Vintage vaccine skeptics thought medicine would turn kids into demon cows
In the latest episode of *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week*, a podcast by *Popular Science*, listeners are treated to an eclectic mix of bizarre and fascinating facts that shed light on the quirks of science and human behavior. One standout segment delves into the origins of the anti-vaccine movement, tracing back to the late 18th century when Edward Jenner introduced the first smallpox vaccine in 1798. Surprisingly, the public response was not universally supportive; instead, skeptics propagated alarming myths that the vaccine could transform children into “demon cows.” This historical parallel to modern-day vaccine skepticism highlights the enduring challenges faced by public health advocates. The episode features humorous political cartoons that capture the absurdity of the fears surrounding vaccines, illustrating how misinformation has persisted throughout history.
Another intriguing story from the episode centers on the greater noctule bat, a remarkable species known for its impressive wingspan and unique feeding habits. Recent research in Spain revealed that these bats are not just insectivores; one adventurous bat was observed snatching a small robin mid-flight, savoring its meal for an astonishing 23 minutes while soaring at an altitude of 4,000 feet. Equipped with a tiny sound recording device, scientists have even captured the audio of this unusual dining experience, offering a rare glimpse into the bat’s nocturnal life.
Lastly, the episode challenges common perceptions about horror movie fans, revealing that they may actually be more empathetic than initially thought. Contrary to earlier studies suggesting a link between horror fandom and low empathy, new research indicates that these enthusiasts often exhibit higher levels of cognitive empathy and compassion. Engaging with horror films allows viewers to confront their fears in a controlled environment, fostering a deeper understanding of vulnerability and emotional experiences. This fascinating exploration into the psychology of horror fans adds another layer of depth to the already eclectic mix of topics covered in this week’s episode. Tune in to discover more weird and wonderful insights!
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FACT: Vintage anti-vaxxers thought medicine would turn kids into demon cows
By Rachel Feltman
In this week’s episode of
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
, I explore the origins of the first anti-vaccine movement. Edward Jenner was able to formulate a
makeshift smallpox vaccine
all the way back in 1798, but even back then, people weren’t very normal about it. Skeptics spread alarming propaganda, claiming the medicine (which did protect many people from falling dangerously ill) would turn children into cow-like demon creatures and make them very sick.Â
It’s quite a heartening parallel to the anti-vaxxers we see even still today. Tune in to hear the full story, which includes some hilarious political cartoons and the complex legacy of vaccine skepticism.Â
FACT:Â This bat ate a meal on the go
By Sara Kiley Watson
Bats are some of the strangest and most interesting creatures that fly and roost across the planet. Most of them spend a decent chunk of time nibbling on beetles, moths, mosquitoes, and the like. In the past, scientists thought this was the case for the greater noctule bat, a rare tree-dwelling creature with a wingspan of 16–18 inches that lives all across the European continent from the Iberian Peninsula to the Bosporus region of Turkey. But recently,
scientists in Spain
got a gruesome reminder that nature doesn’t play by our rules. In this case, our understanding of an on-the-go meal is pretty tame compared to what one greater noctule bat got up to while flying at some 4,000 feet up in the air. This hungry little creature snagged a snack in the form of a small robin, chewed on it for a whopping 23 minutes while still moving through the night sky, and thanks to a tiny backpack of sound equipment, scientists (and you, if you dare)
can listen to the whole thing
.
FACT: Horror movie fans are actually some of the most empathetic people you’ll meet
By Coltan Scrivner
If you had to take a guess, would you think horror enthusiasts would be more or less empathetic? The research might surprise you.Â
While early studies and meta analyses pointed to a link between horror fandom and low empathy, a deeper look shows that horror enthusiasts actually score higher in cognitive empathy and compassion. Horror movies, at their core, explore vulnerability and
fear
. If viewers can empathize with characters facing terrifying situations, they’re bound to find the films more scary, and ultimately enjoy them more. Additionally, many horror fans experience higher anxiety levels but seek out these films to confront and overcome their
fears
in a safe environment. Check out this week’s full episode to get the full deep dive into the brain of the horror genre enthusiast!Â
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Vintage vaccine skeptics thought medicine would turn kids into demon cows
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