[The Sticky Science of Ancient Walls and Sensory Perception]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Facts For Foodies! (Encore - 8/13/21)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2021-08-13

📋 Summary

The Architectural Marvel: Sticky Rice Mortar

In this episode of Wow in the World, the hosts Mindy and Guy Raz explore the fascinating intersection of food science and history. The central highlight of the show is the revelation regarding the Great Wall of China. Many might wonder how this massive structure has managed to survive for over 1,500 years. The scientific answer, according to the podcast, is the use of sticky rice in its construction. During the Ming Dynasty, builders discovered that incorporating sticky rice into the mortar provided a unique binding strength, acting as a crucial ingredient that helped the wall withstand the test of time.

Debunking Food Remedies

Before revealing the winning fact, the show engages listeners in a game called Two What’s and a Wow. This segment serves to debunk common myths about food-based remedies. The hosts addressed two incorrect claims:

Bee Stings: While some might suggest smothering a sting with melted cheese, the hosts clarify that this is ineffective. Instead, they recommend using ice to help reduce swelling.
Head Lice: The claim that washing hair with applesauce treats lice is also false. The actual food-based remedy mentioned is mayonnaise, which, when slathered on, helps to address the issue.

The Psychology of Taste: Operation No-Seafood

Beyond history and home remedies, the podcast introduces a scientific challenge titled "Operation No-Seafood." The premise is based on the idea that our visual perception heavily influences our sense of taste. The hosts explain that our eyes often tell our brain what food will taste like before it even touches our tongue, meaning that the color of food plays a significant role in our enjoyment or rejection of it. To test this, they encourage listeners to perform an experiment: identify three different foods or flavors while blindfolded. By removing the ability to see the food, the experiment challenges the brain to rely solely on taste and smell, effectively separating the act of eating from the visual expectations created by our eyes.

Conclusion

Through a mix of historical trivia and interactive science experiments, Wow in the World emphasizes curiosity and the "wow" factor in everyday life. Whether it is learning about the ingenious engineering of the Ming Dynasty or testing how our senses process flavor, the show invites young listeners to investigate the world around them with a scientific lens.

🎯Key Sentences

I sure could use a hand or a foot.

I wouldn't get too close to him if I were you.

How about we just put the experiments on hold

let this mosquito bite run its course

let's get on with the show.

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📝Key Phrases

music to your ears

get on with the show

could use a hand

put on hold

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.

Or study on the web version →