The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Liz Clayton Fuller, an artist and bird expert, dives into the dark history of the deadly feather trade, showcasing how fashion once threatened bird populations. Jess shares a bizarre rabbit phenomenon where horn growth is linked to a virus, explaining its ecological and medical implications. Rachel introduces the intriguing concept of yogurt made from ants, detailing the fermentation process and culinary experimentation. Together, they illustrate the quirky connections between wildlife, culture, and food. Explore bird art and more at IpaintBurbs!

We're sharing an episode of On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. On Point is a rare public space where you hear nuanced explorations of complex topics live and in real time. Host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world, with urgency, timeliness and depth. In this episode: If you feel like car headlights have gotten too bright, you’re not alone. The National Highway Traffic Administration receives more consumer complaints about headlight brightness than any other topic. Meghna explores: How did this happen? And can we fix it? You can hear more episodes of On Point at https://link.mgln.ai/weirdestthing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carly York, an animal physiologist and author of *The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog*, takes center stage to unveil remarkable stories about heroic rats. Discover how African giant pouched rats are trained to detect landmines and even screen for tuberculosis, greatly aiding healthcare in Africa. Also, delve into the intriguing concept of drunk monkeys, learning about their affinity for fermented fruits, and explore the bizarre adaptations of ratfish and their unique mating teeth. It's a wild ride through the animal kingdom!

Annalee Newitz, an author and science writer, dives into the fascinating world of historical gossip, revealing how rumors spread during the 18th century like a contagious disease. She discusses a study linking this rumor mill to political action during France's Great Fear. Additionally, the hosts explore the excavation of a 1978 skate park, shedding light on contemporary archaeology, and share insights on how dire wolf fossils can inform modern animal care practices. Tune in for a blend of history and science!

Sarah Gailey, author of 'Spread Me', joins the hosts to explore the whimsical world of animal behavior. They discuss a scientist’s adorable monocle study on chameleons, revealing their unique visual adaptations. Listeners enjoy a hilarious recounting of the Missouri snake panic, where misunderstandings led to chaos. The accidental butt cam incident showcases the unexpected utility of unusual scientific methods. Tune in for a delightful blend of humor and fascinating insights!

Nathan H. Lents, a biology professor and author of *The Sexual Evolution*, joins to discuss the intriguing behaviors of birds, including why some are especially vocal during mating. The conversation also covers the unexpected role of horses in creating snake antivenom and the history of canning, tracing its origins back to the military needs during Napoleon's time. Lents critiques scientific biases in studying female animal behavior, urging a reevaluation of how we understand agency in both birds and humans.

Mary Roach, author of 'Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy', dives into surprising medical insights, like how humans can breathe through their butts—yes, really! She also shares her fascinating exploration of the deadly origins of ice cream, including historical food safety issues. Meanwhile, the hosts uncover a mysterious goo from the RV Blue Heron, leading to a suspenseful investigation into new microbial life forms. Packed with quirky facts, this conversation is a delicious mix of science, humor, and the bizarre!

Ryan Mandelbaum, a physics writer and author of 'Wild NYC', dives into the urban wilderness of New York City, focusing on the fascinating life of salamanders. The conversation also explores the unexpected complexities of marathon swimmers and their need to relieve themselves mid-race. Additionally, Rachel discusses the therapeutic benefits of Dungeons & Dragons and its surprising positive effects on mental health. It's a lighthearted journey through nature, swimming, and gaming that entertains while educating!

Scientific illustrator and Twitch streamer Liz Clayton Fuller (ipaintbirbs) joins the show once more to talk all things cloaca -- and why some birds lack them. Plus, Jess hops behind the mic to talk about the world's rarest pasta, and Rachel dives into carnivorous caterpillars that sound like WWE wrestlers. 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 -- 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor and creator of the Brat Apple Dance, Kelley Heyer, joins the show! The squad talks about a BRAND NEW green color, cheating at climbing Mt. Everest, and a sneaky trick to make cats less allergenic. 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 -- 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! Go to ⁠https://Quince.com/weirdest⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 -day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices