The results of a recent survey indicate that males in Germany — compared to 11 other nations involved — are leaders when it comes to seated urination. Any ideas why that could be?

German men sit when they pee. Why?

Sometimes the most interesting research isn't about us, but about the creatures we share this planet with. This episode is dedicated to them — and to the fascinating (and sometimes comical) ways homo sapiens try to understand them.

Weekly roundup — This one's pretty much entirely about animals

You, the person reading this, say about 1,000 unique words every day. Our closest primate relatives? Far fewer. To learn more, researchers went to the Ugandan jungle — and pranked the living daylights out of them.

Chimpanzees 'talk' when you scare them with snakes

What indulgence! They get paid for doing this? They need to improve the content. The interview of the coworker whose husband got bitten by piranhas are not scientific. They also included the shower singing in the gym. Is it relevant? Pure indulgence of the hosts.  I listened to a few episodes but just cannot carry on anymore.

Horrible hosts

I love Spectrum because of the myriad of subjects touched upon, always interesting and relevant, always engaging. And now with Cyrus Farivar as the new host, it&#39;s better than ever. I have listened to his work for many years on The World and CBC and have always enjoyed his inquisitive style and friendly voice.

Great Show has a whole new level

Science unscripted

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!