The Department of Physiological Hygiene

09/22/22 • 31 min

7 Listeners

In the final year of the Second World War, 36 men spent a year in a dingy set of rooms under the University of Minnesota football stadium. They were part of an experiment none of them would ever forget. What happened in the Department of Physiological Hygiene? Revisionist History uncovers a forgotten box of interviews in the archives of the Library of Congress.

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Outliers, Revisited

Did Malcolm Gladwell blow it in his bestselling book Outliers? What if all he did was write a primer for neurotic helicopter parents? To find out, Revisionist History descends on the University of Pennsylvania to run a roomful of eager students through a mysterious experiment, complete with Sharpies, huge white stickers, and a calculator. It does not end well.

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The Rise of the Guinea Pigs

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment could never be done today. No scientist could get permission to starve 36 healthy people for close to a year. But why? Revisionist History tries to follow the strange logic that governs our thinking about medical experiments.

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Revisionist History - The Department of Physiological Hygiene

Transcript Summary

In the intriguing podcast episode titled "The Department of Physiological Hygiene," the focus is on Ansel Keys' audacious Minnesota Starvation Experiment conducted during World War II. In this study, thirty-six subjects underwent severe calorie restrictions for six months, experiencing intense hunger and developing a preoccupation with food, even resorting to unconventional behaviors like licking their plates. The physical and psychological effects, including dreams of cannibalism and loss of character, highlight the profound impact of starvation on the human body and mind. After the deprivation phase, the participants indulged in excessive eating during the recovery period. These findings were published in a two-volume book and contributed to our understanding of metabolism and eating disorders. Although the experiment couldn't be repeated today due to ethical concerns, this episode delves into the historical significance of the study and explores connections to the Tokyo bombing campaign and the documentary "Paper City." Don't miss the engaging insights and thought-provoking analysis presented in this riveting episode of Revisionist History.

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:15.316

Pushkin Hello, Hello, Revisionist History listeners. Malcolm here, I just wanted to let you know that you can hear all the remaining episodes of season seven right now if you like. All you need to do is become a Pushkin Plus subscriber. Pushkin Plus subscribers get access to Revisionist History and many other Pushkin shows add free for just four ninety nine a month, and you get bonus content and special early access. In this case, you won't have

The Department of Physiological Hygiene Top Questions Answered

What is the Minnesota Starvation Experiment?

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment was a study conducted by Ansel Keys at the University of Minnesota after World War II to understand the effects of long-term hunger on physical and psychological health.

Who conducted the Minnesota Starvation Experiment?

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment was conducted by Ansel Keys, a renowned doctor and researcher known for developing the K Ration for the army during the war.

When did the Minnesota Starvation Experiment take place?

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment took place between 1944 and 1945.

What were the goals of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment?

The goals of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment were to understand the effects of starvation, study the best ways to rehabilitate those suffering from malnutrition, and contribute to advancements in the understanding of nutrition and eating disorders.

What were the participants of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment required to do?

The participants of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment were required to undergo severe calorie restriction, limited meals, exercise, and regular testing for various measurements.

What were some strategies the participants of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment used to make their portions seem larger?

Some strategies the participants used included adding water to their food and drinking excessive amounts of coffee to make their portions seem larger.

Did the Minnesota Starvation Experiment have any lasting effects on the participants?

Yes, some participants of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment suffered from mental and physical health issues due to the effects of severe starvation.

Can the Minnesota Starvation Experiment be replicated today?

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment cannot be replicated today due to ethical concerns.

What concepts were understood as a result of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment?

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment contributed to the understanding of concepts such as metabolism, intermittent fasting, and the impact of calorie intake.