A footless goose was at the heart of a 1990s murder mystery
In the latest episode of Popular Science’s podcast, *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week*, listeners are treated to a fascinating mix of bizarre facts and intriguing stories that delve into the strange intersections of science and culture. One of the standout tales revolves around Andy, a footless goose whose life and untimely death sparked a local murder mystery in the 1990s. Born in 1987 on a Nebraska farm, Andy was a unique creature, having been born without feet. His fortunes changed dramatically when Gene Fleming, an inventor, crafted custom shoes that allowed Andy to walk and thrive. This quirky little goose not only became a local celebrity, gracing the stage of *The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson*, but also captured the hearts of many in his community. However, tragedy struck when Andy was found murdered at just four years old, leading to a whirlwind of speculation about who could have committed such a heinous act. The podcast invites listeners to unravel this mystery alongside the hosts, encouraging them to ponder whether Andy’s death was the result of a senseless crime or if there were deeper motives at play.
In addition to Andy’s story, the episode explores other curious topics that highlight the strange and often overlooked aspects of science and history. For instance, listeners learn about the relatively recent invention of the sports bra, which only came into existence in 1977 with the jog bra designed by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Palmer. Despite the evolution of athletic wear, the sports bra has seen little innovation since its inception, although modern advancements like the Reebok Pure Move bra, which employs non-Newtonian fluid technology, promise to enhance comfort and support for female athletes. The podcast also ventures into the realm of space, discussing the challenges of human reproduction in microgravity, a topic that NASA has largely avoided. With nearly 700 astronauts having ventured into space, the question of whether sex has occurred in orbit remains tantalizingly unanswered, raising important considerations for future long-term space missions. Lastly, the episode touches on the Viking Berserkers, fierce warriors who may have used henbane, a hallucinogenic plant, to enhance their battle performance, drawing parallels to modern pre-workout rituals.
With its rich tapestry of stories and facts, *The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week* not only entertains but also educates listeners about the quirky side of science and history. Whether you’re intrigued by the tale of a beloved goose, the evolution of women’s sportswear, or the mysteries of human behavior in space, this podcast promises to satisfy your curiosity and provide a delightful escape into the weird and wonderful world of knowledge. Tune in every other Wednesday to discover more strange facts that will leave you questioning the ordinary!
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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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