The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Dive into a live discussion featuring an avian mystery as a footless goose's untimely end sparks intrigue. Learn why having sex in space presents bizarre challenges, from blood flow problems to unexpected viral reactivations. Explore the groundbreaking invention of the sports bra and its surprising effects on lung function. Plus, discover how modern pre-workout rituals parallel the wild behaviors of Viking berserkers. It's a rollercoaster of weird and fascinating facts that keep you entertained!

Discover the fascinating science behind goosebumps, from their biological triggers to their role in animal survival. Learn how emotions like fear and awe can spark this unique response in humans. Dive into the origins of the term and whether birds experience them too. The discussion includes a special feature with R.L. Stine, who shares insights on the title of his famous series and hints at his upcoming thriller. It's an entertaining exploration of a curious human phenomenon!

Tom Lum, a science communicator and video producer, dives into the fascinating world of urban rats and their unexpected communication methods. He reveals how these clever creatures adapt to their noisy environments, utilizing complex vocalizations that change with context, like increasing volume during sirens. The discussion also touches on Lamarckian inheritance, revealing surprising exceptions in evolution, and Rachel shares how astronomers calculated the universe's average color, humorously dubbed Cosmic Latte. Tune in for a blend of science and surprising facts!

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!