Short Wave Randall Munroe's Absurd Scientific Advice For Real-World Problems
Oct 20, 2020
Randall Munroe, the brilliant mind behind the xkcd comic, combines humor with science in his latest discussion. He introduces us to bizarre yet insightful experiments, including how nuclear tests have influenced beverage safety. Munroe also reminisces about peculiar practices like 'chicken pox parties' and explains the fascinating science of tracing birth years through radioactive teeth. His unique perspective encourages us to embrace curiosity, showing that the world is often stranger than fiction.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Filling a Pool
- Randall Munroe explores filling a pool with bottled water, a seemingly simple problem.
- This leads him to a government study on nuclear weapons' effects on beverages.
Nuclear Drinks Experiment
- Munroe discovered a Cold War experiment testing nuclear effects on store-bought drinks.
- The experiment aimed to determine beverage safety after a nuclear attack.
Chickenpox Parties
- In the 90s, chickenpox parties were common to intentionally expose children.
- Maddie Sofia's mom strategically scheduled her chickenpox for Christmas break.
