A footless goose was at the heart of a 1990s murder mystery
In the latest episode of *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week*, the team at *Popular Science* delves into a series of bizarre and fascinating facts that challenge our understanding of the world. The episode opens with the heartwarming yet tragic tale of Andy, a footless goose who became a local celebrity in Nebraska after being rescued by Gene Fleming, an inventor who crafted custom shoes for him. Andy’s life was a remarkable story of resilience and joy, as he won the hearts of many and even made an appearance on *The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson*. However, his life took a dark turn when he was found murdered at just four years old, leaving behind a mystery that has puzzled the community ever since. The episode invites listeners to explore the implications of Andy’s untimely death and the potential motives behind it, raising questions about the nature of fame and the fragility of life.
The podcast also features an exploration into the surprising history of the sports bra, which, despite being a staple for female athletes, has seen little innovation since its inception in 1977 with the creation of the jog bra. Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Palmer designed this groundbreaking piece of equipment to provide the necessary support for women in sports, yet the evolution of the sports bra has stagnated in many ways. Fortunately, contemporary scientists are revisiting this essential garment, with innovations like the Reebok Pure Move bra that employs non-Newtonian fluid technology, adapting to the wearer’s movements. This segment highlights the ongoing need for improved athletic gear for women and the exciting developments on the horizon that could revolutionize sports bras.
Additionally, the episode takes a daring leap into the cosmos to discuss the complexities of sexual activity in space. NASA has largely avoided the topic, insisting that no astronauts have engaged in sexual relations while in orbit. However, with nearly 700 individuals having traveled to space, the potential for romance in the unique environment of the International Space Station raises intriguing questions about human reproduction in microgravity. The challenges posed by weightlessness and physiological changes could have significant implications for future space exploration. Lastly, listeners are taken back to the Viking era, where the fierce Berserkers may have used hallucinogenic plants like henbane to enhance their battle readiness. This segment draws parallels between historical rituals and modern pre-workout practices, emphasizing the psychological benefits of such preparations. Tune in to this episode for a whirlwind of weird and wonderful facts that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew!
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FACT: A footless goose was at the heart of a 1990s murder mystery
By Rachel Feltman
In this week’s episode of
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
, we unravel the captivating tale of Andy, the beloved footless goose who both captured hearts
and
sparked a murder mystery (gasp!). Born without feet in 1987 on a Nebraska farm, Andy’s life seemed bleak until he was rescued by Gene Fleming, an inventor who transformed his mobility with a pair of custom shoes.
Andy became a local celebrity, strutting across the community and even appearing on
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
. But the joy of Andy’s life was cut short when, at the tender age of four, he was found murdered. The culprit’s identity, however, is shrouded in endless question and mystery.
Was Andy a victim of a senseless act, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Tune in to find out!
FACT: The sports bra is shockingly new
By Claire Maldarelli
As a runner and athlete, I’ve always wondered: why hasn’t the sports bra evolved alongside other athletic innovations?
In my fact this week, I explore the history of sports bras, starting with the invention of the jog bra in 1977 by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Palmer. The trio were frustrated by the lack of proper support for women athletes, so they set out to design a product that ended up revolutionizing how women approached sports. But despite significant advancements in athletic gear over the decades, the sports bra has seen surprisingly little development since then.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Scientists of today are beginning to dig into sports bra technology again. Take, for instance, the Reebok Pure Move bra, which utilizes non-Newtonian fluid technology to adapt to movement. That means it behaves like a solid under stress but relaxes when at rest. Anyone who has had to wear a sports bra knows that sounds pretty enticing.
This week, I uncover the complexities of sports bra design, the need for better support for female athletes, and the quirky science behind how non-Newtonian goo could hold the key to the future of sports bras. Listen to the episode to hear more!
FACT: Sex in space is, well… hard!
By Moiya McTier
Let’s boldly venture into the cosmos to explore a topic that NASA would rather keep under wraps: sex in space. Surprisingly, while astronomers are known for their playful and often cheeky language (think “Milky Way bulge” and “kink instability”), NASA really shies away from studying anything related to sexual activity among astronauts.
Despite the romantic allure of stargazing and the undeniable chemistry that comes from being in close quarters aboard the
International Space Station
, NASA insists that no human has ever had sex in
space
. But with nearly 700 people having traveled beyond our atmosphere since the dawn of space travel, one can’t help but wonder if the cosmic conditions are more conducive to romance than they admit.
And even aside from pure romantic motivations, studying reproduction in microgravity is hugely important. If we’re ever to travel deep into space, we’ll need to know how to continue our species out there. But that definitely comes with its own challenges. From the mechanics of physical connection in a weightless environment to the physiological hurdles posed by lower blood pressure, sex in space isn’t as easy as it sounds. Of course, some researchers are working toward a solution. Tune in to hear all about it, in addition to some other facts about non-human species that have reproduced (with varying results) up in space.
FACT: Viking Berserkers might’ve just been microdosing henbane
By Jess Boddy
I’m really big into working out and
weightlifting
. And often, that includes
taking pre-workout
beforehand–a concoction of carbs, caffeine, and other motivating molecules. It helps me lift heavier, get stronger, and have an overall more enjoyable time at the gym.
But I wondered… Is there some kind of historical precedent for this? (Of course there was.) Back in the Viking era, fierce warriors called Berserkers would consume mysterious concoctions before heading into combat, purportedly entering a trance-like state of ferocity that made them seemingly invincible.
I explore the modern science behind these ancient practices, including a recent study suggesting that the Berserkers may have used a hallucinogenic plant called henbane, known for its pain-dulling and delirium-inducing effects.
And even aside from the physical benefits, any kind of ritual before engaging in something physically demanding can go a long way when it comes to the mental game. There are the kamikaze pilots who took ceremonial sake shots. Or in fiction, too, consider the iconic “witness me” battle cries of the War Boys in
Mad Max: Fury Road
. Whatever the ritual, it can give us a serious boost before diving into the fray.
Check out the full episode this week to hear all the grisly, pumped-up details.
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A footless goose was at the heart of a 1990s murder mystery
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