The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week Surfing Bats, Deep Sea Bologna, Environmental Trolley Problem
Feb 26, 2025
In this discussion, Lauren Leffer, a contributing writer for Popular Science and Scientific American, dives into the quirky world of science. She shares the fascinating story of surfing bats that manage their energy with finesse. The conversation also explores the peculiar environmental chaos caused by invasive silver carp and the ethical dilemmas it poses. Additionally, the comedic tale of a preserved bologna sandwich and its surprising implications for marine research adds a playful twist, blending humor with important ecological insights.
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Surfing Bats
- Bats can surf on warm air fronts, conserving energy during long migrations.
- This was discovered by tracking noctule bats with sensors, revealing their unique migration patterns.
Unpredictable Bat Migrations
- Unlike birds and whales, bats lack a standard migration corridor.
- Their migratory patterns are more generalized, involving frequent stops for feeding.
Pressure and Preservation
- The pressure of the deep ocean slows down microbial decay.
- This explains the surprising preservation of the food in Alvin's lunchbox.