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warning, what
you're about to see
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00:00:07,450 --> 00:00:10,384
Could be disturbing
to some viewers.
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00:00:17,068 --> 00:00:19,853
Imagine this, a chicken
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00:00:19,855 --> 00:00:24,307
That spends two years walking
around without a head.
5
00:00:24,976 --> 00:00:28,461
- Turns out that you
don't need a whole brain
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00:00:28,463 --> 00:00:29,946
To run a chicken.
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00:00:31,407 --> 00:00:35,268
- Or a 10-year-old taller
than michael jordan.
8
00:00:35,270 --> 00:00:36,636
- He's gigantic.
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00:00:36,638 --> 00:00:40,581
He never, ever, ever,
ever stops growing.
10
00:00:42,193 --> 00:00:46,479
- What about a lake believed
to turn animals to stone?
11
00:00:46,481 --> 00:00:48,648
- And they basically
become petrified.
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00:00:48,650 --> 00:00:50,342
It's like they looked at medusa.
13
00:00:51,844 --> 00:00:53,744
- These are the
bodies so surprising,
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00:00:53,746 --> 00:00:56,506
They are truly unbelievable.
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00:01:09,037 --> 00:01:13,931
- It's 1918 and proud parents,
harold and addie wadlow,
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00:01:13,933 --> 00:01:17,785
Welcome a new baby boy to
their family, little robert.
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00:01:17,787 --> 00:01:20,530
At first, his size
is relatively normal,
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00:01:20,532 --> 00:01:25,443
But what happens when robert
starts growing and never stops?
19
00:01:27,631 --> 00:01:32,192
- So when robert wadlow is born
in 1918 in alton, illinois,
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00:01:32,194 --> 00:01:34,051
By all appearances,
he's perfectly normal.
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00:01:34,053 --> 00:01:38,731
But very quickly, his parents
notice that something is off.
22
00:01:38,733 --> 00:01:41,977
He begins to grow at
a phenomenal pace.
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00:01:41,979 --> 00:01:45,296
When he's eight years
old, he's 5 foot 11,
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00:01:45,298 --> 00:01:46,623
As tall as his father.
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00:01:46,625 --> 00:01:50,635
- By the time he's 10, he's
6 foot, 6 inches tall.
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00:01:50,637 --> 00:01:54,214
the wadlows try to give
their boy a typical childhood,
27
00:01:54,216 --> 00:01:57,141
But it's soon clear
robert is anything but.
28
00:01:57,143 --> 00:02:00,387
- The average male height
in america at this time
29
00:02:00,389 --> 00:02:04,624
Is like, 5'9", and he's
not yet done growing.
30
00:02:05,919 --> 00:02:09,078
- Even simple, basic things
like going to school
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00:02:09,080 --> 00:02:11,672
Present a huge challenge to him.
32
00:02:11,674 --> 00:02:14,317
- When he goes to have
lunch with his friends,
33
00:02:14,319 --> 00:02:16,285
He can't even sit
at the dining tables
34
00:02:16,287 --> 00:02:18,655
Because he's gonna break
them when he sits down,
35
00:02:18,657 --> 00:02:21,057
So he has to eat standing up.
36
00:02:21,059 --> 00:02:22,850
He's gigantic compared
37
00:02:22,852 --> 00:02:25,353
To all the other
students in his classes.
38
00:02:26,798 --> 00:02:28,431
He can't even fit in the desks
39
00:02:28,433 --> 00:02:30,734
That the regular
students sit in.
40
00:02:31,786 --> 00:02:34,196
They try raising them on blocks.
41
00:02:35,615 --> 00:02:38,432
And eventually, he has to
stand in the back of the class
42
00:02:38,434 --> 00:02:41,745
Because there's nothing else
that can accommodate his height.
43
00:02:42,522 --> 00:02:45,207
Life is a complete
challenge for the guy.
44
00:02:45,867 --> 00:02:47,884
- But he joins the
basketball team.
45
00:02:47,886 --> 00:02:50,620
He's approximately the same
size as michael jordan.
46
00:02:50,622 --> 00:02:53,030
Can you imagine showing
up in alton, illinois
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00:02:53,032 --> 00:02:55,942
To play basketball and
there's this 6 foot 6 guy
48
00:02:55,944 --> 00:02:59,930
On the team and he's
a legit fifth grader?
49
00:03:01,724 --> 00:03:05,376
- I'm robert wadlow, seven
feet tall, 12 years old,
50
00:03:05,378 --> 00:03:06,770
And weigh 240 pounds.
