The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week Cheesy Mummies, Ant Farmers, When Superstitions Actually Help
Nov 6, 2024
Laura Krantz, author of "Do You Believe in Magic?", joins the conversation to explore the power of superstitions and their surprising benefits. The hosts share fascinating tales like ants farming fungi, showcasing the intersection of science and magic. Delving into mummy cheese, they uncover ancient dairy practices and the emotional ties we have with our rituals. The discussion reveals how superstitions can offer comfort and control, illustrating their psychological impact on our daily lives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Leafcutter Ants
- Leafcutter ants, the most advanced ant farmers, harvest vegetation for their fungi.
- This evolved about 27 million years ago during a global cooling period.
Ant Antibiotics
- Ants use antibiotics derived from bacteria cultured on their bodies to combat crop diseases.
- Studying ant antibiotics may help humans address antibiotic resistance.
Mummy Cheese
- 3,500-year-old cheese was found on mummies in China.
- This is the oldest discovered cheese chunk, preserved by arid conditions.
