A footless goose was at the heart of a 1990s murder mystery
**Discover the Quirkiest Science Facts with “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week” Podcast**
If you’re on the hunt for bizarre yet fascinating science facts, look no further than the Popular Science podcast, *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week*. Released every other Wednesday, this show dives into the oddities of the scientific world, offering listeners a delightful mix of humor and knowledge. In the latest episode, the hosts unravel several captivating stories, including the tragic tale of Andy, a footless goose whose life and mysterious death in the 1990s sparked intrigue and speculation. Born in 1987 on a Nebraska farm, Andy overcame his physical limitations thanks to Gene Fleming, who crafted custom shoes that allowed the beloved bird to waddle into the hearts of many. His celebrity status soared when he made an appearance on *The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson*. However, Andy’s life was tragically cut short at just four years old when he was found murdered, leaving the community in shock and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise. Was it a random act of violence, or was there a deeper story at play? Tune in to the podcast to find out more about this bizarre chapter in animal history.
The episode also features other intriguing topics, such as the surprisingly recent invention of the sports bra, which dates back to 1977 with the creation of the jog bra by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Palmer. Despite the evolution of athletic gear over the years, sports bras have seen little innovation since their inception. However, advancements are on the horizon, including the Reebok Pure Move bra, which utilizes non-Newtonian fluid technology to provide dynamic support for female athletes. The hosts explore the science behind this revolutionary design and emphasize the importance of proper support in women’s sports.
Additionally, the podcast delves into the complexities of human sexuality in space, a topic that NASA has largely avoided. While astronauts have ventured beyond Earth, no one has officially reported having sex in space. The hosts discuss the challenges posed by microgravity and the physiological hurdles that make such activities difficult. They also highlight the importance of understanding reproduction in space, especially as humanity looks toward potential long-term space travel. Lastly, the episode touches on the practices of Viking Berserkers, who may have used hallucinogenic plants like henbane to enhance their combat prowess, drawing parallels to modern pre-workout rituals. With a mix of humor and insight, this episode of *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week* promises to entertain and educate, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about the quirks of the universe.
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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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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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