Podcast Summary
Innovative uses of technology to tackle global challenges: From increasing food production without fertilizers to simplifying home projects, technology is making a positive impact on various aspects of our lives through AI, CRISPR, and innovative platforms
Technology is being used in innovative ways to address global challenges, such as increasing food production without the use of fertilizers through the combination of AI and CRISPR technology by Bayer. Meanwhile, platforms like Angie are simplifying the process of connecting with skilled professionals for home projects. Additionally, the importance of staying innovative in established companies is discussed with the example of Bayer's CEO Bill Anderson. At Popular Science, they share interesting and sometimes weird facts as a fun way to engage with science and technology. The latest episode features Josh Gondelman, who shares his experiences transitioning from writing for Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me to writing and producing for Desus and Mero. Overall, these conversations and innovations showcase the potential of technology to make a positive impact on various aspects of our lives.
The unusual roles animals played in history: Throughout history, humans have bred animals for unique purposes, from chickens laying eggs inside their bodies to turnspit dogs powering kitchen appliances.
Humans have a long history of breeding animals for specific purposes, even if those purposes seem unusual or bizarre today. Sarah shared an intriguing fact about chickens laying eggs inside their bodies, while Josh discussed the history of turnspit dogs, which were bred to power kitchen appliances like spits. These dogs, with their short, crooked legs and high energy levels, were an essential part of medieval kitchens, as they helped cook meat over open fires. The first mention of these dogs dates back to 1576, and they were referred to as the vernerpaterkr or canis vertigus, meaning "dizzy dog." Despite their quirky names and purposes, these animals played significant roles in their respective communities. This discussion highlights the fascinating ways humans have engineered animals to meet their needs throughout history.
Using dogs for labor in the past: Historically, dogs were used for labor despite the negative impact on their well-being, such as long hours and cruel treatment.
Throughout history, humans have used animals, including dogs, for labor purposes, even if those jobs were not in the animals' best interests. For instance, during the 1500 to 1800 period, dogs were bred and used to power treadmills, known as turnspits, in kitchens. These dogs could power various devices, including mills and sewing machines. However, the reality was far from cute. Dogs worked long hours and were often treated poorly, with some even being bred for hyperactivity to keep them running for extended periods. There were even reports of cruel methods used to make them work faster. The use of animals for labor, no matter how efficient or convenient, raises ethical questions about their welfare and treatment.
The Extinct Turtsmit Dog: A Kitchen Utensil: Once used as kitchen tools, turtsmit dogs are now considered extinct, but their DNA might still exist in modern breeds.
The use of turtsmit dogs, or treadmill dogs, for turning spits in kitchens was a common practice in Europe but less so in the Americas due to building codes and the availability of alternative methods. These dogs, which were often kept in old buildings and used as foot warmers for the wealthy, were considered extinct by the late 19th century, although their DNA may still exist in modern dog breeds. The concept of a dog breed being extinct is a bit misleading, as dogs are not distinct species but rather varieties of the same species. The last known specimen of a turtsmit dog is a taxidermied one, which looks like a small, sturdy dog, possibly terrier-sized. The practice of using dogs as kitchen utensils is a fascinating example of human ingenuity and the ways in which our history is shaped by technological advancements and cultural norms.
Dog breed roles have changed throughout history: Societal norms and changing needs have influenced the roles and treatments of different dog breeds, with examples including the Belgian mastiff used for cart pulling and hunting dogs for silent prey detection.
The roles and treatments of different dog breeds throughout history have been influenced by societal norms and changing needs. For instance, the Belgian mastiff was once used to pull carts due to its size, but was replaced by horses when Belgium was ridiculed for using dogs for such labor. Similarly, there were hunting dogs bred specifically for silently sniffing out prey, which were then used to alert other dogs to hunt. These examples illustrate how humans have arbitrarily assigned tasks to animals and how these roles can change over time. The discussion also touched upon the idea that certain animals, like the Belgian mastiff or a shawarma cart dog, could potentially fill unique roles in modern society if societal norms were different. Overall, the conversation emphasized the fascinating and sometimes quirky history of dog breeds and their roles in human society.
Largest Unsolved Art Heist in History at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: In 1990, thieves disguised as police officers stole over $500 million worth of art, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The empty frames of the stolen pieces still hang on the museum walls, making for a haunting reminder of the heist.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is home to one of the largest unsolved art heists in history, which occurred on Saint Patrick's Day in 1990. Thieves stole over $500 million worth of art, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, by disguising themselves as police officers. What makes this heist particularly intriguing is that the empty frames of the stolen art pieces still hang on the museum walls. The museum, which was established by Isabella Stewart Gardner in the late 1800s, contains a diverse collection of art and artifacts from various countries, and Gardner left it in a trust with the condition that nothing be moved or altered. Despite a $10 million reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen art, it remains missing. This unique heist, with its empty frames as a haunting reminder, continues to captivate people.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum keeps empty frames of stolen art as a reminder: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum keeps empty frames of stolen art as a reminder of the historic crime, attracting visitors and preserving history, while the recovery process can be complex and lengthy.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, which has been the site of the world's largest single property art heist, has chosen to leave the empty frames of the stolen pieces hanging as a permanent reminder of the historic crime. For 30 years, investigations have led to various theories, from local gangs to international art thieves, but no definitive answers have been found. The museum's charter prevents them from replacing the lost art, so the empty frames remain as symbols of hope for their return. This unique approach not only preserves the history of the heist but also attracts visitors to the museum. Additionally, stolen art often ends up being used as collateral in criminal underworlds, and recovering it can be a complex process involving selling it to the right people. The bittersweet nature of the situation is that while there is hope for the return of the stolen pieces, there is also a reminder of the mistake that was made.
