Vintage vaccine skeptics thought medicine would turn kids into demon cows
In the latest episode of *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week*, the podcast from *Popular Science*, listeners are treated to an engaging exploration of bizarre historical facts and curious scientific phenomena. This week, the show delves into the origins of the first anti-vaccine movement, highlighting the peculiar fears that surrounded Edward Jenner’s groundbreaking smallpox vaccine introduced in 1798. Despite the vaccine’s life-saving benefits, skeptics at the time disseminated outlandish propaganda, claiming that vaccination could transform children into cow-like demon creatures. This unsettling parallel to modern-day vaccine skepticism underscores the longstanding nature of public apprehension toward medical advancements. The episode features amusing political cartoons that vividly illustrate the absurdity of these fears, bringing a humorous yet thought-provoking lens to the complex legacy of vaccine hesitancy.
Additionally, the podcast uncovers the fascinating behavior of the greater noctule bat, a species known for its aerial acrobatics and unique diet. Recent observations by scientists in Spain revealed that this bat, while soaring at an altitude of 4,000 feet, managed to catch and consume a small robin mid-flight, a feat that took an astonishing 23 minutes. Equipped with sound recording technology, researchers captured the entire experience, allowing listeners to hear the extraordinary sounds of this unusual dining experience. Lastly, the episode challenges preconceived notions about horror movie fans, revealing that they may actually possess higher levels of empathy than previously thought. Contrary to early studies suggesting a link between horror fandom and low empathy, new research indicates that these enthusiasts often engage with the genre to confront their fears and foster compassion for the characters’ vulnerabilities. With a blend of humor, science, and cultural insights, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten listeners as they navigate the weird and wonderful aspects of the world around them.
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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.
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.
FACT: 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.
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!
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Vintage vaccine skeptics thought medicine would turn kids into demon cows
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Popular Science
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