At Popular Science, we report and write dozens of science and tech stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week. For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcY ...
…
continue reading
MY PROMISE: All my podcasts are safe for human consumption. GMOs are never used. Thousands of mice wearing tiny headphones listened to 100 continuous hours. There was no evidence of brain damage, although 12% of mice developed nervous twitches, night terrors, or post-traumatic stress. Fake data available on request. The internet is full of psychology wannabes and posers who are trying to replace me. My name is Dr Flower. I have a PhD in psychology so I’m not a wannabe or a knock-off. I’ve be ...
…
continue reading
Soundcloud home of the Col B Cadell Podcast - I Used to Scream at Things
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Forbidden Experiment, Too Annoying To Die, Bonny Clabber
50:31
50:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:31
This week, Danielle Bainbridge joins the show to talk a very dark, forbidden experiment. Plus, Rachel talks about milk spoiling in thunderstorms (allegedly), and Sara Kiley explains how sometimes it's better to be annoying than deadly. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
ARE IQ TESTS REALLY SMART OR REALLY STUPID
29:29
29:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:29
Great news everybody. I just found out that my IQ test results came back negative! I guess I’ve been worried all week for nothing. Unfortunately, IQ test results are often misunderstood, misinterpreted, over-interpreted, and over-hyped by many people. So yes, IQ and intelligence are really, really complicated. Do IQ tests accurately measure intelli…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
WE MARRY FOR LOVE SO WHY IS MARRIAGE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DIVORCE
16:59
16:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:59
People probably warned you that marriage is tough, but you thought that yours would be different, that it wouldn't be so challenging. Although marriage can be an amazing part of life, it's not always an easy one. Apparently, marriage is the number one cause of divorce. Does that even make sense? Whether you’ve been married for 30 days or 30 years, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dropout TV's Lily and Grant talk Presidential Possums, Napoleon's Penis, and Split-Level Toilets
1:13:31
1:13:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:31
Dropout TV's Lily Du and Grant O'Brien join the show, where Rachel quizzes them Dirty Laundry-style on all kinds of weird history. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rac…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS - GO BACK TO SLEEP
20:53
20:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:53
Sleep is still a mysterious yet very important part of our lives. Are you unconscious when you sleep? Can you learn new languages or prepare for exams while asleep? Can you sleep with half of your brain while the other half is awake and alert? Do all of us have have an internal biological clock? Why is sleeping through the night like riding a rolle…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Surgery For Ants, Hot Sharks, Too Many Galaxies
56:16
56:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:16
Astrophysicist and folklorist Moiya McTier rejoins the show to talk about how there are too many galaxies out there. Plus, Sara Kiley talks about sharks of yore and Rachel explains how ants are becoming little mini surgeons. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Olympic Tug-o-War, Leaping Leeches, Card-Carrying Women
1:11:05
1:11:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:05
Rose Eveleth joins the show to talk about chromosome testing in the Olympics. Plus, Claire returns to talk elite tug-o-war, and Rachel talks about the leech that can fly. Listen to Rose's new show, Tested: https://link.chtbl.com/js0J2gTx The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories wi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
WHY WOMEN HAVE FAR FEWER ORGASMS THAN MEN
22:37
22:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:37
It’s absolutely true that women tend to have fewer and less satisfying orgasms than men. As shown in the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, most women at one time or another have faked it. Follow the link below to watch this famous scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNEX0fbGePg Most women have orgasms regularly from masturbation, but no…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
ARE MENTAL DISORDERS ALREADY INSIDE OUR GENES BEFORE BIRTH
24:54
24:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:54
Do you know anyone who has ADHD, autism, severe anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia? The answer is almost certainly YES, that you have encountered one or likely more of these individuals. In some cases you may not have been aware of their underlying condition, but it was there. Perha…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pointy-Headed Vikings, Apocalypse Popularity, Perfect Prism Poops
1:02:14
1:02:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:14
Dr. Jessica Ware from the American Museum of Natural History joins the show to talk about the most perfectly shaped poo. Plus, Laura talks about being popular in the apocalypse, and Rachel explains why some Vikings and other folks had especially pointy heads. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdes…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Reptilian Theater Kids, Gay Giraffes, Impatient Birds
56:16
56:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:16
Owen Ever, co-host of the podcast A Field Guide to Gay Animals, joins the show this week to talk about the scientists who studied homosexuality in giraffes. Plus, Jess explains the most dramatic snakes on the planet, and Rachel gets into birds who wave quite impatiently. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Robotic Roller Derby, Orangutan Skincare Routines, That Good Pet Stink
