A footless goose was at the heart of a 1990s murder mystery
In the latest episode of *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week*, a podcast by *Popular Science*, listeners are treated to a fascinating blend of quirky science facts and historical anecdotes. This week’s episode dives into a peculiar murder mystery involving Andy, a footless goose whose life took a dramatic turn in the 1990s. Born without feet on a Nebraska farm in 1987, Andy was rescued by Gene Fleming, an inventive spirit who crafted custom shoes for the goose, enabling him to waddle with a newfound sense of mobility. Andy quickly became a local celebrity, even charming audiences on *The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson*. Tragically, his life was cut short at just four years old when he was found murdered, leaving the community in shock and sparking a whirlwind of speculation about the identity of his killer. Was Andy simply a victim of a senseless crime, or does his story hold deeper mysteries? The podcast invites listeners to tune in for the full tale, promising an engaging blend of humor and intrigue.
The episode doesn’t stop there, as it also explores several other astonishing facts that highlight the podcast’s commitment to uncovering the unexpected. For instance, the history of the sports bra is revisited, revealing its relatively recent invention in 1977 by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Palmer, who were frustrated by the lack of support for female athletes. Despite advancements in athletic gear, the sports bra has not evolved significantly since its inception. However, innovative designs like the Reebok Pure Move bra, which uses non-Newtonian fluid technology, are beginning to change that narrative. Furthermore, the episode delves into the taboo topic of sex in space, where NASA’s reluctance to study human reproduction in microgravity raises questions about the future of humanity in space exploration. Lastly, listeners are introduced to the Viking Berserkers, fierce warriors who may have used henbane, a hallucinogenic plant, to enhance their combat prowess. Each story is a testament to the podcast’s theme of uncovering the strange and often overlooked facets of science and history, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about the world around them.
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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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