Science Vs

Science Vs

There are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Spotify Studios that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. We do the hard work of sifting through all the science so you don't have to and cover everything from 5G and ADHD, to Fluoride and Fasting Diets.
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Episode's summary

A lot of us reach for music when we’re struggling. Whether we’re going through a breakup or just a rough day, our favorite jams seem to have an almost magical ability to give us relief. But WHY?! What exactly is music doing in the brain that affects how we feel? And how powerful is it? Like, could music actually treat diseases? We dig into these questions with musician, neuroscientist, and professor Dr. Dan Levitin. He wrote a book called “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” all about the incredible neuroscience behind music and how it can help with things like depression, pain and even Alzheimer’s disease. UPDATE 11/6/26: A previous version of this episode incorrectly suggested that aphantasia was discovered recently. The phenomenon was first described in the late 19th century, although the term was only coined in 2015. The episode has been updated. This episode does mention depression. Here are some crisis hotlines: United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online…

Episodes

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How Music Can Be Medicine, with Dr. Dan Levitin

A lot of us reach for music when we’re struggling. Whether we’re going through a breakup or just a rough day, our favorite jams seem to have an almost magical ability to give us relief. But WHY?! What exactly is music doing in the brain that affects how we feel? And how powerful is it? Like, could music actually treat diseases? We dig into these questions with musician, neuroscientist, and professor Dr. Dan Levitin. He wrote a book called “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” all about the incredible neuroscience behind music and how it can help with things like depression, pain and even Alzheimer’s disease. UPDATE 11/6/26: A previous version of this episode incorrectly suggested that aphantasia was discovered recently. The phenomenon was first described in the late 19th century, although the term was only coined in 2015. The episode has been updated. This episode does mention depression. Here are some crisis hotlines: United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online…

05 Nov 2026
560-

Sitting: As Bad As Smoking?!

Lots of us spend HOURS a day sitting on our bums. And we’re often told that this is terrible for us — even that it could be as bad for our health as smoking. But how bad is it really? And can exercise or standing desks help make up for all those hours on the couch?? We dig into what happens inside our bodies when we sit all day — with sedentary behavior researchers Prof. David Dunstan and Prof. Bethany Barone Gibbs. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsSitting In this episode, we cover: (01:25) How sitting became so scary (06:33) What is sitting doing to us? (16:38) Can standing help? (22:47) What we can do This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Meryl Horn, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing & sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode…

29 Oct 2026
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Testosterone: Do We All Need a Boost?

We’re hearing a ton about the marvels of testosterone from influencers, celebrities, and even government officials. They say we should be thinking about our T levels, topping them off with extra if they’re too low. And we’re told that the benefits of testosterone are HUGE: that we’ll be stronger, sexier, and more energized. So is that true?? And if you do go for a testosterone bump, do you need to worry about possible side effects, like ’roid rage, infertility and other risks? We talk to endocrinologists Prof. Shalender Bhasin and Prof. Richard Auchus as well as social psychologist Dr. Justin Carré to find out. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsTestosterone Find Wendy's chat about Bigorexia here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsZEfTWuIqg In this episode, we cover: (00:00) We’re obsessed with testosterone (02:59) Will T make you bigger and stronger? (09:25) ‘Roid rage (18:04) Will T turn you into a horndog? (25:48) Will T put pep in your step? (27:51) The risks of taking T (31:49) Why…

22 Oct 2026
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Fiber Maxxing and Poo Maxxing, with Dr. Trisha Pasricha

Have you been puzzled by your poos or felt down about your dumps?? You’re not alone! So many of us are struggling with gut issues, which is why fiber is having a major moment. But even though we’re secretly guzzling psyllium husk, tons of us are too embarrassed to talk about our poo problems. No more! We’re putting an end to the silence on stool with Dr. Trisha Pasricha. She’s a neurogastroenterologist and author of “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong.” We find out what poo actually IS and how often you should go — plus, we get the dirt on the surprising connection between your brain and your gut, and how it might be the key to understanding diseases like Parkinson’s. Find our transcript here: ScienceVs In this episode, we cover: Time stamp and titles for each chapter (first chapter must start at 00:00, minimum 3 chapters) (00:00) Intro (02:45) What does it mean to reach “poophoria”?? (04:37) Living in a poo-forward household (05:54) Stomach lie detector (11:06) That sinking feeling in your stomach (13:48) The…

15 Oct 2026
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Collagen Peptides: Should You Take Them?

Collagen peptides!! Can they make you look younger and be healthier? It feels like everyone wants to be bursting with collagen, and apparently the way to do it is by scooping up that white powder of collagen peptides and guzzling it down. Do that, and — according to the wellfluencers — not only will your skin be as bouncy as a baby's bottom, but you'll also be stronger and you'll heal from injuries faster. But of course, not everyone is on the collagen train. There are the collagen haters, who say that eating collagen is a load of baloney. So who's right? To find out, we talk to dietetics Professor Clare Collins, dermatologist Dr. Natalia Spierings, exercise physiologists Professor Luc van Loon and Professor Keith Baar, neutromuscular physiologist Dr. Robert Erskine, as well as sports performance consultant Dr. Dana Lis. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsCollagen In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Collagen peptides are EVERYWHERE (02:52) Why is collagen important? (05:25) What are…

08 Oct 2026