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[Exploring Space Flavors and Tree Communication: A Wow in the World Deep Dive]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - I Have A Need For Trees]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-05-12

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Exploring Space Flavors and Tree Communication: A Wow in the World Deep Dive

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz take listeners on a scientific journey that spans from the International Space Station to the forest floor. Through their signature game show, "Two Whats and a Wow," the hosts blend humor with fascinating educational insights about human physiology in microgravity and botanical biology.

The Science of Space Taste

The show begins by revealing the "winning wow" regarding astronaut nutrition. Many listeners might be surprised to learn that astronauts often crave spicy food while in space. As guest teacher Kathy Lamont explains, this phenomenon is rooted in the effects of microgravity on the human body. On Earth, gravity pulls fluids toward our feet, but in space, these fluids move equally throughout the body, often causing congestion in the head. This "stuffy nose" sensation mimics a common cold, which dulls the sense of smell and taste. Consequently, astronauts gravitate toward bold, spicy flavors—like Tabasco sauce or horseradish—to stimulate their taste receptors, which are otherwise muted by the lack of gravity.

Dispelling Space Myths: Height and Hygiene

The episode also clarifies two common misconceptions about space travel. First, contrary to the belief that space makes you shorter, astronauts actually grow about 3% taller while in orbit. This occurs because, without the constant compression of gravity, the vertebrae in the backbone expand. Second, the hosts debunk the myth of a "vomit toilet" on the International Space Station. Instead, astronauts utilize specialized, sealable vomit bags designed to prevent odors and messes from circulating in the cabin—a necessary piece of equipment since trash cannot simply be taken out in space.

The Mystery of Tree Communication

Transitioning from space to nature, the hosts introduce a new round of "Two Whats and a Wow" focused on trees. The scientific inquiry poses a thought-provoking question: "Can trees talk to each other through mushrooms?" This highlights the fascinating, real-world biological network known as the mycorrhizal network, where fungi and tree roots form symbiotic relationships to exchange nutrients and information. The episode encourages young listeners to engage in a hands-on experiment by placing leaf stems in water dyed with food coloring, allowing them to visualize how water and nutrients travel through the tiny veins of leaves.

Conclusion: A Season of Discovery

Beyond the scientific facts, the episode serves as a reminder of the upcoming milestones for the Wow in the World community, including their 250th episode musical celebration. By combining lighthearted banter with rigorous scientific curiosity, the show continues to foster a sense of wonder, encouraging "Wowzers" to explore the natural world and the complexities of human space exploration through play and experimentation. Whether it is through the spicy cravings of an astronaut or the hidden language of trees, the show maintains its mission to make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining for curious minds.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's going to be a November to remember.
2
But for now, let's get on with the show.
3
Follow the sound of my voice.
4
Well, do you think we have time to fit in a quick game show before that tree falls?
5
Oh, yeah, we've got plenty of time.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
not going to happen anytime soon
4
hit the lights
5
where we left off
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📖 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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