58:24
58:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:24
Annalee Newitz returns to the show to discuss the cutest little food delivery robots you've ever seen. Plus, Rachel talks self-medicating apes, and Amanda explains why we love our pets' stink and our lovers' smelly armpits. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our F…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hyrax Heaven, Underwater Bees, Carbonated Oceans
53:15
53:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:15
Streamer and science communicator Moohoodles joins the show this week to talk about carbonated oceans on Enceladus (and the moon's recipe for life)! Plus, Jess explains her obsession with the hyrax, and Rachel talks about bees who are somehow able to hibernate underwater. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
WHY EVOLUTION HAS MADE IT SO DIFFICULT TO LOSE WEIGHT
23:54
23:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:54
First the good news. I checked Google and there are 1000 sites that will tell you how to lose weight fast and easy. So, do you want the BAD news now or later? Maybe you too have had this experience when looking in a full length mirror. Mirror mirror glistening glass...tell me this is not my ass. If you think it’s hard to lose weight and keep it off…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
WHY EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS AND MISCARRIAGES ARE SO COMMON
18:42
18:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:42
Have you ever tried high-risk activities such as skydiving, rock climbing, big wave surfing, bungee jumping, or cliff diving? If you have tried any extreme sports, they don’t even come close to the most dangerous experience of your life. We have to travel back in time to the few weeks just before mom found out for sure that she was pregnant. It tur…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
I WILL WHINE CRY AND SCREAM UNTIL I GET WHAT I WANT
25:54
25:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:54
I have used temper tantrums several times, but not when I was a kid. It was just a few years ago when my wife and I were waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store. I was bored and so very hungry. Low blood sugar makes me do crazy things. Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. They'r…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Screaming Frogs, "Talking" Mushrooms, Nonbinary Birds
49:54
49:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:54
Sociolinguist Erica Brozovsky joins the show to discuss talkative fungi, Amanda Reed chats about nonbinary birds, and Rachel gets into animal sounds—especially the ones we can't hear. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
HOW THE HIGHEST RANKED SCHOOLS LIKE HARVARD ALWAYS STAY ON TOP
24:40
24:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:40
The world reputation rankings for 2023 were announced in February 2024. The most respected universities in the world are Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. Harvard University has been at the very top for quite a few years. The U.S. News & World Report published in …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE - IS IT REALLY THAT EASY TO SPOT A LIAR
21:13
21:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:13
How good are you at recognizing when someone is lying? Do you recall the TV show called Lie to Me that was popular a few years ago? The show followed the work of Dr. Cal Lightman (played by Tim Roth) and his colleagues. Apparently they had devised ways to detect when someone was lying or telling the truth by analyzing facial expressions, body movem…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Traveling Barber Uprising, Rats Taking Selfies, Honeyguide Helpers
57:13
57:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:13
Maritime archaeologist and historian Joel Cook joins the show to spin the tale of how traveling barbers almost coordinated an uprising that could have derailed the American Civil War. Plus, Rachel talks about a very delicious mutualism between humans and greater honeyguide birds, and Sara Kiley chimes in to talk about why rats might want to take se…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
YOUR BRAIN MAY HAVE EXTRAORDINARY HIDDEN TALENTS
17:47
17:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:47
If you had a hidden talent just waiting to be released, what would you want it to be (only one choice)? Usually, a genius is born that way so most of us already missed that opportunity. But sometimes a person who isn’t born with special abilities, can develop them later in life following brain trauma, an illness, or head injury. Could you imagine b…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
HALLUCINATIONS ARE EVERYWHERE AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE REAL
16:36
16:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:36
What is the difference between a dream, a hallucination, and the real world? Sometimes there is no difference at all. They may be exactly the same as far as your brain is concerned. The nature of reality has been debated by philosophers and scientists for thousands of years. I am not trying to settle the nature of reality issue today. My goal is to…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
NOT DISNEYLAND BUT NORDIC COUNTRIES ARE HAPPIEST PLACES ON EARTH
12:50
12:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:50
Since the 1950s, California’s Disneyland has been known as "The Happiest Place On Earth". It’s the only place where everyone can feel that childhood happiness. There is just one problem with Disneyland. You can’t apply for citizenship to live there forever. If you could, it would quickly become the most crowded place on Earth. But if you are lookin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DO ZOMBIES HAVE A BRAIN OR DO THEY JUST EAT THEM
