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Radiolab

Our Little Stupid Bodies

Jan 12, 2024
55:55:39
Snipd AI
In this episode, Radiolab explores intriguing questions about the human body, such as whether cutting through the skin involves cutting through cells and if the brain is mostly liquid. They also discuss the dangers of choking and the evolution of the larynx, as well as the unconventional concept of 'butt breathing.' The podcast delves into the placebo effect and its impact on the body, and explores the mystery of things coming in threes, including body parts with three components. It concludes with acknowledgments and a preview of an upcoming story.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Our bodies have evolved in a way that makes humans more prone to choking than other animals, due to the overlap between our breathing and eating systems.
  • Lotions applied to the skin are generally not absorbed into the body, they rest on the surface of the skin and are cleared out by our body's filtration systems if necessary.

Deep dives

Why do we choke?

Our bodies are designed in a way that we can choke, unlike fish who have separate tubes for food and breathing. Through the process of evolution, our lungs developed from the digestive tract, resulting in an overlap between our breathing and eating systems. The placement of our larynx in the throat also plays a role in choking, as it lowered and shifted, making it easier for food to enter the wrong passage. While other animals can also choke, humans have become the worst breathers in the animal kingdom. Despite the potential risks, our unique anatomy allows us to produce sophisticated sounds and communicate effectively.

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