Radiolab

Our Little Stupid Bodies

53 snips
Jan 12, 2024
Molly Webster, a former intern turned reporter, and Becca Bressler, a Radiolab producer with a quirky take on mosquito bites, dive into the fascinating world of human anatomy. They tackle humorous misconceptions about our bodies, like 'butt breathing,' and explore serious topics like the evolutionary quirks of our respiratory system. Listeners will enjoy insights into the bizarre fate of lotion on our skin and an unexpected remedy for mosquito bites, blending lighthearted banter with intriguing science.
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ANECDOTE

Molly's Choking Fear

  • Molly Webster is terrified of choking.
  • She thinks about food going past her airway daily.
INSIGHT

Evolutionary Choking Flaw

  • Fish don't have a choking risk because of separate breathing and eating systems.
  • Our lungs evolved from the digestive tract, creating an overlap.
INSIGHT

Larynx and Speech

  • Humans are the worst breathers in the animal kingdom due to our lowered larynx.
  • This adaptation allows for complex speech but increases choking risk.
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