Science with The Blunt Letters

S6 Ep2: The Gombe Chimpanzee War Explained

Join Elle Lectrick, Micaela Superstar, and Jerbil as they recount the shocking moment a peaceful chimp community split into rival groups and things went full-on nightmare mode in Gombe Stream National Park. With Jane Goodall and her team watching in absolute disbelief, the chimps launched raids, plotted ambushes, and generally acted like no one had prepared them for the concept of chill. Featuring the original song "The Great Chimp War of Kasekela" by Mariana Trench Reznor Become a Patron on our Patreon [https://patreon.com/thebluntletters?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Follow us online: Website [http://thebluntletters.com], shop [https://thebluntletters.com/zines/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thebluntletters?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thebluntletters798], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebluntletters/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheBluntLetters/], Depop [https://www.depop.com/thebluntletters/?brandIds=67&productId=427424406]

S6 Ep1: Capsaicin v. The Blunt Letters

On this fiery installment of the Science with The Blunt Letters, Micaela, Elle, and Jerbil take on the infamous Hot Sauce Challenge—ten sauces, zero shame, and absolutely no regard for their future digestive peace. As the heat levels rise, the trio tests every so-called remedy they can get their hands on (milk, bread, ice cream, prayer, etc.) while breaking down the science of capsaicin: why it burns, how your body reacts, and the surprising ways it’s actually used in medicine and everyday life. Expect laughs, sweat, questionable decisions, and a few fun facts that’ll make you sound smart while crying over your next plate of wings. Featuring the original song "Science Shuffle" by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our Patreon [https://patreon.com/thebluntletters?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]Follow us online: Website [http://thebluntletters.com], shop [https://thebluntletters.com/zines/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thebluntletters?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thebluntletters798], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebluntletters/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheBluntLetters/], Depop [https://www.depop.com/thebluntletters/?brandIds=67&productId=427424406]

S5 Ep17: Typhoid Mary - Scapegoat of the Century

In this episode, Elle, Micaela, and Jerbil dig into the messy legacy of Typhoid Mary—aka Mary Mallon—the woman history loves to blame. We break down how this poor cook got turned into America’s favorite disease scapegoat. We explore how sexism, classism, and science collided to ruin her reputation. Was she a menace, a martyr, or just really dedicated to peach ice cream and dangerously casual about soap? Join us for a hilarious and eye-opening look at the most misunderstood woman in epidemiology. Featuring the original song “Who Farted?” by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our Patreon [https://patreon.com/thebluntletters?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Follow us online: thebluntletters.com [http://thebluntletters.com], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thebluntletters?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thebluntletters798], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebluntletters/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheBluntLetters/], Depop [https://www.depop.com/thebluntletters/?brandIds=67&productId=427424406] References CDC Foodborne Contamination Outbreaks [https://www.cdc.gov/foodborne-outbreaks/outbreaks/index.html]BL Teeth Episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aFMNhTjX5lcLmKHtN7WCM?si=cO2V91nYQs2CyADfEQUtdQ]Typhoid Mary/Mary Mallon: An Asymptomatic Carrier of Salmonella typhi [https://medicalmuseum.health.mil/micrograph/index.cfm/posts/2020/typhoid_mary_mary_mallon_salmonella] The Lingering Ghost of Typhoid Mary: How the sad tale of Mary Mallon still haunts us today [https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/typhoid] How Typhoid Mary left a trail of scandal and death [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52291327] List of foodborne illness outbreaks by death toll [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foodborne_illness_outbreaks_by_death_toll]

S5 Ep 16: Arsenic Poisoning: History’s Most Sophisticated Killers (Final in Poisoning Series)

Elle, Micaela, and their Googler Jerbil are back to geek out on poison — this time, the sneaky, silent assassin: arsenic. In this final chapter of their Poisoning Series, they uncover what arsenic actually is, where it’s hiding, and share some wild stories of accidental and intentional poisonings. From Napoleon’s rumored demise to Giulia Tofana’s deadly cosmetics and Scheele Green’s toxic legacy in the 19th century, it’s a dark and hilarious tour through history’s most notorious poisonings. Because who says death can’t be hilarious when it’s laced with science and a little bit of snark? Featuring the original song "Optimistic Misanthrope" by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our Patreon [https://patreon.com/thebluntletters?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Follow us online: thebluntletters.com [http://thebluntletters.com], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thebluntletters?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thebluntletters798], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebluntletters/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheBluntLetters/], Depop [https://www.depop.com/thebluntletters/?brandIds=67&productId=427424406] References: Arsenic Poisoning [ ⁠https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24727-arsenic-poisoning⁠] Arsenic Wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic⁠ ] National Institute of Health: Arsenic Toxicity [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541125/] Scheele’s Green: Why This Toxic Pigment Became Popular [https://ahouseinthehills.com/scheeles-green-why-this-toxic-pigment-became-popular/] Paris Review: Scheele’s Green, the Color of Fake Foliage and Death [https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2018/05/02/scheeles-green-the-color-of-fake-foliage-and-death/] Giulia Tofana: poisoner, murderer, saviour? [https://historiamag.com/giulia-tofana-poisoner-murderer-saviour/] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulia_Tofana Lewisite Wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewisite] https://historiamag.com/giulia-tofana-poisoner-murderer-saviour/

S5 Ep 15: Ergot Poisoning - Hallucinations and History

In the second installment of The Blunt Letters Poisoning Series, Elle and Micaela dive into the strange and terrifying history of ergot poisoning. From contaminated rye bread in the Middle Ages to its possible connection with the Salem Witch Trials, ergot has been haunting humanity for centuries. We explore the science of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, how it causes convulsions, hallucinations, and gangrene, and why it earned the nickname “St. Anthony’s Fire.” Plus, we discuss ergot’s surprising role in the discovery of LSD and its lasting impact on medicine, mysticism, and culture. Join us for a mix of history, toxicology, and true crime science in this deep dive into one of the world’s most notorious natural poisons. Featuring Original Song "Who Farted?" by Micaela Superstar References: Ergot [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergot] Ergotism [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergotism]LSD [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LSD]How Rye Bread May Have Caused the Salem Witch Trials [https://www.britannica.com/story/how-rye-bread-may-have-caused-the-salem-witch-trials] Ergotism Today [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ergot-poisoning#:~:text=Ergot%20poisoning:%20Symptoms%2C%20treatment%2C,and%20the%20Salem%20witch%20trials.] Ergot: from witchcraft to biotechnology [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6640538/]  Were They Bitten? Or is it Ergot Poisoning? [https://www.werewolves.com/were-they-bitten-or-is-it-ergot-poisoning/] CIA sued over 1950s 'murder' of government scientist plied with LSD [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/29/cia-lawsuit-scientist-1950s-death] MK ultra wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MKUltra]