The eccentric platypus has always turned heads, and now it’s got something else up its sleeve. We talked with mammalogist Dr. Paula Anich to get the scoop.
Here’s a link to our transcript: https://bit.ly/34YfHR4
This episode was produced by Nick DelRose with help from Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang, and Hannah Harris Green. We’re edited by Blyt ... Show More
Jul 2
Narcissists: Are We Surrounded?
The internet tells us that narcissists are everywhere — and that the problem is only getting worse. It’s like narcissism is oozing out of our celebrities, politicians, partners, parents, maybe even ourselves?? So today, we’re taking a long look in the mirror to find out: are we a ... Show More
44m 38s
Jun 18
Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?
Today we’re revisiting caffeine. It’s a drug that tons of us take every day. So, is that a bad thing?? What is it really doing to our bodies and our brains? Plus — if we get it in the form of energy drinks, is that super dangerous? We talk to Dr. Astrid Nehlig, Prof. Gregory Marc ... Show More
41m 58s
Jun 2021
BrainStuff Classics: Could Platypus Milk Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Disease?
For everything that's weird and wondrous about the platypus, we probably shouldn't be surprised that its milk may help save countless lives, but here we are. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/platypus ... Show More
5m 5s
Jun 2022
40 - Platypus / Meteorologist
On his private space station high above Earth, Professor Burkhead has begun conducting a ground-breaking social experiment. Each week, his “Unifier” pairs together two unlikely creatures and puts them in a room together where the two subjects (an accountant and a giant squid, one ... Show More
14m 47s
May 2024
Screaming Frogs, "Talking" Mushrooms, Nonbinary Birds
Sociolinguist Erica Brozovsky joins the show to discuss talkative fungi, Amanda Reed chats about nonbinary birds, and Rachel gets into animal sounds—especially the ones we can't hear. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest fact ... Show More
49m 54s
Jan 2025
Poodle Sled Dogs, Why Orange Cats Are "Like That," Seal Nose Anatomy
Welcome to SEASON 9!! MIT Technology Review science editor (and former Weirdest Thing champ) Mary Beth Griggs joins the show to talk about self-sealing seal noses. Plus, Laura jumps on to talk about poodles running the Iditarod, and Rachel explains why orange cats are... you know ... Show More
47m 35s
Feb 2023
Head Transplants, Criminal Koalas, Sneezing Sponges
Welcome to Season 7! The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store an ... Show More
1h 6m
Dec 2017
COMC 34 - Pokémon Ambassadors & Anti-Science Scientists
Arden and Will reach for all kinds of heights in this week's weird news, including the latest in flat earther shenanigans, Pikachu and Hello Kitty's new roles as city-appointed representatives, and the science of singing the highest opera note ever.
Any wacky, ridiculous, or amaz ... Show More
37m 58s
Dec 2021
Superheated Falcon Poo, Banana Babies, Gross (But Delicious) Bug Goop
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! -- Follow our ... Show More
50m 3s
