Why you should love gross science | Anna Rothschild

TL;DR

In this TED Talk, the speaker discusses the importance of talking about gross stuff, from science to bodily functions, and how it can lead to education, curiosity, and breakthrough discoveries.

Transcript

Did you know that one of the first fertility drugs was made from the pee of Catholic nuns, and that even the Pope got involved? So, this is totally true. Back in the 1950s, scientists knew that when women enter menopause, they start releasing high levels of fertility hormones in their urine. But there was this doctor named Bruno Lunenfeld, who wond... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔬 Fertility drugs were once made from the urine of Catholic nuns, with the Pope's permission, and are still used today, though now they are synthesized in a lab.
• 🤢 Exploring the gross side of life often leads to unexpected insights and even reveals hidden beauty.
• 👧 Talking about gross stuff is not only educational, but also helps preserve curiosity, especially in children who are natural explorers.
• ♂️ The association between disgust and gross things is rooted in the human tendency to extend disgust to morality, as a way to protect our souls and cope with existential angst.
• 🌱 Engaging with gross stuff allows us to see a bigger and more incredible picture of life on our planet, such as the cycles of decay driving forest growth and the networks of fungus connecting all plants.
• 💩 Many of us feel the need to hide our own grossness and spend a significant portion of our lives avoiding being considered gross.
• 🗣 Talking about gross stuff provides a forum for discussing experiences and topics that are often considered taboo, creating a space for people to seek information and support.
• ⚕️ Encouraging open conversations about gross stuff is essential for promoting body autonomy and health, as well as closing the knowledge gap and conducting research on understudied topics.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was one of the first fertility drugs made from?

One of the first fertility drugs was made from the urine of Catholic nuns.

Q: How did scientists collect the urine needed for the fertility drug?

Scientists got special permission from the Pope to collect gallons and gallons of urine from hundreds of older Catholic nuns.

Q: Are the hormones from the urine still used to help women get pregnant?

Yes, the hormones isolated from the urine of Catholic nuns are still used today to help women with fertility issues. However, they can now be synthesized in a lab, so gallons of urine are no longer necessary.

Q: Why does the speaker believe it's important to talk about gross stuff?

The speaker believes it's important to talk about gross stuff because it is a great tool for education, helps preserve curiosity, and can lead to unexpected insights and beauty. Additionally, discussing gross things allows us to claim a bigger picture of life on our planet and promotes understanding and agency over our own bodies and health.

Q: How can discussing gross stuff be a way for people to connect and seek help?

Discussing gross stuff can create a safe and supportive space for people to share their experiences and seek help. The example given is a video the speaker made on tonsil stones, which became a popular self-help forum where people could share their experiences and exchange tips. Open dialogue about gross topics allows individuals to address concerns that they may not have felt comfortable discussing publicly before.

Q: Why is it important to have conversations about periods and other bodily functions?

It is important to have conversations about periods and other bodily functions because it promotes a healthy understanding and acceptance of our own bodies. Many individuals, particularly young people, worry that what is happening to their bodies may not be normal. By encouraging open dialogue, we can ensure that people feel comfortable discussing their own experiences with doctors and seeking any necessary medical advice or support.

Q: What is one reason it is crucial to talk to doctors and engage in discussions about gross stuff?

One reason it is crucial to talk to doctors and engage in discussions about gross stuff is that by doing so, we can help fill gaps in scientific knowledge. For example, there is still much to learn about periods, but limited research has been done due to a lack of scientists in the field and limited public discourse about the topic. By actively discussing gross topics with medical professionals, we can contribute to expanding our understanding and addressing important health issues.

Q: What unexpected discoveries can be made when exploring the "gross side" of things?

When exploring the "gross side" of things, unexpected discoveries can be made. The example provided is the California brown sea hare, which squirts bright purple ink and engages in complex mating behavior. Despite the initial grossness, further research revealed that sea hares had large neurons that were used to understand memory storage. This led to a scientist winning a Nobel Prize. Exploring the gross can lead to important scientific breakthroughs and new understandings of the natural world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fertility drugs were initially made from the urine of Catholic nuns in the 1950s, and special permission was obtained from the Pope. The hormones isolated from the urine are still used today, but can now be synthesized in a lab.

• Talking about gross stuff is important for education and preserving curiosity, as children are naturally curious about the world around them. Society's association of disgusting things with immorality can hinder curiosity and exploration.

• Discussing gross topics is important for breaking stigmas and creating open dialogue, particularly around topics like menstruation. It can also lead to unexpected discoveries and advancements in scientific research.