51
00:03:06,772 --> 00:03:08,805
when he
reaches middle school,
52
00:03:08,807 --> 00:03:11,474
Robert experiences
another growth spurt,
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00:03:11,476 --> 00:03:13,726
But his is extreme.
54
00:03:13,728 --> 00:03:17,113
- At the age of 13, robert's
7 foot, 4 inches tall
55
00:03:17,115 --> 00:03:19,390
And he's the world's
tallest boy scout,
56
00:03:19,392 --> 00:03:21,892
Which of course makes the
merit badges real tiny
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00:03:21,894 --> 00:03:23,569
On his chest, I suppose.
58
00:03:23,571 --> 00:03:26,289
- And when you say someone's
too big for their britches,
59
00:03:26,291 --> 00:03:27,673
Well, he literally is.
60
00:03:27,675 --> 00:03:30,651
the shoes, the
pants, the shirts, all of it
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00:03:30,653 --> 00:03:32,512
Has to be made from scratch.
62
00:03:32,514 --> 00:03:35,848
- I wear the largest
pair of shoes ever made.
63
00:03:35,850 --> 00:03:38,351
- Obviously, robert wadlow
is not gonna be walking
64
00:03:38,353 --> 00:03:41,321
Into a shoe store and
asking for a size 37.
65
00:03:41,323 --> 00:03:43,097
It's simply not gonna happen.
66
00:03:43,624 --> 00:03:47,585
but what exactly is
making young robert so big?
67
00:03:47,587 --> 00:03:51,614
- Robert wadlow has gigantism,
which is almost always caused
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00:03:51,616 --> 00:03:55,435
By the pituitary gland
constantly resupplying the body
69
00:03:55,437 --> 00:03:56,786
With growth hormone.
70
00:03:56,788 --> 00:03:59,114
- He never, ever, ever, ever,
71
00:03:59,116 --> 00:04:02,284
Through his whole
life, stops growing.
72
00:04:03,387 --> 00:04:04,844
by the time he's 22.
73
00:04:04,846 --> 00:04:08,164
Robert reaches an astonishing
8 feet, 11 inches.
74
00:04:08,166 --> 00:04:12,201
That's taller than andre the
giant by a foot and a half.
75
00:04:12,203 --> 00:04:14,871
- The tallest players
ever to play in the nba
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00:04:14,873 --> 00:04:16,055
Are 7 foot 7,
77
00:04:16,057 --> 00:04:20,568
So he dwarfs the tallest
persons ever to play in the nba.
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00:04:21,713 --> 00:04:25,064
now, that might sound
like every short person's dream,
79
00:04:25,066 --> 00:04:28,626
But for robert, it's
sometimes a nightmare.
80
00:04:28,628 --> 00:04:31,128
- This world isn't
built for robert.
81
00:04:31,130 --> 00:04:32,780
Imagine nothing fitting.
82
00:04:32,782 --> 00:04:35,233
Everything is just
too small for him.
83
00:04:35,235 --> 00:04:37,410
- Wadlow hopes to have
a full-blown career
84
00:04:37,412 --> 00:04:39,278
Like a lot of people
his age in that era,
85
00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:41,489
But it's out of his
reach in many ways
86
00:04:41,491 --> 00:04:43,383
Because he is so enormous.
87
00:04:43,385 --> 00:04:47,728
- He wants to be a lawyer
and he never achieves that.
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00:04:47,730 --> 00:04:49,255
How many people in that era
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00:04:49,257 --> 00:04:52,167
Would've sought out an
almost-nine-foot lawyer?
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00:04:53,478 --> 00:04:58,189
- When robert wadlow would go
out in public, people stared.
91
00:04:58,783 --> 00:05:00,933
but they even went beyond that.
92
00:05:00,935 --> 00:05:03,887
They actually would walk up
to him and knock on his legs
93
00:05:03,889 --> 00:05:06,681
Because he appeared to
be a person on stilts.
94
00:05:08,769 --> 00:05:13,830
his size obviously makes
a desk job somewhat challenging.
95
00:05:13,832 --> 00:05:15,531
- Robert wadlow and his family
96
00:05:15,533 --> 00:05:17,942
Had spent pretty
much his entire life
97
00:05:17,944 --> 00:05:21,529
Desperately avoiding
the show business angle.
98
00:05:21,531 --> 00:05:24,532
then, ringling brothers
and barnum and bailey circus
99
00:05:24,534 --> 00:05:25,791
Come knocking.
