6 chapters across the catalog
Health experts are focusing on the "Andes variant" of Hantavirus, which is the only strain known for human-to-human transmission. Dr. Birx warned that subclinical cases might exist and urged for widespread testing rather than relying on symptoms. The hosts mock the shifting narrative from rats to mice and the sudden emphasis on molecular changes in the virus.
Science Funding Protests, NIH Grants, Transgender Mice
Scientists in Colorado protested potential cuts to NIH funding, claiming that overhead expense limits would "doom" research institutions within weeks. The segment also addresses the "transgender mice" story, clarifying that the $8 million grant was for testing the effects of puberty blockers and hormones on mice.
Foreign Aid Criticism, Transgender Mice Research Claims
The administration highlighted specific foreign aid expenditures as examples of government waste, including $8 million for LGBTQI+ promotion in Lesotho and $60 million for indigenous empowerment in Central America. A claim regarding millions spent on making mice transgender was discussed, noting that fact-checkers have disputed the specific framing of the research grants.
Yosemite Hantavirus Outbreak, Curry Village, National Park Factions
An outbreak of hantavirus at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has resulted in three deaths and thousands of potential exposures. The hosts discuss the conflict between "Greens" who want to limit tourism and "douchebags" seeking high-end luxury accommodations like the Ahwahnee Hotel. They suggest the virus outbreak may be leveraged by factions wanting to replace affordable tent cabins with more profitable lodging.
Monsanto Kids Book, Deep Fried Mice, and Outro
The show wraps up with a mention of a Monsanto "biotech basics" activity book for kids and a bizarre news item about deep-fried mice being a delicacy in China's Guangdong province. The hosts reiterate the "Value for Value" model and sign off until the next episode.
Genetic Modification of Mice, Lesbian Behavior Study
A study published in the BMC Genetics journal claims that deleting the "FUCM" gene in female mice causes them to reject males and attempt to mate with other females. Professor Park, the lead researcher, suggests the gene influences how the brain is exposed to estrogen. The segment mocks the study's relevance and the difficulty of finding human volunteers for similar genetic research.
