Exploring sex science and pseudo-science (with Mary Roach)

Jun 29, 2022

Mary Roach, a bestselling author known for her witty takes on science, dives into the intriguing world of sex research and the quirks of animal behavior. She shares humorous anecdotes from sex studies that unveil surprising gender differences and societal taboos. Roach also tackles ethical dilemmas surrounding wildlife, arguing for a nuanced perspective on animal behavior deemed 'criminal.' Plus, she explores the fascinating border between scientific inquiry and paranormal beliefs, emphasizing the balance between skepticism and credulity.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Sex Experiment

Mary Roach participated in a sex experiment for her book Bonk.
It involved an ultrasound study of sexual physiology.

INSIGHT

Misconceptions about Sex

For centuries, scientists didn't study sex due to its awkwardness.
This led to many misconceptions, like the need for female orgasm for conception.

ANECDOTE

Fetal Masturbation

During research for Bonk, an ultrasound captured a fetus masturbating.
It highlighted the surprising findings encountered while writing.

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Fuzz

When Nature Breaks the Law

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In *Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law*, Mary Roach delves into the complex and often humorous world of human-wildlife conflicts. She follows animal-attack forensics investigators, human-elephant conflict specialists, and other experts to understand how animals interact with human environments. The book combines little-known forensic science and conservation genetics with engaging anecdotes, revealing as much about humanity as about nature’s lawbreakers. Roach argues that humans are often both the problem and the solution in these conflicts, and her work offers hope for compassionate coexistence in our expanding human habitat.

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Shelly Frasier

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