100
00:05:25,793 --> 00:05:28,111
- And money's money.
101
00:05:28,113 --> 00:05:30,747
But robert has conditions.
102
00:05:30,749 --> 00:05:34,100
Robert is never pictured
in much of anything other
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00:05:34,102 --> 00:05:35,201
Than a three piece suit
104
00:05:35,203 --> 00:05:37,695
And he will not be
presented as a freak.
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00:05:37,697 --> 00:05:40,590
He's presented as the tallest
human being in the world
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00:05:40,592 --> 00:05:43,292
And in recorded human history.
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00:05:43,294 --> 00:05:44,702
- Wadlow gets lots of attention
108
00:05:44,704 --> 00:05:46,946
And he does his best to
deal with it gracefully.
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00:05:46,948 --> 00:05:49,482
In one radio interview, the
radio interviewer asks him,
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00:05:49,484 --> 00:05:51,226
"does it bother you that
people stare at you?"
111
00:05:51,228 --> 00:05:56,164
And he chuckles and he says,
"I just overlook them."
112
00:05:59,819 --> 00:06:02,153
- Eventually,
robert grew so tall
113
00:06:04,074 --> 00:06:09,352
That it puts tremendous
stress on his body
114
00:06:09,354 --> 00:06:12,997
And particularly on his
bones and on his leg muscles.
115
00:06:14,375 --> 00:06:17,210
This causes him to need braces.
116
00:06:18,588 --> 00:06:22,382
those braces ultimately
do more harm than good.
117
00:06:27,989 --> 00:06:32,675
- In 1940, he's invited to
walk in a 4th of July parade.
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00:06:32,677 --> 00:06:36,696
The metal brackets on his
legs start to cut into him
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00:06:36,698 --> 00:06:39,365
And develop bruises and lesions.
120
00:06:39,367 --> 00:06:42,026
the cuts on robert's
legs become infected
121
00:06:43,487 --> 00:06:45,488
And he ends up in the hospital.
122
00:06:47,225 --> 00:06:50,677
- After the parade,
he developed sepsis,
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00:06:50,679 --> 00:06:53,680
High fevers, low blood pressure.
124
00:06:53,682 --> 00:06:56,958
- Robert's temperature
rises to 104 degrees.
125
00:06:59,570 --> 00:07:01,795
July 15th, 1940,
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00:07:01,797 --> 00:07:04,799
The world's largest
human being passes away.
127
00:07:06,202 --> 00:07:08,969
robert is just
22 when he passes,
128
00:07:08,971 --> 00:07:12,849
But the strangeness that marked
his life continues in death.
129
00:07:13,918 --> 00:07:16,485
- You can't just
have a normal coffin.
130
00:07:16,487 --> 00:07:19,022
Robert needs an
extra large coffin
131
00:07:19,024 --> 00:07:21,390
That requires 12 pallbearers
132
00:07:21,392 --> 00:07:23,484
To carry him to his grave site.
133
00:07:23,486 --> 00:07:28,047
even after his death,
the public remain oddly curious.
134
00:07:28,049 --> 00:07:30,583
- So in the sorrow
of losing their son,
135
00:07:30,585 --> 00:07:32,451
The family is informed
that they really need
136
00:07:32,453 --> 00:07:35,329
To take some precautions
about his body being stolen.
137
00:07:35,331 --> 00:07:37,707
- His parents start
to hear rumors
138
00:07:37,709 --> 00:07:42,002
That curiosity seekers may
want to exhume his corpse
139
00:07:42,004 --> 00:07:44,096
And put it on display.
140
00:07:44,098 --> 00:07:45,414
the rumors
are credible enough
141
00:07:45,416 --> 00:07:47,675
That robert's
parents take action.
142
00:07:48,253 --> 00:07:51,904
- They pour thousands of
pounds of concrete on top
143
00:07:51,906 --> 00:07:54,832
Of his grave so that
he can rest in peace.
144
00:07:55,835 --> 00:07:59,229
these days, a life-sized
statue near robert's grave site
145
00:07:59,231 --> 00:08:03,391
Causes visitors to do what
everyone did when he was alive:
146
00:08:03,393 --> 00:08:06,444
Look up. Way, way up.
147
00:08:08,923 --> 00:08:13,117
Record holders like robert
are indeed more than strange.
148
00:08:13,119 --> 00:08:15,911
Our next story transports
us around the world
149
00:08:15,913 --> 00:08:19,415
To uncover a different
kind of astonishing body.
