The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Casey Johnston joins the show this week to talk about how women are truly and actually stronger than men (all of which she details in her new book!). Plus, Laura talks about promiscuous fruit flies, and Rachel talks about capuchin monkey's version of a Labubu. Get Casey's book here! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/casey-johnston/a-physical-education/9781538773253/ The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook group⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠tweet at us⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to learn more about all of our stories! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman⁠⁠⁠⁠  Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman⁠⁠⁠⁠ Link to Jess' Twitch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Link to Balint's Twitch: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/sciants_streams ⁠⁠⁠ -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by Jess Boddy: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy⁠⁠⁠⁠ Popular Science: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/PopSci⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme music by Billy Cadden: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Go to https://LIQUIDIV.COM and get 20% off your first order with code WEIRDEST at checkout. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and365 -day returns.  Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/WEIRDEST to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian joins the show to talk about horny eels. Plus, Sara Kiley explains the tree that loves getting struck by lightning, and Rachel goes into detail about kids passing notes in ancient times. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook group⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠tweet at us⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠Click here to learn more about all of our stories! ⁠⁠⁠ Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman⁠⁠⁠  Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman⁠⁠⁠ Link to Jess' Twitch: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn⁠⁠⁠ Link to Balint's Twitch: ⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/sciants_streams ⁠⁠ -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: ⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman⁠⁠⁠ Produced by Jess Boddy: ⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy⁠⁠⁠ Popular Science: ⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/PopSci⁠⁠⁠ Theme music by Billy Cadden: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ⁠⁠⁠ Thanks to our Sponsors! Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to ⁠⁠https://Quince.com/weirdest⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.  Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to ⁠⁠https://www.Zocdoc.com/WEIRDEST⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Divya Anantharaman, a professional taxidermist known as Gotham Taxidermy, shares her insights about taxidermy and the intriguing personalities of birds. The hosts dive into the crucial ecological roles of whales, humorously discussing their migration and unique biological quirks. They also explore the cleanliness challenges aboard the International Space Station, highlighting the importance of microbial health for astronauts. Laugh along as they celebrate the eccentric life of Kaki the Cockatoo, a 120-year-old bar favorite with a heartwarming legacy.

Balint Kacsoh, a molecular biologist and co-host of Science Streams, shares fascinating insights about insect culture, specifically how fruit flies communicate fears and exhibit cultural behaviors. The conversation also dives into an innovative traffic safety initiative in Bogota where mimes creatively replace police. Additionally, the hosts reflect on the intriguing history of timekeeping, featuring notable figures like Ruth Belleville, highlighting how accurate timekeeping transformed society.

Kate Downey, host of 'Cramped,' dives into the mystery of menstrual pain, shedding light on the surprising gaps in our understanding. She shares how systemic issues impact women’s healthcare and explores innovative pain management strategies. Meanwhile, the hosts lighten the mood with clever tales of rat sommeliers showcasing their wine expertise and the quirky history of pneumatic tubes used for flirting and communication. The blend of humor and serious topics makes for a curious and entertaining discussion.

Trace Dominguez, a dynamic science communicator and host of various shows, dives into the science of immunity to poisons, inspired by the intriguing tale of Mithridates VI, the Poison King. The discussion also explores fascinating seismic phenomena, such as a recent mysterious event that created global vibrations. Additionally, Trace shares surprising insights into contagious urination among chimpanzees, connecting this behavior to human social dynamics. Expect humor, science, and a light-hearted take on nature's quirks!

John Green, renowned author and Vlogbrothers host, dives into his latest work, "Everything is Tuberculosis." He explores the humorous side of sending squirrels into space and their unique hibernation potential for human travel. The conversation takes a fascinating turn towards the phenomenon of glass brains caused by volcanic activity, unraveling the scientific mysteries behind this rare event. Green intertwines history and health, discussing tuberculosis's impact while pondering how these quirky topics shape our understanding of science and life.

Vinny Thomas, a comedian and animal enthusiast recently seen in 'You're Cordially Invited', joins the conversation. They delve into the quirks of Victorian-era pet squirrels and the amusing notion of keeping exotic pets. The hosts also cover the Roman Colosseum's water battles, revealing the dramatic logistics behind those events. Additionally, they explore how chewing gum can prevent 'pre-singing' and act as a mental aid, discussing its fascinating history and health implications.

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.

Paleontologist Riley Black, known for her insightful books on prehistoric life, joins to unravel a plant mystery involving brassica species and their phototropism. The discussion takes a quirky turn with Amanda exploring how leftover lasagna can be transformed into a power source. Rachel dives into the cultural nuances of 'hockey English,' shedding light on how accents reveal Canadian and U.S. identities in the sport. Each segment blends humor with fascinating scientific insights, making it a delightful and informative listen.