In this episode of Science vs, titled “When Your Eyes See Lies,” the hosts delve into cases of visual deception and illusion. From exploring the mysterious case of a man whose dog ate part of his penis to discussing the fascinating phenomenon of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, this episode uncovers the science behind these intriguing mysteries.
In the live show “When Your Eyes See Lies,” the hosts of Science vs explore intriguing cases of visual deception and illusion. They discuss the mysterious case of an 88-year-old man who died with a wound on his penis and part of it missing. Speculation arises that his pet dog may have bitten his penis after he died. However, a review paper on animal mutilations suggests that dogs mostly go for the face, not the genital area, when nibbling on corpses. To investigate further, forensic scientists give a dog an emetic to make it vomit and find a piece of connective tissue that resembles the missing piece of penis. Genetic testing reveals that the tissue found in the dog came from two different people. The hosts emphasize the importance of science in solving mysteries involving dogs and uncovering the truth.
Another fascinating topic discussed in the show is chimerism, where a person’s body is composed of cells that are genetically different. The hosts present the case of a man who had two sets of DNA, making him a chimera. They explain that chimerism likely occurred during the man’s growth in his mother’s womb, possibly when two fertilized eggs merged into one embryo. The discovery that the DNA samples from different parts of the man’s body were different highlights the complexity of chimerism. The hosts suggest that chimerism may be more common than previously thought, with many chimeras going unnoticed. This phenomenon sheds light on the intricate genetic variation within individuals.
The hosts also delve into the intriguing phenomenon known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. They share the case of a little boy in Sydney who experienced episodes where he saw his hand and feet as miniature, causing concern for his family. This syndrome, named after Lewis Carroll’s character Alice, involves distorted perceptions of body size and time. The hosts explain that it is often associated with illnesses accompanied by a fever, such as influenza or Epstein-Barr. Pediatric neurologist Osman Farouk, who had the syndrome as a child, conducted extensive research on the topic. While the syndrome is mostly harmless and children usually outgrow it, it can also occur in adults and be linked to migraines.
The hosts debunk the myth that lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off cliffs. They explain that lemming population booms occur every few years in Norway, resulting in a rapid increase in numbers. During these boom periods, lemmings become prey for Arctic predators and face challenges due to overpopulation and territorial behavior. The hosts reveal that the idea of mass suicide among lemmings was perpetuated by a staged scene in a Disney documentary. They emphasize the ongoing enigma surrounding lemming population swings and the threats they face due to climate change. The hosts stress the importance of dispelling misconceptions and understanding the true nature of lemmings.
The “When Your Eyes See Lies” episode of Science vs highlights the captivating world of visual deception and illusion. From exploring the mysterious case of a man whose dog ate part of his penis to discussing the fascinating phenomenon of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and debunking the lemming myth, the hosts shed light on intriguing scientific discoveries. This episode reminds us of the importance of scientific investigation in unraveling mysteries and understanding the complexities of the natural world.