150
00:08:22,687 --> 00:08:27,173
- In a remote village 250
miles away from kathmandu,
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00:08:29,051 --> 00:08:31,535
A worker is just passing
through the village
152
00:08:31,537 --> 00:08:33,863
And sees something
moving in the distance
153
00:08:33,865 --> 00:08:35,481
Out of the corner of his eye.
154
00:08:35,483 --> 00:08:37,183
It looks like a child,
155
00:08:37,185 --> 00:08:40,353
But this is someone who's
walking much too quickly
156
00:08:40,355 --> 00:08:42,730
And much too confidently
to be a child.
157
00:08:42,732 --> 00:08:46,376
- This road worker really is
struggling to make sense of it.
158
00:08:46,378 --> 00:08:50,730
This is in fact, a
72-year-old man.
159
00:08:51,366 --> 00:08:56,803
chandra bahadur dangi
stands a mere 21 inches tall,
160
00:08:56,805 --> 00:08:59,989
Or as he jokes, 21 inches short.
161
00:08:59,991 --> 00:09:04,068
- The worker who discovered
him decides this is worthy
162
00:09:04,070 --> 00:09:05,444
Of going to guinness.
163
00:09:06,147 --> 00:09:08,464
This gentleman needs
a world's record.
164
00:09:09,834 --> 00:09:12,501
calls are
made, emails are sent,
165
00:09:12,503 --> 00:09:15,596
And the guinness world records
organization is contacted.
166
00:09:15,598 --> 00:09:18,308
When officials see photos,
they have lots of questions,
167
00:09:18,310 --> 00:09:21,769
Starting with, who is this guy?
168
00:09:23,648 --> 00:09:27,499
- Chandra is born in 1939,
the seventh of eight children.
169
00:09:27,501 --> 00:09:30,260
Some of his siblings
are normal size.
170
00:09:30,262 --> 00:09:34,006
Some of his siblings have
dwarfism like he does.
171
00:09:34,008 --> 00:09:37,327
The village builds ramps
for him and lower shelves
172
00:09:37,329 --> 00:09:39,662
So that he can
live a normal life
173
00:09:39,664 --> 00:09:42,623
In this extremely rural village.
174
00:09:42,625 --> 00:09:45,034
- He himself often
tells people, jestingly,
175
00:09:45,036 --> 00:09:47,036
"I am taller than the chickens,
176
00:09:47,038 --> 00:09:49,172
But I am shorter
than the goats."
177
00:09:50,567 --> 00:09:51,891
then in 2012,
178
00:09:51,893 --> 00:09:55,302
Chandra's small world
gets much larger.
179
00:09:55,304 --> 00:09:58,230
- At this point, to
validate his stature
180
00:09:58,232 --> 00:10:01,642
And his position as the
tiniest human on record,
181
00:10:01,644 --> 00:10:05,688
Guinness book of world records,
they invite him to kathmandu.
182
00:10:07,058 --> 00:10:11,310
- Kathmandu is a bustling
metropolis for chandra compared
183
00:10:11,312 --> 00:10:15,114
To the rural life that
he had lived prior.
184
00:10:15,991 --> 00:10:17,249
- For someone who has never
185
00:10:17,251 --> 00:10:18,401
Been out of their
village before,
186
00:10:18,403 --> 00:10:20,870
This is a massive sea change.
187
00:10:20,872 --> 00:10:23,506
He is suddenly in a big city.
188
00:10:23,508 --> 00:10:26,042
He is seeing things he
never before imagined
189
00:10:26,044 --> 00:10:29,345
In a world that really is not
set up to accommodate him,
190
00:10:29,347 --> 00:10:32,190
But he seems pretty game
about the whole thing.
191
00:10:32,192 --> 00:10:33,649
- The guinness book
of world records
192
00:10:33,651 --> 00:10:38,754
Measure him multiple times
to make sure this is legit.
193
00:10:38,756 --> 00:10:42,358
- He is verified, 21.49 inches.
194
00:10:42,360 --> 00:10:45,277
It's official,
chandra bahadur dangi
195
00:10:45,279 --> 00:10:48,113
Is the shortest man alive.
196
00:10:48,115 --> 00:10:49,448
and just like that,
197
00:10:49,450 --> 00:10:52,318
Chandra becomes an
international celebrity.
198
00:10:53,521 --> 00:10:56,613
- And when he is exposed
to the world at large,
199
00:10:56,615 --> 00:10:58,849
He lives this, like,
rockstar life.
