Podcast Summary
Technology's Impact on Food Production and Home Services: AI and CRISPR technology enhance food production, while Angie's List simplifies home project hiring
Technology is revolutionizing various industries, from agriculture to home services, to make our lives easier and more productive. In the latest episode of Tools and Weapons podcast, Microsoft's Brad Smith talks with Bayer CEO Bill Anderson about using AI and CRISPR technology to increase food production without fertilizers. Meanwhile, Angie's List simplifies the process of hiring skilled professionals for home projects through their app and website. These advancements demonstrate how technology is making a significant impact on our daily lives, from ensuring food security to making home improvements more accessible. The live show this Friday at Caveat in New York City offers an opportunity to experience these technological advancements in person, and Angie's List's monthly supporter, Karen Patty, sets an example for those interested in supporting innovative podcasts.
Science's strangest discoveries: From unexpected coyote eating habits to the legend of a king's sudden graying, science continues to uncover the unusual and intriguing
The editors of Popular Science share their most intriguing and unusual discoveries in science, from the possibility of white hair turning overnight to urban coyotes eating more cats than expected. During their discussion, they share teases about these topics and then decide which one is the weirdest thing they learned that week. For instance, Rachel Feldman explores the legend of Shah Jahan's sudden graying after his wife's death, which might be possible due to a phenomenon called Candide's sabeta. Meanwhile, Eleanor Cummins delves into the surprising eating habits of urban coyotes, and Jake Biddle discusses a reportedly labor-inducing salad. These fascinating discoveries remind us that science is full of intriguing and unexpected findings.
Sudden Graying or Whitening of Hair: A Real Phenomenon or Myth?: Historically, sudden and unexplained graying or whitening of hair has been reported due to extreme stress or trauma, but the exact cause is still debated among medical professionals and may be related to an autoimmune response or other underlying conditions.
There are historical accounts and documented cases of people experiencing sudden and unexplained graying or whitening of their hair, which is a phenomenon known as Candida Sabita or Marie Antoinette Syndrome. This can occur due to extreme stress or trauma. The causes of this phenomenon are still debated among medical professionals, with some suggesting it could be due to an autoimmune response or other underlying conditions. The sudden graying can be partial or total and can last for years. Notable historical figures, such as Marie Antoinette and Mary Queen of Scots, have been reported to have experienced this phenomenon before their deaths. The exact mechanism behind this phenomenon is still unclear, but it is believed to be related to stress and the body's response to it. The phenomenon has been reported in various cultures and throughout history, and while some dismiss it as a myth or embellishment, there is evidence to suggest that it is a real phenomenon.
The Legend of Candide's Overnight White Hair: The phenomenon of Candide's overnight white hair remains a mystery, possibly due to diffuse alopecia areata or an external agent affecting melanocytes, but validating it is a challenge.
The legend of Candide's overnight hair turning white during the Saint Bartolomew's Day massacre in 1572 is a topic of much debate in scientific circles. Researchers suggest that it might not be an impossible phenomenon, but rather a case of diffuse alopecia areata, where all the dark hair falls out, leaving only white or gray hair. However, this theory doesn't hold up well when applied to someone as young as Henry III of Navarre, who was only 19 at the time of the massacre. The researchers argue that since hair is dead and cannot be affected from the inside, a sudden change in color would require an external agent affecting the melanocytes in the follicle. However, validating such a quick or random change in pigmentation is a challenge, and the phenomenon remains a mystery. It's possible that some people do go prematurely gray due to stress, but it's unlikely to happen overnight. The legend may be an embellished version of a more gradual process. Ultimately, the Taj Mahal story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of myths and legends to capture our imagination, even as we strive to unravel their mysteries through scientific inquiry.
Urban coyotes' diet includes up to 30% house cats, leading to conflicts with humans: Urban coyotes consume a substantial amount of house cats, causing conflicts with humans, while the Taj Mahal's graying may not be due to mourning but air pollution
Urban coyotes have a significant diet consisting of house cats, with estimates suggesting up to 30%. This dietary habit has led to conflicts between coyotes and humans, particularly in urban areas where coyotes and people share living spaces. These conflicts, while not always resulting in attacks, are becoming more common as urban sprawl increases and coyotes become more bold and accustomed to human presence. Additionally, the Taj Mahan, a famous monument built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, may not have turned gray due to his mourning but rather due to air pollution causing color consistency issues with the white marble structure.
Preventing Urban Coyote Conflicts on the East Coast: Urban areas on the East Coast can prevent conflicts with coyotes by removing attractants, supervising pets, and acting big and making loud noises when encountering them. Encourage a safe distance for appreciation.
Urban areas on the East Coast have the opportunity to prevent the same issues with coyotes that have occurred in California. Historically, rural areas had conflict with coyotes, making them unwelcoming and preventing their presence. In contrast, urban coyotes in places like New York City face less resistance and have free reign. However, it's essential to keep urban coyotes from settling in densely populated areas. This can be achieved by removing attractants like garbage and supervising pets. If encountering a coyote, act big and make loud noises to discourage them. The presence of coyotes in urban areas like New York City is increasing, with populations in the Bronx and potential expansion to Long Island. California's urban sprawl, with abundant fruit trees, pets, and garbage, has allowed coyotes to become too comfortable, leading to conflicts. By taking preventative measures, East Coast cities can maintain a healthy distance from coyotes while appreciating their presence from a safe distance.
Outdoor Cats and Their Impact on Bird Populations: Outdoor cats pose a significant threat to bird populations, killing an estimated 1 billion to 4 billion birds annually. Keeping cats indoors is a simple and effective way to protect birds and cats alike from the dangers of the wild.
While keeping a cat inside is important to protect it from coyotes, it's also crucial for the welfare of birds and ecosystems. Americans own approximately 86 million cats, and a significant number of them are outdoor cats that pose a threat to bird populations. Outdoor cats kill a large number of birds, with estimates ranging from 1 billion to 4 billion birds annually. This issue is controversial, but the lower end of the estimate still represents a significant impact on bird populations. In New Zealand and Australia, where cats have been a major problem, efforts are being made to reduce their numbers. While it's not necessary to deprive cats of the outdoors entirely, keeping them inside is a simple and effective way to protect birds and cats alike from the dangers of the wild. So, let your cat act big indoors and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're doing your part for the environment. Now, for a fun fact, did you know that the same person who invented barbecue chicken pizza also created a salad intended to induce labor in pregnant women? The story behind this intriguing invention is a long one, involving gourmet food and cheap eats. Stay tuned to find out more!
From exclusive to mainstream: Barbecue Chicken Pizza's journey: Barbecue Chicken Pizza, an inventive creation by Ed LeDoux, went from being a sensation at an exclusive restaurant to a mall food staple, popularizing gourmet food for the masses.
The story of barbecue chicken pizza and its association with mall food is a classic example of how gourmet food entered the American mainstream and became popular, despite initial skepticism from traditionalists. This phenomenon was catalyzed by Ed LeDoux, a pizza chef from Washington State who worked under Wolfgang Puck at the famous Spago restaurant in LA during the 1980s. LeDoux, who was hired because Puck didn't know much about pizza, created innovative pizzas including barbecue chicken, which became a sensation in LA. However, when Spago opened, it was an extremely expensive and exclusive restaurant, and Wolfgang Puck received most of the credit for the inventive pizzas. Disgruntled, LeDoux went on to found California Pizza Kitchen, which made these pizzas more accessible to the masses and eventually became a staple of mall food. Despite initial dismissal from pizza purists, the inventive pizzas created by LeDoux have left a lasting impact on American food culture.
The Legend of the Labor-Inducing Salad at Coyote Cafe: The popular belief that a salad from Coyote Cafe can induce labor is an intriguing food myth, but there's no scientific evidence to support it.
The legend of barbecue chicken pizza and its supposed labor-inducing salad at Coyote Cafe in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an intriguing piece of food history. The salad, which reportedly contained watercress, gorgonzola, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, gained a reputation for inducing labor in overdue pregnant women. However, the scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking, and it's impossible to establish a causative relationship. Despite this, the salad and dressing continue to be popular, with celebrities like Hilary Duff endorsing it. The phenomenon of certain foods being rumored to induce labor is not new, with fruits like papaya, pineapples, and spicy foods being commonly recommended. The science behind these claims is also unproven, and it's likely that women eat these foods as part of a natural process to encourage labor. In summary, while the legend of the labor-inducing salad at Coyote Cafe is an interesting tale, it's essential to approach such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and to remember that there is no scientific evidence to support them.
Myth about watercress salad inducing labor debunked: No scientific evidence supports the claim that watercress salad can induce labor. Angie's List offers a convenient platform for homeowners to manage projects from start to finish or compare quotes from multiple pros.
There is no proven method to induce labor through consuming a watercress salad, as reported in a systematic review in 2011. The rumor persists due to the lack of knowledge about what causes labor to begin and the difficulty in tracking labor induction methods. However, it's worth trying the salad if you're interested, as it's the creation of the same person who also came up with barbecue chicken pizza. The origin of this favorite pizza was discovered during a podcast episode, and for those who enjoy it, you can buy related merchandise online. Another interesting takeaway is the convenience Angie offers in connecting homeowners with skilled professionals for various projects, from everyday repairs to dream projects. Angie's platform simplifies the process by handling the project from start to finish or helping compare quotes from multiple pros, making it easier to manage home projects.
Maximize home improvement value with Angie's painting rules: Follow Angie's 3 simple rules for painting: buy only what's needed, use up existing paint, and recycle leftovers to save money and reduce waste.
With Angie's help, you can maximize the value of your home improvement projects while reducing waste. Angie's free mobile app and website, angie.com, simplify the process of recycling leftover paint. By following Angie's three simple rules for painting – buying only what you need, using up what you already have, and recycling the rest – you can minimize excess paint purchases and decrease waste. Visit paintcare.org/3-simple-rules to learn more about these guidelines and locate a nearby paint drop-off site. By implementing these practices, you'll not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable community. Angie's mission is to keep things simple, making it easier for you to make a difference in your home and the environment.
