Stuff To Blow Your Mind

Dive into the quirky world of urohidrosis, where birds brilliantly cool their legs by urinating on them! Discover how thermoregulation affects avian behavior and physiology. Learn why storks and other species choose this unique method over panting, plus fascinating comparisons to seals and even humans in wetsuits. Explore environmental factors influencing this phenomenon and enjoy some mythical tales that tie it all together. It's a wild journey through nature's clever adaptations!

Dive into a wild cosmic adventure with the Hindu god Hanuman teaming up with the Ultra Seven against evil. The hosts explore the film's psychedelic visual style and its surprising themes of science clashing with belief. Dance sequences and children's performances highlight the film's cultural richness. Catchy music, mythic origins, and intense kaiju battles, complete with brutal finishes, keep things thrilling. They also discuss the film's legacy in Thai pop culture and its connections to larger mythological tales.

Explore the enchanting world of sacred trees, from the towering sequoias of North America to Hawaii's unique Ōhiʻa lehua. Discover personal stories and the emotional weight of these giants, along with their ecological importance and indigenous connections. Delve into mythic tales surrounding the Ōhiʻa, including divine relationships and folklore about love and loss. The discussion also highlights the alarming threats faced by these trees, emphasizing the fragile balance between their ancient majesty and human impact.

Dive into the bizarre world of a 1991 cyberpunk action film with unexpected charm! Explore how 'Future Kick' mixes schlock with genre tropes, and the intriguing dynamics of its tech-noir themes. The hosts dissect the film's 2025 setting, comparing its predictions to modern reality, while unpacking noir character types and visual aesthetics. The quirky plot follows a woman and an android bounty hunter on a revenge mission. Join the conversation on whether this movie is an accidental masterpiece that reflects our tech anxieties!

Explore the intriguing world of licking, from animals to humans! Discover how dogs and other creatures engage in wound-licking and its connections to miraculous healing folklore. Delve into the science behind saliva's antimicrobial properties and the risks of over-licking. Uncover the social bonds formed through communal licking behaviors in bison and the affectionate gestures of cats. Plus, learn about the fascinating anatomy of geckos and the surprising functions of eye licking. Tune in for a delightful mix of science and culture!

In a dynamic conversation, Jay Gambetta, IBM’s Director of Research and a quantum physics expert, shares insights on scaling quantum computing. He delves into the unique challenges of constructing quantum computers, such as cooling and noise reduction. Gambetta highlights groundbreaking applications in chemistry and drug design alongside financial optimization techniques. He even suggests how institutions can start exploring quantum today, emphasizing the need for applied mathematics over classical intuition. It’s a fascinating look into our quantum future!

Dive into the fascinating world of licking, where magic meets science! Discover how ancient Egyptians used licking and spitting in rituals to convey divine powers. Explore the healing properties attributed to sacred saliva and how priests employed licking for therapeutic spells. Uncover the curious reason why kids lick objects, and laugh along with a nostalgic debate about the number of licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Plus, a peek into snake behavior adds a scientific twist to this unique topic!

Explore the bizarre charm of a Danish-American kaiju film featuring a giant monster in Copenhagen. Discover why there are two versions of the movie and the production quirks behind it. Enjoy the comic performances, especially from Dirch Passer, as the hosts dive into comedic mishaps and the strange musical choices that create unintended humor. The film’s unique take on military responses, including an inventive drug bazooka, adds to the ridiculousness. Finally, reflect on its cult status and influence in popular culture.

In this enlightening discussion, Jonathan Birch, a philosophy professor at the London School of Economics and principal investigator on the Foundations of Animal Sentience Project, delves into his book, "The Edge of Sentience." He defines sentience and contrasts it with consciousness, explaining why understanding sentient beings matters. Birch explores the potential for AI to become sentient unnoticed and emphasizes ethical obligations towards all sentient life, including octopuses. He advocates for compassion that extends beyond humans, ultimately urging a thoughtful approach to future ethical dilemmas.

Dive deep into the mysterious world of 1998's "Dark City" as the hosts explore John Murdoch's terrifying amnesia and the sinister Strangers. Discover the noir archetype of Emma Murdoch and the quirks of Inspector Bumstead, including his unusual accordion skills. Unravel the secrets of memory manipulation, identity, and what it truly means to be an individual in a mind-bending city. Witness the unforgettable reveal that the city is actually a space station, and ponder the film's themes of existence and humanity's nature.