20:11
20:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:11
Movies tell us that there are many threats to humanity’s existence. And just as we know that EVERYTHING on the internet is TRUE, we can also be pretty sure that movies know exactly what they’re talking about. It could be an alien invasion from outer space, a zombie apocalypse, or destruction by artificial intelligence that we have created. I can’t …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lotion Spider Brouhaha, ADHD Superpowers, Earth's Evil Twin
59:09
59:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:09
Scientist and Twitch streamer Knimbley joins the show today to talk about how astronomy and Elden Ring intertwine! Plus, Jess returns to talk about lotion spiders, and Rachel explains how ADHD used to offer a real survival benefit in the olden days. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts an…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
YOUR EYES DO NOT SEE AND PAIN IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD
21:17
21:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:17
You would probably be offended if someone said your pain was all in your head. But guess what - that is actually true. Pain is constructed entirely in the brain. Just because pain is in your head does’nt make it less real. In fact it’s your brain that literally creates what your body feels. For example, if you accidentally hit your finger with a ha…
…
continue reading
You can live with just one kidney or a single lung, but whoever thought you could live a normal life with only half a brain? Most of us can’t even live without our cellphone for more than a few hours. A human brain contains about 86 billion neurons or brain cells. A single brain cell isn’t very smart by itself. But when they are connected in vast n…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Freaky Eclipse Rituals, Cosmic Serendipity, Solar Mysteries
45:31
45:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:31
Scientific American's Lee Billings and Clara Moskowitz join Rachel this week to talk all things eclipse. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, …
…
continue reading
I might as well give you the bad news right now. Referring to people as INTROVERTS or EXTROVERTS is wrong. It is a false dichotomy. Ambiverts who combine elements of both personality styles are far more common. If you read something that mentions introverts and extroverts, but not ambiverts, you are missing approximately 70% of people in the middle…
…
continue reading
Almost all North American adults, adolescents, and many children own a cellphone of some kind. The widespread use of cellphones makes it very important to identify any harmful effects. Several years ago, there was a viral video claiming that cellphone radiation can cook popcorn. OMG that's nuts! We are cooking our brains! We are all in danger! Run …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Stargazing Poop Bugs, Ancient Beer Ladies, Secret Internet Slang
1:14:04
1:14:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:04
Christie Taylor joins the show to talk about dung beetles who love to stargaze. Plus, Laura explains how early beer brewers were women, and Rachel gets into weird internet language on TikTok and beyond. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or twee…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DO YOU WANT TO HAVE CHILDREN OR DO YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN
18:48
18:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:48
They are certainly bundles of joy but so much more. No moment is more life altering than when your first child is born. Gone are the days of thinking only of yourself. Or a semblance of free time. And forget about having a neat and tidy house. Ask any parent, and they’ll acknowledge that having kids is expensive and exhausting. Sixty or 70 years ag…
…
continue reading
Mi siento muy… excited about this topic. I was born in a galaxy far, far away. I WISH…but actually it was Italy. My family moved to North America when I was five. My name is FIORE which means “flower” in Italian, but I am a MALE. In many parts of the world, being bilingual is common-place and not something unusual. Any young child can become biling…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
IS IT REALLY LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT OR JUST LUST
20:13
20:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:13
Love at first sight can happen any day, anywhere, and any time. It's the feeling you get when you don't want the moment to end because you feel a connection with another person that you haven't felt before. TV, movies, magazines, music—like to promote the notion of love at first sight. We’ve been trained to expect love to strike like lightning quic…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bird Milk, Space Lube, Hermit Crab Housing Crisis
54:30
54:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:30
Liz Clayton Fuller rejoins the show to talk all things bird milk (yum!), and Amanda Reed spins the tale of the rocket scientist who invented a world renowned lubricant. Finally, Rachel explains the intricacies of the hermit crab housing market. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and sto…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
FORGET ABOUT SHARKS - HOW MEMORY ERRORS MUDDLE CRITICAL THINKING
17:23
17:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:23
Sharks represent an example of a common fear that is wildly exaggerated. More people are killed by cows or horses each year than by sharks. The availability bias is when we believe examples of things that come easily to mind are far more likely to occur than is actually the case. Media coverage on the Internet or TV makes a big difference. Even mov…
…
continue reading