In this deep dive, we uncover the chemical handshake that lets clownfish live safely among venomous sea anemones. We explain how their mucus masks the anemone's sting by keeping levels of the key sugar NU5A (5-N-acetylneuraminic acid) low, how this protective coat is acquired during metamorphosis, and why environmental change threatens this fragile partnership. Along the way we connect the biology to themes of information flow and system resilience — and why tiny molecules can decide big ecol...
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In this deep dive, we uncover the chemical handshake that lets clownfish live safely among venomous sea anemones. We explain how their mucus masks the anemone's sting by keeping levels of the key sugar NU5A (5-N-acetylneuraminic acid) low, how this protective coat is acquired during metamorphosis, and why environmental change threatens this fragile partnership. Along the way we connect the biology to themes of information flow and system resilience — and why tiny molecules can decide big ecol...
Four Balls, Three Strikes: The Chaotic Path to Baseball's Modern Plate Rules
Intellectually Curious
5 minutes
4 days ago
Four Balls, Three Strikes: The Chaotic Path to Baseball's Modern Plate Rules
From the 1845 Knickerbocker Rules to 1888’s four-ball standard, we trace how baseball finally balanced offense and pace. Explore why it’s three strikes and four balls, how the intentional walk evolved, and the 2017 change that ended the four-pitch ritual—with Hank Aaron’s patient mastery as the lasting reminder of what a walk can mean. Note: This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes. Please double-check any critical information. Sponsored by Embersilk LLC
Intellectually Curious
In this deep dive, we uncover the chemical handshake that lets clownfish live safely among venomous sea anemones. We explain how their mucus masks the anemone's sting by keeping levels of the key sugar NU5A (5-N-acetylneuraminic acid) low, how this protective coat is acquired during metamorphosis, and why environmental change threatens this fragile partnership. Along the way we connect the biology to themes of information flow and system resilience — and why tiny molecules can decide big ecol...
