

130: No Such Thing As Train Jam
Sep 9, 2016
Join a whirlwind of quirky discussions, from the bizarre toe wrestling championships to the spectral connections of Arthur Conan Doyle and his ghostly pursuits. Explore the innovative use of lasers on trains tackling leaf debris in a humorous twist. Dive into the unusual reproductive traits of chickens and the cultural fascination with six-toed individuals. It's a delightful mix of science, history, and sheer absurdity, all wrapped in witty banter that’s bound to entertain!
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Doyle's Posthumous Performance
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was featured as the headline act at a 1930 Royal Albert Hall memorial show despite having died six days earlier.
- A clairvoyant claimed to channel Doyle's spirit, providing a private message to his wife amid an organ blast drowning the words from the audience.
Laser Trains Against Slippery Leaves
- Dutch trains are fitted with lasers that vaporize leaves on tracks to prevent slippery railbeds.
- Lasers target leaves without damaging rails, increasing train safety and efficiency by avoiding jams from leaf mulch buildup.
Chickens Repel Malaria Mosquitoes
- Scientists found a species of malarial mosquitoes avoids chickens, leading to studies suspending live chickens near sleepers to reduce malaria bites.
- Researchers are working to extract chicken odors to create sprays that mimic this effect, potentially preventing malaria.