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 a fascinating exploration of some bizarre historical and scientific facts that are as intriguing as they are entertaining. The episode dives into the origins of the first anti-vaccine movement, revealing how, even as far back as 1798, skepticism about vaccines was rampant. Edward Jenner’s groundbreaking smallpox vaccine faced fierce opposition, with detractors spreading outrageous claims that vaccination would transform children into “demon cows.” This historical context not only highlights the early public fears surrounding medical interventions but also serves as a striking parallel to contemporary vaccine skepticism. The episode features amusing political cartoons from that era, illustrating the absurdity of the fears that plagued early vaccination efforts, and invites listeners to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by public health advocates today.
Additionally, the episode showcases the extraordinary behavior of the greater noctule bat, a remarkable species known for its tree-dwelling habits and impressive wingspan. Recent research in Spain revealed a surprising twist in the bat’s feeding habits—one individual was observed snatching a small robin mid-flight and consuming it while soaring at an altitude of 4,000 feet. This unusual behavior, captured through innovative sound equipment, provides a unique glimpse into the bat’s predatory skills and challenges our preconceived notions about the dietary habits of these nocturnal creatures. Lastly, the episode delves into the psychology of horror movie fans, revealing that contrary to popular belief, aficionados of the genre tend to score higher in empathy. The discussion highlights how horror films allow viewers to engage with fear and vulnerability, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of human emotions. Tune in to this captivating episode for a blend of history, science, and psychology that will leave you both informed and entertained.
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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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