Have you ever been sitting at your desk, minding your own business when out of nowhere a tune bubbles into your brain? So what does science say about earworms? Where they come from and is there any cure?

Matthew Agius became a science journalist to share his passion for how the sciences impact our everyday lives. Because he also knows a bit about history, sports and pop culture, he'll happily help out your quiz team in exchange for beer or hot chippies.

Have you ever been sitting at your desk, minding your own business when out of nowhere a tune bubbles into your brain? So what does science say about earworms? Where they come from and is there any cure?
Matthew Agius became a science journalist to share his passion for how the sciences impact our everyday lives. Because he also knows a bit about history, sports and pop culture, he'll happily help out your quiz team in exchange for beer or hot chippies.

Put your thinking caps on, folks. Huh? Science Explained is here, the twice weekly podcast brought to you by LiSTNR and Cosmos. Hosted by Cosmos’ very own science journos, this is the podcast that will answer all of life’s questions – in just 10 minutes.

Put your thinking caps on, folks. Huh? Science Explained is here, the twice weekly podcast brought to you by LiSTNR and Cosmos. Hosted by Cosmos’ very own science journos, this is the podcast that will answer all of life’s questions – in just 10 minutes.

Huh? Science Explained

Why do songs get stuck in our head, and how do we get them out?

Is it really possible to catch a yawn? Why do we do it, anyway? I’ve discovered that it’s actually pretty tricky to nail down answers to those things. It seems that, even though it’s something that most creatures with mouths do, there aren’t that many scientists who are desperate to uncover the secrets of yawning.

But let’s explore what science does know…

Ellen Phiddian worked in science outreach before deciding to become, in her grandmother's words, "one of those whizz-bang science journalists". With a background in chemistry, she's particularly interested in renewable energy, catalysts, and deciphering the ingredients on food packages. Her favourite podcasts are Wardrobe Crisis, Friends at the Table, and just about any audiodrama.

Is it really possible to catch a yawn? Why do we do it, anyway? I’ve discovered that it’s actually pretty tricky to nail down answers to those things. It seems that, even though it’s something that most creatures with mouths do, there aren’t that many scientists who are desperate to uncover the secrets of yawning.
But let’s explore what science does know…
Ellen Phiddian worked in science outreach before deciding to become, in her grandmother's words, "one of those whizz-bang science journalists". With a background in chemistry, she's particularly interested in renewable energy, catalysts, and deciphering the ingredients on food packages. Her favourite podcasts are Wardrobe Crisis, Friends at the Table, and just about any audiodrama.

Advertisement