200
00:10:58,851 --> 00:11:02,120
- Chandra now finds himself
flying on jets to places,
201
00:11:02,122 --> 00:11:04,055
He'd never been
on a plane before.
202
00:11:04,057 --> 00:11:08,451
He's being limousined around,
he's staying in swanky hotels.
203
00:11:08,453 --> 00:11:10,453
- He's going to london,
he's going to mumbai,
204
00:11:10,455 --> 00:11:11,987
He's traveling to australia.
205
00:11:11,989 --> 00:11:16,325
- Here at the age of 72,
chandra suddenly finds himself
206
00:11:16,327 --> 00:11:18,060
A completely
different human being
207
00:11:18,062 --> 00:11:19,462
In a completely different world.
208
00:11:19,464 --> 00:11:22,831
- He gets to meet the
current tallest living person
209
00:11:22,833 --> 00:11:26,060
In the world, he also gets
to meet the shortest woman
210
00:11:26,062 --> 00:11:27,562
In the world.
211
00:11:28,422 --> 00:11:32,491
eventually chandra's
new life takes a toll.
212
00:11:32,493 --> 00:11:35,486
- While he's touring,
he catches pneumonia.
213
00:11:35,488 --> 00:11:37,204
He's a diminutive individual
214
00:11:37,206 --> 00:11:40,115
And that means that all
of his internal organs
215
00:11:40,117 --> 00:11:42,951
Are really packed
into a tiny space.
216
00:11:42,953 --> 00:11:44,311
- And one could speculate
217
00:11:44,313 --> 00:11:48,541
That chandra can't bring enough
air into and out of his body
218
00:11:48,543 --> 00:11:51,251
And it's a setup for infection.
219
00:11:51,253 --> 00:11:56,665
on September 3rd,
2015, he passes away
220
00:11:56,667 --> 00:11:59,602
At the lyndon b. Johnson
tropical medical center.
221
00:12:02,340 --> 00:12:06,158
But it comes after packing
a lifetime of experience
222
00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:08,177
Into his final years.
223
00:12:08,179 --> 00:12:10,529
- And what a beautiful capstone
224
00:12:10,531 --> 00:12:13,332
To finally getting
your dues at the end
225
00:12:13,334 --> 00:12:15,401
And going out on a high note.
226
00:12:21,042 --> 00:12:23,326
- Eating as much as you want
and still losing weight
227
00:12:23,328 --> 00:12:26,545
Sounds great to some of us,
but the mysterious case
228
00:12:26,547 --> 00:12:29,773
Of one young boy might
make you think twice.
229
00:12:34,905 --> 00:12:38,482
- Isaac sprague is a, by all
accounts, normal 12-year-old.
230
00:12:38,484 --> 00:12:41,577
In 1853, he goes swimming
in a local swimming hole,
231
00:12:41,579 --> 00:12:43,946
But when he comes out,
he's not feeling well
232
00:12:43,948 --> 00:12:46,866
And his condition
deteriorates very quickly.
233
00:12:46,868 --> 00:12:49,519
He gets feverish,
achy, fatigued.
234
00:12:49,521 --> 00:12:51,053
Over time, his parents notice,
235
00:12:51,055 --> 00:12:52,813
Not only is he
looking quite poorly,
236
00:12:52,815 --> 00:12:54,648
But he's also losing weight.
237
00:12:55,317 --> 00:12:58,318
- He's losing weight so rapidly
that it scares his family.
238
00:12:58,320 --> 00:13:00,112
Obviously, they're worried
about his wellbeing,
239
00:13:00,114 --> 00:13:02,572
But it also scares
people around him.
240
00:13:02,574 --> 00:13:03,907
People kind of withdraw
241
00:13:03,909 --> 00:13:06,244
'cause they don't know if
he has something contagious.
242
00:13:06,246 --> 00:13:08,579
even his
doctors are mystified.
243
00:13:09,940 --> 00:13:14,093
- He goes from
80-odd-pound adolescent
244
00:13:14,095 --> 00:13:17,129
To a 43-pound human skeleton.
245
00:13:18,775 --> 00:13:20,991
- But his weight levels
off at that number.
246
00:13:20,993 --> 00:13:24,011
He stays 43 pounds.
247
00:13:24,013 --> 00:13:27,406
- When you see photos,
they are really shocking.
248
00:13:28,100 --> 00:13:30,676
You almost feel like the
photograph is a fake.
249
00:13:30,678 --> 00:13:33,220
You think, that's
really weird photoshop.
250
00:13:33,222 --> 00:13:35,523
They are actual
photographs of him.
