What’s the weirdest thing you learned this week? Well, whatever it is, we promise you’ll have an even weirder answer if you listen to PopSci’s hit podcast, “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.” The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all other podcast platforms every-other Wednesday morning. It’s your new favorite source for the strangest science-adjacent facts, figures, and Wikipedia spirals the editors of Popular Science can muster. If you like the stories in this post, we guarantee you’ll love the show.
In this week’s episode, we delve into some fascinating facts that will leave you in awe. Let’s start with the story of Cocky Bennett, a sulphur-crested cockatoo who lived for more than 120 years. Once the companion of a sea captain, Cocky later became a bar mascot known for being loud, foul-mouthed, and perhaps a little tipsy. However, what truly intrigued us was what happened after Cocky passed away. He was preserved by a mother-daughter taxidermy team, challenging the norms of the time when taxidermy was predominantly a male-dominated field. Cocky’s remarkable journey across generations of human lives raises questions about the significance of preserving a body and personality long after death.
Moving on, did you know about the Great Whale Conveyor Belt that helps marine life thrive? Whales play a crucial role in nutrient movement through the ocean, known as the “whale pump” phenomenon. When whales feed deep below the ocean and then come up to the surface to excrete waste products, they bring essential nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface. Researchers studied how whales move horizontally across different latitudes, shedding biomass and nutrients along their migration routes. The study estimates that whales contribute over 100 million pounds of biomass and 8.3 million pounds of nitrogen annually, supporting phytoplankton and the entire marine food chain.
Lastly, the International Space Station (ISS) is found to be too clean, leading to several minor health issues among astronauts due to immune dysfunction. Scientists have discovered that the ISS microbiome closely resembles that of a hospital isolation room, lacking diversity and containing antimicrobial resistance genes. Potential solutions to make the space station healthier are being explored, including some unexpected and unappetizing options. NASA’s Flickr page even features images of the making of space food like space pizza, providing a glimpse into the unique challenges of space infrastructure.
These fascinating facts highlight the diverse and intriguing aspects of science that continue to surprise and captivate us. Tune in to the “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week” podcast to explore more bizarre and intriguing stories that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. The astronauts aboard the spacecraft may be facing challenges, but one thing is for sure: they seem to be having fun. Despite the long hours, cramped quarters, and rigorous schedules, the astronauts manage to find moments of joy and camaraderie in their work.
One can only imagine the sense of wonder and excitement that comes with being in space. The view of Earth from above, the weightlessness of zero gravity, and the thrill of conducting experiments in a unique environment all contribute to a sense of awe and delight among the crew members.
In between their tasks and responsibilities, the astronauts make time for lighthearted activities and bonding experiences. Whether it’s sharing a meal together, playing games, or simply chatting about life back on Earth, these moments of connection help to strengthen the team dynamics and foster a sense of unity among the crew.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with space travel, the astronauts remain resilient and optimistic. Their ability to find joy and fulfillment in their work speaks to the resilience and spirit of exploration that drives them to push the boundaries of human knowledge and discovery.
As we follow their journey from afar, we can’t help but be inspired by the dedication, perseverance, and sense of adventure that the astronauts embody. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for laughter, camaraderie, and fun. And who knows, maybe their spirit of joy and enthusiasm will inspire us to find moments of happiness and fulfillment in our own lives, no matter where we are.
