Ep 10. Unusual Suspects

Outrageous Acts Of Science season 10 episode 10, titled Unusual Suspects, showcases some of the most bizarre scientific experiments conducted by experts around the globe. In this episode, the experts dive deep into the world of science, investigating some of the most unusual scientific ideas and theories.

The episode begins with the curious case of a man who claims to have tasted all the elements in the periodic table. He takes the crew through an unusual tasting session, where he samples elements like lithium, nitrogen, and sulfur, describing their taste and texture. The experts try to make sense of his bizarre claim and speculate what could have motivated him to take up the challenge.

Later in the episode, the experts encounter a young woman who has an incredible ability to distinguish different smells. She can identify and name common smells like coffee, mint, and even some rare aromas like the scent of a hallucinogenic herb used by ancient African tribes. The crew investigates how she developed this exceptional talent and what it means for the future of scent-based therapies.

As the episode progresses, the experts unravel other unusual scientific mysteries, such as an odd-looking bird's nest that possesses remarkable insulation properties. They examine how the nest's intricate design allows it to regulate temperature and humidity levels, and explore how this discovery could lead to advanced insulation materials and techniques.

The experts then delve into the realm of cognitive science, where they investigate a rare medical condition called synesthesia. It's a condition where people see colors, shapes, and textures in response to different stimuli like sounds, letters, or numbers. The crew interviews several people who experience synesthesia and tries to understand how their brains process sensory information differently from others.

In another segment of the episode, the experts study the phenomenon of spooky action at a distance, also known as quantum entanglement. They explain how two particles can become entangled, and how changing the state of one particle can instantaneously affect the state of the entangled particle, regardless of the distance between them. The crew explores the practical applications and implications of this mind-bending phenomenon, from quantum computing to teleportation.

In the final segment of the episode, the experts investigate the science behind some of the world's most peculiar and unexplained objects. They uncover the stories behind strange artifacts like the Antikythera mechanism, a 2,000-year-old Greek device that was a complex astronomical and calendrical calculator, and the Easter Island statues, which remain a mystery to this day.

Overall, Outrageous Acts of Science season 10 episode 10, Unusual Suspects, is a fascinating journey into the world of science's most unconventional and bizarre ideas. It highlights the human quest for knowledge and understanding, even in the face of seemingly impossible questions and challenges.