251
00:13:37,860 --> 00:13:40,436
- As he gets older, he is
able to work a little bit
252
00:13:40,438 --> 00:13:42,012
For his father,
who's a shoemaker,
253
00:13:42,014 --> 00:13:43,347
And also for a local grocer.
254
00:13:43,349 --> 00:13:45,441
But he's constantly
fatigued by this work
255
00:13:45,443 --> 00:13:48,619
'cause he doesn't have any
real muscle mass to speak of.
256
00:13:48,621 --> 00:13:49,978
- His parents support him,
257
00:13:49,980 --> 00:13:52,522
But eventually his
parents pass away
258
00:13:52,524 --> 00:13:54,374
And he has to earn a living.
259
00:13:54,376 --> 00:13:55,634
so he asks himself,
260
00:13:55,636 --> 00:13:58,838
Is there a way to turn
this condition into cash?
261
00:13:58,840 --> 00:14:02,967
- In 1865, he gets an
offer from the circus.
262
00:14:04,370 --> 00:14:06,645
It's unclear whether he wants
to do it, but he does it
263
00:14:06,647 --> 00:14:09,039
Because it's really
his only option.
264
00:14:09,041 --> 00:14:12,284
Sprague debuts as
the living skeleton.
265
00:14:12,286 --> 00:14:16,572
- Isaac sprague eventually
catches the eye of p.T. Barnum
266
00:14:16,574 --> 00:14:21,068
And barnum gets sprague
to join his company.
267
00:14:21,070 --> 00:14:23,595
He's performing with
the four-legged woman,
268
00:14:23,597 --> 00:14:24,964
The lion-faced man.
269
00:14:24,966 --> 00:14:28,000
Zip the "what is it?", who
astounds the crown heads
270
00:14:28,002 --> 00:14:30,352
Of europe when barnum
had him under contract.
271
00:14:30,354 --> 00:14:31,537
- On the one hand,
272
00:14:31,539 --> 00:14:33,897
He is kind of making
lemonade out of lemons,
273
00:14:33,899 --> 00:14:37,476
But it's actually kind of
a grueling job to have.
274
00:14:37,478 --> 00:14:41,088
sprague dazzles
the crowds, but at a cost.
275
00:14:42,758 --> 00:14:46,076
- Isaac sprague has
neither fat nor muscle.
276
00:14:46,078 --> 00:14:49,329
So for his body
to survive, he has
277
00:14:49,331 --> 00:14:53,358
To be constantly
consuming caloric intake.
278
00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:56,328
So he deals with that
by having a hip flask
279
00:14:56,330 --> 00:14:58,347
Of sweetened milk,
which gives him fat,
280
00:14:58,349 --> 00:15:00,499
Gives him some sugar
and keeps him going.
281
00:15:00,501 --> 00:15:02,692
Of course, many sideshow
performers had flasks,
282
00:15:02,694 --> 00:15:04,787
But they were
filled with alcohol.
283
00:15:05,356 --> 00:15:07,614
- The great part of
his story, in my eyes,
284
00:15:07,616 --> 00:15:09,608
Is that he does find love.
285
00:15:09,610 --> 00:15:10,951
He meets a young woman
286
00:15:10,953 --> 00:15:13,120
And he falls in love with
her and they get married.
287
00:15:13,122 --> 00:15:15,214
They have three children,
completely healthy,
288
00:15:15,216 --> 00:15:17,107
But that also means that he has
289
00:15:17,109 --> 00:15:18,834
To keep performing
in the sideshow
290
00:15:18,836 --> 00:15:21,379
Because he now has
to support a family.
291
00:15:23,483 --> 00:15:26,759
- He feels the universe
owes him something
292
00:15:26,761 --> 00:15:28,910
Because of his problem.
293
00:15:28,912 --> 00:15:31,697
- He believes that a
stroke of good luck
294
00:15:31,699 --> 00:15:32,682
Is right around the corner.
295
00:15:32,684 --> 00:15:35,234
And so he develops a
problem with gambling.
296
00:15:35,236 --> 00:15:38,086
And so all that great
money from the circus
297
00:15:38,088 --> 00:15:40,239
Doesn't get funneled
to his family.
298
00:15:40,733 --> 00:15:44,068
by late 1886,
sprague is too weak to travel
299
00:15:44,070 --> 00:15:47,863
Or work, so he comes
up with a bizarre plan
300
00:15:47,865 --> 00:15:51,158
To secure desperately
needed cash for his family.
