Episode 022: Jellyfish / Repopulating the Earth

03/17/25 • 68 min

In this episode, Nick brings us back to the ocean to visit one of its most bizarre inhabitants, the jellyfish. Some have tentacles over 100 feet long, others have a sting that can kill a human being in under five minutes, but most fascinating of all are the ones who've achieved immortality. Then, Dave asks one of the most difficult questions in science: If a catastrophic, world-ending event was on the way, who would you choose to survive in order to repopulate the Earth and how would you save them? It's a moral quandary with no easy answer, but it's one humanity may have to face someday.

Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/spooky-science-lab
Hosted by Nicholas Kaufmann and David Wellington
Edited by David Wellington
Additional voices by Jennifer Dikes and Alexa Antopol
Logo by Errick Nunnally
Theme song "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Previous Episode

Episode 021: Strange Loves of the Anglerfish / Teleportation

In this episode, Nick takes us to the deepest ocean depths to meet the alien-looking anglerfish and its bizarre, disturbing mating habits. Think you've been on weird dates? You haven't seen anything yet! Then, Dave ponders what teleportation would be like in the real world. Star Trek makes it look easy, but what would it entail to break you down into atoms and reassemble you somewhere else? Provided you survived the experience, would you still be you?

Next Episode

Episode 023: Krakatoa / Io: The Death Moon

In this episode, Nick takes us back in time to the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in modern history. Not only did it kill tens of thousands and lead to unimaginable devastation, it also changed the Earth's climate in ways that still affect us over one hundred years later. Then, Dave drops us off on Io, Jupiter's innermost moon and one of the deadliest spots in the solar system. How exactly can Io kill you? Let Dave count the ways!