Teach Me Something

In this part 1 episode on viruses, we jump into interesting and beneficial aspects of viruses. Join us to explore how viruses work, debate if they are alive, and learn about their application in fighting our foe bacteria.

Epigenetics is a relatively new and very exciting branch of biology that studies the chemical tags and conditions that control what genes in our DNA are turned on or off at different times. Join us in this episode to get a very brief overview of how epigenetics work and learn about some of the interesting findings on how one generation effects the next (and the next).

Do you love coffee or potatoes? If so, you are lucky you don't live in Prussia or France in the 1700s as those items both were banned at one point. Join us in this episode as we explore many different things we enjoy today, ranging from purple clothes to dying, that have been banned throughout history.

In this episode of Teach Me Something we are once again joined by resident European history buff Warren as we discuss the amusing epithets of many European monarchs. We run the whole spectrum from the Impotent to the Babymaker to Battle-Seizer the Battle-Decliner to the Terrible, so come and learn how exactly these kings have earned their nicknames.

There are millions of species of animals and only a handful of them have been domesticated. In this episode we dive into the definition and process of animal domestication, learn about the origins of many domesticated animals, and about some domesticated populations that have become feral.

Did you know that some cancers are contagious? But they are extremely rare. In this episode you can learn which unfortunate animals get these cancers and which one is being driven to the point of extinction by this deadly disease.

We are here to talk about cosmetics in the final episode of our history of hygiene series, including a whole lot of advice from Pliny the Elder. Learn about the history of skincare, haircare, perfume, and makeup, and how many of those things were likely to kill you.

Join us as we explore the various definitions of fruits and vegetables and ultimately come to the conclusion: its confusing. Let's just say, when it comes to botany, the existence of vegetables is questionable, but one thing is certain, coconuts are dangerous.