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[The Sticky Secret of the Great Wall and the Science of Taste]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Facts For Foodies!]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-10-23

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

The Architectural Marvel: Sticky Rice and the Great Wall

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engage listeners with a scientific game show segment, "Two Whats and a Wow." The central discovery highlighted is the surprising structural secret behind the Great Wall of China. While many might assume the wall was held together solely by traditional masonry, scientists have confirmed that the Ming Dynasty utilized a more culinary approach: sticky rice. This ingredient acted as a powerful mortar, contributing to the wall's incredible durability, allowing it to "survive for 1500 years and counting."

Debunking Food Myths and Practical Remedies

The episode further explores the intersection of food and science by testing various "remedies," some of which prove to be mere "whats" (myths). Mindy and Guy Raz experiment with home treatments, noting that while "warm melted cheese" is ineffective for bee stings, ice remains the standard recommendation to "help keep the swelling down." Similarly, they clarify that while applesauce is not a treatment for head lice, mayonnaise is a viable, messy alternative that works when you "slather it on."

The Psychology of Taste: Operation No Seafood

Beyond history and home remedies, the hosts introduce a scientific challenge titled "Operation No Seafood," which examines how visual cues influence our perception of flavor. The hosts explain that "people often decide whether or not they'll like a food based on that food's color" because the eyes prime the brain for the expected taste before the food even reaches the tongue. To test this, the show encourages "Wowzers" to conduct their own experiments by eating while blindfolded, stripping away the visual input to see if they can accurately identify flavors without their eyes "doing half the work."

Conclusion: A Community of Curiosity

The episode wraps up by celebrating the spirit of inquiry, encouraging young listeners to continue exploring the world through play and experimentation. By integrating fun facts with hands-on challenges, Wow in the World fosters a deeper appreciation for the scientific wonders hidden in everyday items—from the mortar in ancient walls to the way our brains process the food on our plates.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I sure could use a hand or a foot.
2
What time are we eating, Chef?
3
I wouldn't get too close to him if I were you.
4
Stay still.
5
Did it work?
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
could use a hand
4
put on hold
5
run its course
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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