Episode Details
Back to EpisodesSeason 6 Episode 31: Hair-Tugging Pain, Liquid Cats and Hammerhead Sharks with Dr. Erin Spencer
Description
Ever wondered why pulling a strand of hair can send a jolt faster than any other pain?
Join us as we uncover this surprising discovery, complete with humorous anecdotes from our own lives, like kitchen mishaps and martial arts blunders. We share the remarkable research from Sweden revealing hair-pulling pain as the speed demon of all pain signals, zooming through your nervous system at an astonishing 160 kilometers per hour. Our lively chat not only highlights this quirky facet of human biology but also offers a fresh lens on how we experience pain.
Curious about what cats and sharks might teach us about nature's quirks? We recount the whimsical world of feline experiments in Budapest, where cats tackle mazes with the enigmatic elegance only they can muster. Their unpredictable antics remind us of how bumblebees behave under scrutiny, underscoring the fun and challenges of studying animal behavior. Our clever cat Ginger might have danced through those tests, leaving fur and laughter in her wake.
Then, we shift our gaze to the ocean, introducing Dr. ERin Spencer who takes us on a thrilling journey with hammerhead sharks. From bio-loggers resembling Fitbits for fish to the grand oceanic dance influenced by climate change, her insights are as vast as the sea.
Amidst tales of tracking tagged sharks in the Gulf Stream, the episode takes an emotional turn with heartfelt stories, from a horse named King aiding veterinary science to the loveable Goose the burnadoodle, whose friendship with chickens Polly and Minnie warms the heart.
Whether it's the thrilling unpredictability of shark research or the simple joy of sharing animal tales, this episode is a testament to the wonder and complexity of the natural world.
Dr. Spencer's Links:
On Twitter or X
The Incredible Octopus
Bunsen and Beaker Links to support us!
Join the Paw Pack!
Our Website!
www.bunsenbernerbmd.com
Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter!
Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter:
Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok
For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.