logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2022
59m 47s

CLASSIC: What is red mercury?

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Since the 1980s, Russian and US sources have repeatedly claimed that various groups of terrorists are dangerously close to acquiring a mysterious substance known as 'red mercury.' But what exactly is this stuff -- and why can't anyone agree about its chemical makeup, uses, or effects? Tune in and learn why there might be more to the story. They don’t want you to read our book.

They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
ScienceStuff, with Jorge Cham
Are we living in a simulation? What's the future of AI? How can humans understand the past, present, and future of the universe -- assuming, of course, that time exists? In this interview segment, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome special guest Dr. Jorge Cham, the creator of the new hit ... Show More
1h 4m
Jul 10
Listener Mail: Bird Deaths, Gas Station Bars, The Battle of Blair Mountain and More
Sloth inspires a round-up of recent news stories from the world of birds. Fae shares a story of real-life bars inside gas stations. Kevin prompts an exploration of hidden history -- the earth shaking Battle of Blair Mountain, and the resulting cover-up from the Powers That Be. Pl ... Show More
54m 3s
Jul 9
The Raymond Allen Davis Incident
It's an open secret that not everything is as it seems in the world of diplomacy -- a great many individuals operate with some degree of subterfuge and invisibility. So what happens when things go wrong, and these often disturbing, unseen things become visible? Tonight's story ta ... Show More
1h 16m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2021
Ep 75 Mercury: The cost of progress
When you think of mercury, what springs to mind? Is it the entrancing drop of shimmery liquid that flows from a broken thermometer, giving the metal the name quicksilver? Or is it the warnings of overconsumption of fish and bioaccumulation? Or perhaps it’s the Mad Hatter from Ali ... Show More
1h 22m
Mar 2024
Inside the Bizarre World of Dictators
Why are so many autocrats germaphobes? Why was the truth so dangerous for Soviet engineers? And what can salami reveal to us about the mind of Vladimir Putin? This is the first of two special episodes in partnership with HBO's new series "The Regime". Tim Harford investigates rea ... Show More
42m 8s
May 2023
De quoi le sang est-il composé ?
À quoi sert le sang ? Pourquoi est-il rouge (et non bleu) ? Combien de litres en avons-nous dans le corps ? Voici quelques questions dont vous découvrirez les réponses en écoutant ce nouvel épisode de Culture G ! Bonne écoute 😊 Un podcast du Studio Biloba, présenté par Gabriel M ... Show More
3m 55s
Oct 2023
501: DEEP DIVE: The Adam & Eve Apocalypse Story
In 1966 a well-known engineer released a book with information that could impact everyone on earth. But before anyone could read it, it was classified by the CIA. We only learned of its existence a few years ago because of a Freedom of Information request. The CIA only released 5 ... Show More
53m 48s
Nov 2022
Why Are Toxic Products (Still) On Our Shelves? with Dr. Norah MacKendrick
If you take a shower and use basic cosmetics, you could be exposed to more than 100 chemicals. Add in your furnishings and food, and we’re talking several hundred chemicals, some of them bioaccumulative—and dangerous. But if we know that certain consumer goods have toxics in them ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 2021
SMNTY Classics: Do blondes really have more fun?
Do redheads have it worst? Listen in to learn more about history's original ""dumb blonde"" and how yellow hair took on its various meanings -- including how and why hair color colors our perceptions of people in this classic episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://w ... Show More
38m 46s
Jul 2023
Selects: What Makes Lead So Poisonous?
The people of Flint, MI were horrified to find their drinking water was poisoned with lead. As we learn more about lead's effects and realize how persistent it is, the more worrying it becomes. What makes lead so toxic? Find out in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener ... Show More
49m 35s
Jun 2021
293: A Fiction of Light
Why are printers so bad? When do you change the hair color on your ID? Does NASA fake the color of Mars? Why is Venus hotter than Mercury? How do I tell people I don't work for free? What do I do with peed-on lettuce? Hank Green and John Green have answers!If you're in need of du ... Show More
47m 32s
Mar 2021
Is the Free Radical Theory of Aging Wrong?
In the 1990s we thought we’d identified the root cause of aging: nasty molecules called free radicals that wreaked havoc on our cells. Even better, we’d figured out how to counteract them with loads of antioxidants. Then science started raising questions. Learn more about your ad ... Show More
50m 51s