Why are the elderly our top candidates for a Mars mission? How bad is sexual intercourse while researchers are asking questions? What's it like to be mugged by monkeys? Zachary and Emma speak with Mary Roach, the eclectic and quirky author of several books about what she calls "curious science," including "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" and "Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex." They discuss body decomposition, the psychological and physical challenges of a Mars mission, and the importance of looking at the lesser-known aspects of human science.

What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.

For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork

And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices