The Forbidden Experiment, Too Annoying To Die, Bonny Clabber
Aug 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Danielle Bainbridge delves into the chilling world of forbidden experiments, discussing the ethical dilemmas of language deprivation studies and their implications for human development. Sara Kiley brings a lighter touch, arguing that sometimes being annoying can be preferable to being deadly, offering surprising insights on human behavior. The conversation weaves through dark historical experiments and the nuances of social interaction, making for a captivating exploration of the bizarre sides of science and humanity.
Therapy can help rejuvenate adult curiosity and encourage new experiences, showcasing its positive impact on personal growth.
Historical language deprivation experiments highlight the crucial role of social interaction in language acquisition and bear significant ethical implications.
Deep dives
Rediscovering Curiosity Through Therapy
Adults often lose their sense of curiosity as they grow older, but therapy can help rekindle that wonder. Engaging with a therapist can assist individuals in exploring new interests and experiences, rejuvenating their desire to learn and grow. For example, personal stories reveal how working with a therapist has encouraged individuals to try new activities like pottery, illustrating the positive impact therapy can have on one's life. Resources like BetterHelp make accessing therapy more convenient and adaptable to today's busy schedules.
Sticky Frogs and Their Defensive Mechanisms
Some species of frogs, like the tomato frog found in Madagascar, have developed a fascinating sticky defense mechanism to avoid predators. When threatened, these frogs release a thick, glue-like substance that incapacitates attackers, making it difficult for them to eat the frog. This form of defense is particularly effective against predators with limited dexterity, as the sticky substance forces them to abandon their prey. Recent studies revealed that this sticky secretion can even glue LEGO bricks together, demonstrating its strength and effectiveness as a survival strategy.
The Myth of Thunderstorms and Sour Milk
For centuries, people believed that thunderstorms could sour milk, a notion tied to various folk theories about atmospheric conditions. Historical anecdotes reveal individuals who conducted scientific experiments to determine the cause, often leading to conclusions about the effects of temperature and humidity on milk freshness. Notably, one experiment from the 1800s demonstrated that electrical currents in milk did not cause curdling as previously thought, shifting the focus back to microbial growth in warm, damp conditions. This enduring folk wisdom highlights the relationship between environmental factors and food preservation, challenging our understanding of natural phenomena.
The Ethical Concerns of Language Deprivation Studies
Language deprivation experiments, historically referred to as the 'forbidden experiment,' sought to determine the innate language capabilities of humans by isolating children from exposure to language. Notable historical figures attempted these studies, resulting in tragic outcomes where children did not survive due to lack of social interaction. Modern studies have demonstrated that language acquisition occurs through environmental exposure rather than innate ability, emphasizing the importance of communication in human development. The ethical implications of such experiments have since disallowed similar studies in contemporary science, marking significant advancements in understanding human language and social interaction.
This week, Danielle Bainbridge joins the show to talk a very dark, forbidden experiment. Plus, Rachel talks about milk spoiling in thunderstorms (allegedly), and Sara Kiley explains how sometimes it's better to be annoying than deadly.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Make switching seasons a breeze with Quince's high-quality closet essentials. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Live it up this summer and make progress towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in minutes at https://chime.com/WEIRDEST. Chime. Feels like progress.