Exploring Fascinating Questions on Science: Insights from Experts

On July 26, 2025, CBC Radio's annual Quirks & Quarks Holiday Question Show provided listeners with intriguing answers to a variety of scientific queries. The show, hosted by Bob McDonald, featured a panel of esteemed experts who addressed questions ranging from the biological effects of cold weather to the nature of communication among Neanderthals.

The significance of this event lies not only in its engagement with the public but also in its role in promoting scientific literacy. The program encourages curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of science in everyday life.

One listener, Genevieve Willis from London, Ontario, inquired about the relationship between cold exposure and susceptibility to illness. Michael Kennedy, an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Alberta, explained that while cold weather does not directly cause colds, it can weaken the immune response, making individuals more vulnerable to infections (Kennedy, M. (2025). Expert commentary on cold exposure and health. Quirks & Quarks).

Another question came from Jim Raso, a 73-year-old from St. Albert, Alberta, who asked why time seems to pass more quickly as one ages. Holly K. Andersen, a Professor of Philosophy at Simon Fraser University, noted that this perception is a common psychological phenomenon, often attributed to the relative proportion of time experienced during a person’s life (Andersen, H.K. (2025). Time perception in aging. Quirks & Quarks).

Additionally, Scott Beach from East York, Ontario, posed the question, "Why do dogs sniff and lick each other's butts?" Simon Gadbois, Principal Investigator at the Canine Olfaction Lab at Dalhousie University, described the behavior as a natural social interaction among canines, serving both communicative and exploratory purposes (Gadbois, S. (2025). Canine communication and olfaction. Quirks & Quarks).

Sara Ellison, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria, tackled the complex question posed by Stephen Quinn from St. John's, Newfoundland, regarding the simultaneous expansion of the universe and the collision of galaxies. Ellison explained that while galaxies are indeed colliding, the universe's expansion is a large-scale phenomenon that occurs over vast distances and time scales (Ellison, S. (2025). Cosmology and galaxy dynamics. Quirks & Quarks).

The show also addressed the sensitive topic of pain perception in red-haired individuals, as raised by Robert Smith of Victoria, British Columbia. Jeffrey Mogil, the E.P. Taylor Professor of Pain Studies at the Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain at McGill University, provided insights from his research indicating that redheads may experience different pain thresholds due to genetic factors (Mogil, J. (2025). Genetics of pain sensitivity. Quirks & Quarks).

As the event concluded, it became evident that the Quirks & Quarks Holiday Question Show serves as a vital platform for bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding. By answering questions that resonate with the audience, the program not only enhances knowledge but also inspires a lifelong interest in science. Looking ahead, continued engagement with such inquiries could further enrich public discourse on scientific matters, fostering a more informed citizenry in an increasingly complex world.