554: No Such Thing As A Dragonfish At The Opticians
Oct 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Join in on a whimsical journey that kicks off with a tree-hugging competition in Glasgow, filled with amusing anecdotes and record-breaking feats. Dive into bizarre competitions like an unexpected sheep counting contest and the quirky world of B2B marketing on LinkedIn. Discover the fascinating world of wax, from tea lights to apple coatings, alongside humorous tales from the Persian Empire. The episode also unveils surprising marine legends, including bioluminescent wonders and dolphins' TV preferences, blending history and humor in every twist!
The Glasgow tree hugging competition features unique rounds that assess competitors' skills in showcasing their affection for trees.
Wax coating on shop-bought fruits, while beneficial for preservation, has raised health concerns but remains essential due to its protective qualities.
In diving, the visibility of colors varies dramatically with depth, affecting diver safety and marine life adaptation for camouflage against predators.
Deep dives
The Glasgow Tree Hugging Competition
The Glasgow tree hugging competition consists of three rounds: speed hugging, dedicated hugging, and freestyle hugging. Competitors must demonstrate their skills with various trees, including a dedicated hug where the focus is on affection for a single tree, and freestyle, which allows for creative expression during the embrace. Notably, Hannah Willow won the competition by excelling in the dedication round, showing passion and character in her performance. This victory qualified her to represent Glasgow in the international tree hugging competition in Finland, pitting her against tree hugging enthusiasts from around the world.
The Unusual Origins of Wax Coating on Apples
Shop-bought apples, along with other fruits, are commonly coated in a thin layer of wax to preserve their freshness. This coating, known as epicuticular wax, is sometimes applied to replace the natural wax that is lost during the harvesting process. Interestingly, a pound of wax can cover around 160,000 pieces of fruit, which is enough to create a single tea light. This practice, while originally unharmful, has faced rumors regarding health risks, yet it continues due to its protective benefits.
Underwater Color Perception and Diving
The disappearance of colors while diving highlights how different wavelengths of light penetrate water to varying extents. Red light vanishes quickly, meaning that at certain depths, divers cutting themselves may appear to bleed green due to the lack of visibility of red blood. Conversely, blue is the most visible color at greater depths, leading many marine creatures to adapt their coloration for camouflage. This fascinating topic also raises questions about fish colorations, as many red fish are practically invisible to predators in the deep sea while maintaining their vibrant appearance.
Historical Significance of Atossa
Atossa, an empress of the Achaemenid Empire, played a vital role in ancient history, particularly during her relationships with significant rulers. She is connected to early medical practices, as she suffered from mastitis but was cured by a doctor in exchange for political favors. Her portrayal in historical texts raises questions about the accuracy of accounts concerning her as the 'power behind the throne.' Ultimately, Atossa’s story showcases both the complexities of royal lineage and the medical practices of ancient Persia.
Diving Sharks and Color Choices
The color of clothing or gear that divers wear can influence their safety in the water, particularly regarding potential shark encounters. It is theorized that wearing bright yellow, known as 'yum yum yellow,' may attract sharks, although evidence remains anecdotal. Historical incidents involving sharks and divers in World War II have led to widespread discussion about the color's effect, and some suggest that the advantages of visibility for rescue outweigh the risks. Through ongoing studies and firsthand experiences, divers continue to explore the best approaches for safety in aquatic environments.