301
00:15:52,503 --> 00:15:55,054
- So he approaches harvard
medical school with an idea.
302
00:15:55,056 --> 00:15:57,723
How about when I die,
you can get my body,
303
00:15:57,725 --> 00:16:00,042
But you have to pay
my family $1,000?
304
00:16:00,819 --> 00:16:05,840
just a few weeks
later, on January 6th, 1887,
305
00:16:05,842 --> 00:16:07,425
Sprague dies.
306
00:16:09,270 --> 00:16:12,204
It's not clear if harvard
ever claims sprague's body
307
00:16:12,206 --> 00:16:13,722
Or pays his heirs,
308
00:16:13,724 --> 00:16:16,583
But allegedly the guy had
another trick up his sleeve.
309
00:16:16,585 --> 00:16:19,586
According to friends, he bet
someone that he wouldn't live
310
00:16:19,588 --> 00:16:21,446
To the following Saturday.
311
00:16:21,448 --> 00:16:24,792
In fitting fashion,
isaac sprague wins
312
00:16:24,794 --> 00:16:26,819
The last bet of his life.
313
00:16:27,846 --> 00:16:30,597
Let's consider another
unbelievable tale.
314
00:16:30,599 --> 00:16:33,942
Meet gary turner,
the elastic man.
315
00:16:38,690 --> 00:16:41,042
- Gary turner,
he's born in 1971
316
00:16:41,044 --> 00:16:44,469
About 150 miles
outside of london.
317
00:16:44,471 --> 00:16:46,455
He plays sports,
he goes to school,
318
00:16:46,457 --> 00:16:48,640
He eats his breakfast
every morning.
319
00:16:48,642 --> 00:16:49,975
He has a normal childhood.
320
00:16:49,977 --> 00:16:53,112
but as gary gets older,
he discovers he can do something
321
00:16:53,114 --> 00:16:54,980
That's anything but normal.
322
00:16:55,516 --> 00:16:58,617
- He can pull the skin from
his neck up over his face.
323
00:16:58,619 --> 00:17:00,269
He can pull his arm skin out.
324
00:17:00,271 --> 00:17:03,672
how is it possible
that gary can do this?
325
00:17:03,674 --> 00:17:06,909
- Gary turner has
ehlers-danlos syndrome.
326
00:17:06,911 --> 00:17:11,563
The typical form is diagnosed
in one in every 5,000 births.
327
00:17:11,565 --> 00:17:15,500
The more extreme examples
range in one in every 40,000.
328
00:17:15,502 --> 00:17:20,039
Gary turner is the most
extreme of the most extreme.
329
00:17:21,842 --> 00:17:24,292
- Gary turner's
an amazing example
330
00:17:24,294 --> 00:17:28,089
Of what used to be called
the rubber skin man act.
331
00:17:29,183 --> 00:17:33,593
- So we all have stretchy
skin to one degree or another,
332
00:17:33,595 --> 00:17:40,342
But in this case, there is a
strange combination of collagen
333
00:17:40,344 --> 00:17:43,521
And elastin in his
skin that allows it
334
00:17:43,523 --> 00:17:46,523
To be extremely
plastic in nature,
335
00:17:46,525 --> 00:17:49,985
Allowing him to stretch it
to an incredible degree.
336
00:17:49,987 --> 00:17:51,536
- Gary's a natural performer.
337
00:17:51,538 --> 00:17:56,024
He loves the spotlight and
nature gave him this gift.
338
00:17:56,026 --> 00:17:58,677
He's on movies, he
does interviews.
339
00:17:58,679 --> 00:18:00,362
- Have a try yourself?
340
00:18:00,364 --> 00:18:02,881
that's amazing.
341
00:18:02,883 --> 00:18:06,802
- Gary mesmerizes crowds by
stretching his abdominal skin
342
00:18:06,804 --> 00:18:08,361
To 6.25 inches.
343
00:18:08,363 --> 00:18:12,541
If you think you can
do that, go ahead, try.
344
00:18:12,543 --> 00:18:15,694
- In 1999, he is declared
345
00:18:15,696 --> 00:18:17,729
To have the world's
stretchiest skin.
346
00:18:17,731 --> 00:18:20,649
And yes, that is
a real category.
347
00:18:20,651 --> 00:18:23,227
- Unlike others who have
physical differences,
348
00:18:23,229 --> 00:18:27,306
He doesn't have to worry
about being nine feet tall.
349
00:18:27,308 --> 00:18:30,967
He doesn't have to worry
about being 21 inches tall.
