Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Listener Questions #23
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Dec 2, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of fingerprints, where unique patterns stem from genetics and womb conditions. Delve into the shocking story of a particle beam accident that surprisingly transformed medical understandings. Explore the two types of tickling and their evolutionary mysteries, from alerting us to potential threats to fostering social bonds. Finally, unravel the enigma of yawning, examining its puzzling triggers and contagious nature across species. Join a conversation that leaves you curious for more!
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Family Resemblance, Not Identity
- Familial similarity in fingerprint shapes arises from genetically influenced volar pad size and placement.
- Yet stochastic fetal factors create detailed differences so exact matches between people are vanishingly unlikely.
The Russian Physicist Who Survived A Beam
- In 1978 Anatoly Bugorski was struck by an extracted proton beam and saw a flash "brighter than a thousand suns."
- He survived with partial facial paralysis, hearing loss, and occasional seizures but continued his life.
Never Enter A Live Beam Area
- Never access a running beam or bypass safety interlocks around accelerators.
- Fixed-target channels can be diverted and cause severe injury if safety fails, so follow protocols strictly.