Podcast Summary
Podcasts: Explore a wide range of podcasts on platforms like iHeartRadio and Apple Podcasts, from mysteries and music to science and education, for unique perspectives, interesting conversations, and new discoveries.
There are a variety of intriguing podcasts available on platforms like iHeartRadio and Apple Podcasts, covering topics from music and pop culture to science and mythology. For example, Part Time Genius explores mysteries and quirky topics, Midnight Chats features conversations with musicians about less-discussed topics, Because the Bus Belongs to Us advocates for recognizing Bruce Springsteen as a queer icon, and Unpacking the Toolbox delves into behind-the-scenes stories from Scandal. Additionally, there are educational podcasts like Stuff to Blow Your Mind, which explores the world of cicadas, their biology, and fascinating mythology, as well as Bridgerton The Official Podcast, which offers deeper insights into the popular Netflix series. These podcasts offer unique perspectives, interesting conversations, and new discoveries, making them worth checking out.
Ancient Greek values: The Ancient Greeks valued music, intellectual curiosity, and devotion to the muses, as shown in the myth of the cicadas who were granted a second life for their devotion to music.
According to ancient Greek mythology, the cicadas were once humans who became so enamored with music and song that they neglected their basic needs and ultimately died. In return for their devotion, the muses granted them a second life as cicadas, allowing them to continue making music and serving as earthly representatives to report back to the muses about who honors them. Socrates, in the text, emphasizes the importance of intellectual pursuits and engagement in philosophical discourse, suggesting that the cicadas may look down upon those who waste their time and fail to use their gifts wisely. This mythological tale highlights the ancient Greek values of music, intellectual curiosity, and devotion to the muses, and serves as a reminder to make the most of one's time and talents.
Cicadas and human experiences: Cicadas symbolize human experiences through their periodic emergence, mass presence, and mysterious behavior, while podcasts like 'Part-Time Genius' and 'Midnight Chats' invite us to explore deeper connections and uncover new insights.
The natural world, as represented by the cicada, offers intriguing metaphors for human experiences. These creatures, with their periodic emergence and mass presence, can symbolize both the entertain-to-death concept and the feeling of being watched or surveilled. At the same time, their mysterious and seemingly synchronized behavior can evoke a sense of something bigger than ourselves, even hinting at a divine connection. Meanwhile, in the world of podcasting, there are shows like "Part-Time Genius" and "Midnight Chats" that explore fascinating topics and invite us to ponder the unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated things. From cicadas to queer icons, and from historical mysteries to family secrets, these podcasts offer a chance to delve deeper into the human experience and uncover new insights.
Periodical cicadas and parasites: Periodical cicadas face threats from parasites like Massospora Cicadnea, which turns them sluggish and makes them easy to be taken by predators. The 13 or 17-year emergence helps make it harder for predators to sync up their cycles and take advantage of all the cicada biomass, but the safety advantage decreases if predator populations increase.
Periodical cicadas, despite their unique and long life cycle, are not able to outmaneuver all predators and parasites. One notable parasite that has adapted to them is Massospora Cicadnea, a fungal pathogen discovered by Charles Horton Peck in 1879. The fungus develops in the abdomen of the cicada and turns them sluggish, making them easy to be taken by hand. Research shows that predator satiation plays a role in the mass emergence of periodical cicadas, as the eating capacity of predators is overwhelmed by the sheer number of cicadas available. However, if predator populations increase, the safety advantage for cicadas decreases. The 13 or 17-year periodical emergence may help make it harder for predators to sync up their cycles and take advantage of all the cicada biomass. Despite the strategies employed by periodical cicadas, they still face various threats from predators and parasites, highlighting the complex and ongoing interactions between species in ecosystems.
Cicada Fungal Infection: A fungal parasite, M. Cicadina, infects periodical cicadas, altering their behavior and appearance, while optimizing the distribution of its spores.
The periodical cicada, a large insect species known for its mass emergences, can be infected by a fungal parasite named M. Cicadina. This parasite alters the behavior and physical appearance of the cicada, causing its abdomen to turn into a chalky, crumbling mass of spores. The infected cicadas remain alive and active, spreading the spores through contact with other cicadas and the environment. This fungal infection serves to optimize the distribution of the spores, allowing them to lie dormant in the soil for up to 17 years before infecting new cicadas during their emergence. The exact mechanisms of how the parasite manipulates the behavior of the infected cicadas are still under investigation.
Massaspora fungus behavior manipulation: Massaspora fungus manipulates cicadas' behavior to spread spores through mimicking receptive mates, regardless of the fruitlessness of copulations.
The Massaspora fungus manipulates cicadas' behavior to spread its spores. During the early stage of the infection, males display wing flick responses that attract other males, spreading spores through rubbing their abdomens together. In contrast, later-stage infections do not cause this behavior, and infected cicadas fly and spread spores to the ground, infecting emerging nymphs. This behavior manipulation resembles that of other fungi infecting insects, such as Ophiocordyceps, which manipulates ants' behavior to rain down spores. The fungus acts as a sexually transmitted pathogen, spreading spores through mimicking receptive mates, regardless of the fruitlessness of copulations. This behavior manipulation is a unique strategy for the fungus to ensure its survival.
Psychology and Cicadas: The study of psychology is about personal growth and embracing life's uncertainties, not consuming potentially harmful substances from cicadas.
The study of psychology is about building internal resources for successful relationships, finding enjoyment in the journey, and embracing the uncertainty of infinite possibilities. In the natural world, a fungus infecting cicadas produces stimulants like caffinone and psilocybin, but it's unclear if the cicadas experience any effects. While humans have consumed cicadas for centuries, it's not recommended to eat large quantities of infected ones due to potential unknown compounds and the unappetizing texture of older, crustier cicadas. Instead, focus on personal growth and enjoying the journey of everyday life. Listen to "Everyday Better" podcast for more insights and stories.
Cicada risks and edibility: It's generally not safe or recommended to eat infected cicadas due to unknown risks, instead enjoy them through other means like listening to their sounds or philosophical discussions. The reason for their long cycles between emergences remains a mystery.
While it's intriguing to consider the potential edibility and desirability of infected cicadas due to fungal infections or other factors, it's generally not recommended due to the unknowns and potential risks involved. Instead, people can enjoy cicadas through other means, such as listening to their sounds or using them as a source of inspiration for philosophical discussions. Another intriguing question raised during the discussion is why periodical cicadas have such long cycles between emergences, with hypotheses suggesting it could be a remnant of an adaptation formed during the Pleistocene epoch or related to avoiding interbreeding with populations that have differently timed cycles. However, the exact reason remains a mystery. Overall, the study of cicadas offers fascinating insights into their biology, human interpretations, and the mysteries of evolution.
Podcast diversity: Podcasts cover a wide range of topics and conversations, from science to mysteries, music to pop culture, offering unique perspectives and insights for all interests.
The podcast world offers a diverse range of topics and conversations, from the scientific and cultural explorations of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, to the edgy and mysterious discussions on Part-Time Genius, to the late-night chats with musicians on Midnight Chats, to the deep dive into queer icons on Because the Bus Belongs to Us, and the behind-the-scenes stories of Scandal on Unpacking the Toolbox. Each podcast offers unique perspectives and insights, and listeners can find something that resonates with their interests. So, whether you're curious about science, mysteries, music, or pop culture, there's a podcast out there for you. Don't forget to check out these and other great podcasts on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.