This episode contains: Everyone is here this week! Steven chats about camping, and spider attacks on a lake. Ben watched Super Mario Bros. in a field with a bunch of rude youths. We revisit the biolocks on guns debate with input from a special listener.
Insane in the Membrane: Woman’s mystery illness turns out to be 3-inch snake parasite in her brain. A woman in Australia had many symptoms that did not point to a specific disease. Eventually doctors found a snake parasite in her brains. She may have been infected after foraging for warrigal greens.
Biologically Speaking: Pig kidney xenotransplantation performing optimally after 32 days in human body. Surgeons at NYU Langone Health have transplanted a genetically engineered pig kidney that continues to function well after 32 days in a man declared dead by neurologic criteria and maintained with a beating heart on ventilator support. We discuss the family and why they would or would not allow testing to continue before the body is laid to rest. We also talk about companies owning genetically engineered animals.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230816114156.htm
Soapbox Time with Steven: Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions.’Eco-friendly’ paper drinking straws contain long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals, a new study has concluded. Researchers tested 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Paper straws were most likely to contain PFAS, with the chemicals detected in 18/20 (90%) of the brands tested.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230825122044.htm
Science Fiction: Ben talks about Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go and how its a “Perfect Saturday morning cartoon” with an all-star voice cast. Ben (and his son) also watched My Adventures With Superman on Max and enjoys it very much. There is also a slight connection to Star Trek Lower Decks! Devon (as well as Steven and Ben) watched Ahsoka and he tells us his opinions on the first two episodes. Spoilers: he did not like it. All three of us interpreted a specific scene very differently. Devon is curious about Thrawn, but isn’t confident the show will deliver. Ben and Steven both enjoyed Ahsoka, and Steven talks about links to other Star Wars properties. Also, Chopper is a total war criminal, and we’re here for it.