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    Rise of the Cicadas, Part 2

    enJune 20, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Podcasts, Industries, ConversationsPodcasts offer unique conversations with notable figures and deep dives into intriguing topics, providing both entertainment and education across various industries

      Podcasts offer unique and engaging conversations with notable figures from various industries, as well as deep dives into intriguing topics. For instance, Midnight Chats invites musicians for late-night chats about lesser-known topics, while History on Trial explores fascinating trials from American history. Unpacking the Toolbox revisits Scandal, sharing behind-the-scenes stories with cast members. Bridgerton The Official Podcast complements the Netflix series by providing additional insights. And Stuff to Blow Your Mind discusses intriguing scientific phenomena. These podcasts not only entertain but also educate, allowing listeners to explore new perspectives and broaden their knowledge.

    • Cicada survival strategyCicadas employ an unusual survival strategy by emerging in irregular patterns to keep predator populations low and unpredictable, unlike typical business models.

      Periodical cicadas employ an unusual survival strategy by emerging in irregular patterns to avoid overconsumption by predators. This strategy, compared to a typical business model, aims to keep predator populations low and unpredictable. Despite this, various species of animals, including humans, can still consume cicadas. However, the persistent question arises as to whether cicadas can consume humans. This concern has been a recurring theme in media for centuries, with early reports dating back to the 19th century, where cicadas were often mistakenly referred to as locusts due to their perceived threat to crops and humans. This misconception has led to numerous concerns about cicadas harming or even draining the blood of humans, which is unfounded. Entomologist May R. Barembgam has explored the history of these media stories and debunked the myths surrounding cicadas and their supposed threat to humans.

    • Cicada misconceptionsDespite their intimidating size and abundance, cicadas do not possess stingers or biting mouthparts and do not pose a threat to humans, contrary to common misconceptions.

      The article from the late 1800s discussed the emergence of cicadas and the fears they instilled in people, particularly regarding their supposed ability to drink human blood or sting. However, the author debunked these misconceptions, explaining that cicadas do not have stingers or biting mouthparts, and their large size and abundance make it unlikely that they would pose a significant threat to humans. The article also addressed other common misconceptions, such as the idea that cicada wings could predict wars. Overall, the text highlights the fear and fascination people have had with cicadas throughout history and the importance of accurate information in dispelling unfounded fears.

    • Cicada misconceptionsDespite not biting, stinging or harming crops, cicadas continue to face misconceptions and myths, which have been debunked for over a century.

      Despite popular beliefs, cicadas do not bite or sting people, and they do not harm crops. However, misconceptions about these insects have persisted for decades, leading to numerous articles debunking these myths. For instance, an article from 1936 in The New York Times addressed these misconceptions, emphasizing that cicadas do not eat crops and do not sting babies. Despite this knowledge being available for over 100 years, the misconceptions continue to resurface. The theme of dealing with myths and misconceptions about cicadas is a recurring one in writing about these insects. Additionally, the discussion touched upon various podcasts, including "Midnight Chats," which features interviews with musicians, and "Bridgerton the official podcast," which offers exclusive insights into the popular Netflix series. Lastly, a new podcast called "Blippi and Mika's road trip" was introduced, which takes kids on virtual adventures to learn about new places and things.

    • Cicada misconceptionsCicadas' irregular emergence leads to misconceptions and sensationalist headlines, fueling irrational fears despite their harmless nature and benefits to ecosystems.

      The periodic cicadas' unique life cycle and emergence patterns contribute to persistent misconceptions and superstitions about them. These creatures' irregular appearance every 13 or 17 years results in concentrated news coverage and sensationalist headlines, fueling misinformation and irrational fears. Although cicadas don't bite, sting, or harm humans in any significant way, myths like the possibility of them laying eggs in human skulls still persist. This misinformation, even when debunked, can leave a lasting impression and create unnecessary fear. It's important to remember that cicadas do not pose a threat to humans and are essential parts of ecosystems.

    • Cicada jettingDespite their small size, cicadas can create jets similar to larger mammals, challenging previous assumptions about jetting at micro scales and potentially leading to advancements in technology.

      The size of an animal does not limit its ability to jet fluids, as demonstrated by the tiny cicada. In a recent study published in PNAS, researchers found that cicadas, despite their small size, are capable of creating jets similar to larger mammals. This discovery challenges the previous assumption that jetting was limited to animals over three kilograms due to fluid dynamics constraints at micro scales. The findings could lead to advancements in designing nozzles for tiny robots and machines, and even inspire medical technology. Meanwhile, in a completely different realm, Bruce Springsteen is being recognized as a queer icon, a topic explored in depth in the podcast "Midnight Chats." From conversations with musicians to educational podcasts for kids, there's something for everyone on iHeartRadio.

    • Marlett's impact on invasive species controlMarlett's travels to Asia led to the introduction of the Italian ladybird beetle to combat the San Jose scale, but also highlighted the dangers of introducing foreign species, leading to his advocacy for plant quarantine legislation.

      The work of American entomologist Charles Marlett, who traveled to Asia on his honeymoon in 1901 and 1902, played a significant role in the understanding and classification of periodical cicadas and the history of invasive species control. Marlett's observations of the San Jose scale in its native environment led to the introduction of the Italian ladybird beetle to North America to combat the pest. However, his wife's death from an unknown illness during this trip intensified his concern about the dangers of introducing foreign species, leading him to advocate for plant quarantine legislation. In 1909, the gift of 2,000 cherry trees from Japan to the United States brought Marlett's concerns to the forefront of a political debate about free trade and plant introductions. Marlett's pioneering work in bio control and his experiences with invasive species continue to influence modern pest management practices.

    • Periodical CicadasRenowned entomologist Charles Marlitz identified and classified various broods of periodical cicadas, reducing confusion and enabling precise predictions of emergencies, and debunked common myths through scientific evidence.

      Charles Lester Marlitz, a renowned entomologist, made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of periodical cicadas. His extensive research led to the identification and classification of various broods, and his work is still widely cited in the field. Marlitz's findings were instrumental in reducing confusion and enabling precise predictions of brood emergencies. Despite the widespread belief in myths surrounding cicadas, such as their consumption of human flesh or laying eggs in humans, Marlitz debunked these myths through scientific evidence. His work paved the way for further research and the eventual establishment of reliable systems for predicting the emergence of periodical cicadas.

    • Cicadas, Listermae podcastCicadas don't care about humans and their agenda is not related to us, but the Listermae podcast covers various topics including mythology, cuisine, and unusual behaviors of cicadas, as well as interviews and stories about queer icons, musicians, trials, and TV shows.

      During the discussion on the Listermae podcast, it was emphasized that cicadas are not concerned with humans and we are not part of their agenda. The hosts encouraged listeners to share their experiences, thoughts, and stories about cicadas, and promised to delve deeper into the mythological aspects, culinary questions, and unusual behaviors of these insects in future episodes. Additionally, the podcast covers various other topics such as science, culture, and interviews with famous musicians. If you're interested in queer icons, check out "Because the Bus Belongs to Us" featuring Bruce Springsteen. For late-night chats with musicians, listen to "Midnight Chats." For fascinating trials from American history, tune in to "History on Trial." And for behind-the-scenes stories about the hit TV show "Scandal," listen to "Unpacking the Toolbox." Don't forget to subscribe to the Listermae podcast and your favorite shows on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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