Art Thieves Aren't Gentlemen, They're Criminals: Art thieves are often involved in other criminal activities and there's no secret art mafia. Stolen art can be destroyed or poorly handled, and forging and selling priceless artworks is a debated crime.
The romanticized image of art thieves as gentlemen appreciators is a myth. In reality, they are often the same people who engage in other types of criminal activities. Additionally, there is no secret art mafia, and there is always a risk that stolen art will be destroyed or poorly handled. Some argue that forging and selling a priceless artwork is a fair crime if one can successfully trick the buyers and verifiers. The Museum of Art Fakes in Vienna is an example of a museum dedicated to art forgeries. A famous art crime involved a young female artist who claimed to have uncovered the secrets of the Renaissance masters and offered to teach famous male painters, but her secret was simply that she was a better painter than they were. This unprovable scam was successful because no one wanted to admit it.
Imperfect eggs from chickens: Chickens lay over 300 eggs a year with occasional imperfections, but they're still safe to eat. Record for most yolks is 5, but 9-yolked eggs are unconfirmed.
Chickens are impressive egg-laying machines, producing over 300 eggs per year. However, not all eggs are perfect. Some may be missing a yolk or have too many, while others can be misshapen or have abnormalities such as rough or wrinkly shells. These imperfect eggs, often referred to as "fairy eggs" or "fart eggs," are a natural occurrence and are still safe to consume. The record for the most yolks in an egg is 5, but the existence of an egg with 9 yolks and an egg is unconfirmed. Despite these occasional imperfections, chickens continue to amaze us with their consistent and impressive egg-laying abilities. If you're interested in learning more about science, gadgets, and the weirdest rabbit holes, consider subscribing to Popular Science for access to their award-winning journalism and back issues.
Facts about Eggs and Chickens: Despite common beliefs, eggshell colors don't determine organic quality, chickens lay eggs through their cloaca, and issues like stuck eggs may require intervention
Eggs and chickens are full of fascinating, albeit sometimes unexpected, facts. For instance, the color of an eggshell can vary, with brown eggs not being more organic than blue or green ones, as the color is determined by the breed of the chicken. Contrary to popular belief, chickens lay eggs through their cloaca, which serves as both an egg-laying and waste-excreting opening. While most eggs pass through smoothly, issues like egg yolk peritonitis or eggs getting stuck can arise, requiring intervention like warm baths and lubrication. The discussion also touched upon the existence of abnormal eggs, such as lash eggs, which are not desirable and best avoided. Overall, the conversation highlighted the intriguing aspects of eggs and chickens, demonstrating that nature never ceases to surprise us.
Chicken egg development can be complex: Rare condition called yolk peritonitis can lead to bacterial infections in chickens, requiring early detection and hormonal treatment.
A chicken's egg development is not as straightforward as it seems. The yolk, which is the main part of the egg, can sometimes slip into the chicken's body cavity instead of forming a complete egg. This condition, known as yolk peritonitis, can lead to serious bacterial infections and is often difficult to detect due to chickens hiding their sickness. If detected early, vets can prescribe hormonal implants to suppress fertility and treat the infection. This condition is rare, but it's a natural part of chicken egg production and contributes to our knowledge of these fascinating animals. It's also important to note that many other animals lay eggs, and there's always more to learn about their unique reproductive processes.
From Kiwi's large eggs to game shows and Angie's List: Kiwis have large eggs due to their young developing inside them, game shows provide chaos and entertainment, and Angie's List helps find skilled professionals for home projects
While most animals lay eggs for the purpose of cooking them outside their bodies, kiwis have large eggs because their young develop almost entirely inside their mothers. This fascinating adaptation means that kiwis could potentially do away with the egg part, but evolution has left them with it. This week, our podcast discussion covered a multitude of strange and intriguing facts, making it difficult to choose just one as the weirdest. From the unique reproductive system of kiwis to the chaotic yet entertaining world of the game show "Make My Day," and the ease of finding skilled professionals for home projects through Angie's list, we learned a great deal. There's no need to pit facts against each other; they're all equally valuable and interesting in their own right. So, whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or simply entertain yourself, give our podcast a listen. And, don't forget to check out our website, popsai.com/weird, for more information on the stories we cover and to purchase our merchandise.
