Why is three the magic number?
Summary
James O'Brien opens the episode by sharing a DIY fruit fly trap using jam jars and vinegar. Listeners then submit questions about why humans enjoy open views, why aquarium fish don't eat smaller fish, and the science behind candle combustion. The show also covers topics like nose blindness, the nutritional differences between salt types, and why we count in threes.
Topics discussed
Intro and Mystery Hour rules
Promoting the Mystery Hour games
DIY fruit fly trap using jam jars
Listener banter and kitchen mishaps
Why humans love open views
The psychology of scenic beauty
Why big fish don't eat small fish in aquariums
Why you can't light a candle wick alone
Turning on heating and bird feeding
How birds find feeders
Nose blindness and Lush bath bombs
Fish intelligence and aquarium plurals
News headlines and show recap
Why is the count always three?
Nutritional differences between salt types
The science of candle combustion
Etymology of spelling bee
Garden design and prospect-refuge theory
Why cars get flat tires in the rain
How birds learn feeding schedules
Neuroscience of olfactory adaptation
Glass punctures and show outro
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