The Evolutionary Role of Disgust in Human Behavior

You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there. 

So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag?

Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane. 

References:

• Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestation
• Aflatoxins - National Cancer Institute
• Ergot poisoning: Symptoms, treatment, and history
• The expert verdict on whether it's ever OK to cut off the mould on food and eat the rest - ABC News
• Disgust as an adaptive system for disease avoidance behaviour
• Yucky! How Do Toddlers Learn About Disgust?

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

• Why the carnivore diet is so risky
• Cracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying?