The Poison King, the Seismic DONK, Contagious Peeing
Apr 9, 2025
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Trace Dominguez, a dynamic science communicator and host of various shows, dives into the science of immunity to poisons, inspired by the intriguing tale of Mithridates VI, the Poison King. The discussion also explores fascinating seismic phenomena, such as a recent mysterious event that created global vibrations. Additionally, Trace shares surprising insights into contagious urination among chimpanzees, connecting this behavior to human social dynamics. Expect humor, science, and a light-hearted take on nature's quirks!
Building immunity to poisons like iocane powder is largely considered impossible due to their chemical interference with vital body functions.
The discovery of an Unidentified Seismic Object in Greenland showcased unusual oscillations linked to a climate change-induced landslide and glacier collapse.
Chimpanzees exhibit a contagious urination behavior, revealing fascinating insights into their social dynamics and community bonding practices.
Deep dives
Building Credit with Chime
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The Seismic Mystery of the USO
A peculiar global phenomenon in September 2023 captured the attention of seismologists when the Earth 'rang' with vibrations for over a week, originating from Greenland's Dixon Fjord. Rather than being caused by an earthquake, the unusual oscillations were marked by a regular and simple sine wave, dubbed the Unidentified Seismic Object (USO). These vibrations puzzled experts as they didn't fit the traditional patterns associated with seismic activity. After extensive research, scientists traced back these vibrations to a climate change-induced landslide, which led to a massive glacier collapse, triggering a tsunami and subsequent standing wave phenomena.
Contagious Urination in Chimpanzees
Researchers have recently discovered a phenomenon among chimpanzees where urination can be contagious, akin to the way yawning spreads among social groups. This observation was made at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan, where scientists recorded over 1,300 urination events during extensive observations of the chimps. The study found that when one chimp began to urinate, others nearby were more likely to follow suit, indicating a social behavior akin to contagious yawning. While still preliminary, the findings open discussions about the social dynamics in chimpanzee behavior and how such actions might relate to hierarchy and community bonding.
Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels
The ongoing impact of climate change is prominently reflected in the rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities globally. These rising levels are driven not only by melting glaciers and ice caps but also by the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. As a result, many regions face increased flooding, loss of habitat, and disruption to local economies that depend on coastal resources. The urgency to address climate change and implement protective measures is underscored by the continuing observations of environmental changes that affect both wildlife and human populations.
The Science Behind Iocane Powder
In a discussion about the fictional poison Iocane from 'The Princess Bride,' experts examined the real science behind immunity to poisons. Iocane, described as an odorless and colorless substance, is said to be one of the deadliest poisons, prompting the question of whether immunity could be developed. Historical accounts of figures like Mithridates VI, known for allegedly building immunity to toxins, prompted a closer look at how certain poisons and venoms interact with the body. Notably, while immunity can be achieved with some venoms through gradual exposure, most true poisons chemically interfere with vital body functions, making the development of immunity highly complex and often impossible.
Trace Dominguez joins the show to explain just how inconceivable building up an immunity to iocane powder (or other poisons) is. Sara Kiley also discusses unidentified seismic objects, and Rachel talks about how peeing together transcends species.
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!
