PODCAST:Search Engine
TITLE:Why are there so many chicken bones on the street?
DATE:2024-01-19 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
The "Search Engine" podcast episode titled "Why Are There So Many Chicken Bones on the Street" explores the peculiar phenomenon of chicken bones scattered on city streets, particularly in Brooklyn, New York. The hosts, led by PJ Vot, are joined by journalists Manny, Noah, and Devin, who collectively investigate the mystery.
Their inquiry is divided into three main approaches. First, Noah researches the history of chicken consumption, tracing its journey from the first domesticated chickens in Thailand around 1600 BC to the modern broiler chicken developed in the 20th century. He notes a significant increase in chicken consumption, especially with the rise of fast food, leading to an abundance of chicken and, consequently, chicken bones.
Manny, focusing on human behavior, investigates whether people are the primary culprits in discarding chicken bones on the streets. Despite initial assumptions, evidence such as photos of chicken bones next to trash cans suggests that human littering might not be the sole reason for the abundance of chicken bones on the streets.
Devin, examining the role of animals, looks into various urban wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds, but ultimately narrows down to rats as the likely main contributors. The theory is that rats, attracted to leftover meat on chicken bones in trash bags, are responsible for scattering the bones on the streets. This hypothesis aligns with the urban setup of cities like New York, where trash is often left on sidewalks due to the absence of alleys, making it accessible to rats.
To test their theories, the team proposes two experiments. One involves sending collected chicken bones to a lab to check for rat DNA, indicating rat interaction. The other experiment involves setting up a GoPro camera to monitor a bag of chicken wings placed on the sidewalk overnight, observing if rats indeed are the ones scattering the bones.
This episode of "Search Engine" delves into a peculiar urban mystery, using journalistic investigation and humor. The team's approach blends historical research, observations of human behavior, and urban wildlife studies, offering a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of an unusual urban phenomenon.