350
00:18:30,969 --> 00:18:33,970
He can throw on a
sweatshirt and be anybody.
351
00:18:33,972 --> 00:18:36,765
and there's
an additional upside.
352
00:18:36,767 --> 00:18:39,577
- As a silver lining,
he doesn't get wrinkles.
353
00:18:42,306 --> 00:18:44,339
- Take a look at this picture.
354
00:18:44,341 --> 00:18:48,076
At first glance, does it
seem in any way strange?
355
00:18:48,078 --> 00:18:50,212
What if I told you
that a few years
356
00:18:50,214 --> 00:18:51,571
Before this photo was taken,
357
00:18:51,573 --> 00:18:55,801
That iron bar shot straight
through this man's head?
358
00:19:00,774 --> 00:19:05,869
- Phineas gage is a 25-year-old
railroad worker in the town
359
00:19:05,871 --> 00:19:07,812
Of cavendish, vermont.
360
00:19:07,814 --> 00:19:12,985
- Phineas is a professional,
hardworking, brilliant citizen.
361
00:19:13,787 --> 00:19:16,179
- His specialty is explosives
362
00:19:16,181 --> 00:19:17,773
'cause they need to lay
down railroad track,
363
00:19:17,775 --> 00:19:19,283
You have to blow
up a lot of rock.
364
00:19:19,285 --> 00:19:22,244
And so he's the guy
that sets the charge.
365
00:19:22,246 --> 00:19:24,613
- As part of phineas's job,
366
00:19:24,615 --> 00:19:28,892
He has a 3.5 foot iron
bar that he uses
367
00:19:28,894 --> 00:19:30,635
To tamp down the gunpowder.
368
00:19:32,231 --> 00:19:34,973
- But it's very, very,
very dangerous work
369
00:19:34,975 --> 00:19:36,458
Because it's black powder
370
00:19:36,460 --> 00:19:38,977
And black powder can
go off, like that.
371
00:19:41,432 --> 00:19:46,151
- He strikes the rock just so
with his rod, creates a spark.
372
00:19:56,297 --> 00:20:00,199
- That tamping iron
essentially became a bullet.
373
00:20:02,954 --> 00:20:04,586
it shoots upward
374
00:20:04,588 --> 00:20:06,580
And it goes right
into his cheek,
375
00:20:07,658 --> 00:20:09,808
Passes behind his left eye,
376
00:20:09,810 --> 00:20:13,796
And then out the top of his head
through the frontal left lobe.
377
00:20:15,257 --> 00:20:18,092
It flies 80 feet away
from the explosion.
378
00:20:20,921 --> 00:20:25,407
- Everyone is absolutely
certain the man is dead.
379
00:20:25,409 --> 00:20:29,511
To the shock of his crew
mates, he stands up,
380
00:20:29,513 --> 00:20:32,922
Starts walking around,
asking what happened.
381
00:20:32,924 --> 00:20:35,334
He doesn't seem
particularly alarmed.
382
00:20:35,336 --> 00:20:41,006
Because the tapered end of
the bar exits his skull,
383
00:20:41,008 --> 00:20:43,224
He is spared
greater brain damage
384
00:20:43,226 --> 00:20:45,410
Than he otherwise
would've suffered.
385
00:20:45,412 --> 00:20:47,937
doctors managed
to stop the bleeding,
386
00:20:47,939 --> 00:20:52,609
But they wonder, what are
the long term consequences?
387
00:20:52,611 --> 00:20:56,288
- Phineas was known
as an easygoing,
388
00:20:56,290 --> 00:20:58,798
Likable guy before his injury.
389
00:20:58,800 --> 00:21:03,286
The person who returns
to the railroad crew
390
00:21:03,288 --> 00:21:06,381
Is argumentative, abrasive.
391
00:21:06,383 --> 00:21:09,309
- He's irritable,
short-tempered, impulsive,
392
00:21:09,311 --> 00:21:12,312
And he's kind of a jerk
to everybody around him.
393
00:21:12,314 --> 00:21:15,607
- He's prone to
alcoholism and violence
394
00:21:15,609 --> 00:21:19,144
And we could say definitively,
these are two different people.
395
00:21:19,864 --> 00:21:22,397
- Gage becomes kind
of a medical curiosity
396
00:21:22,399 --> 00:21:25,250
And people are wondering
how on earth he survives
397
00:21:25,252 --> 00:21:28,137
And also what is it that
has changed his personality?
398
00:21:28,139 --> 00:21:31,582
And it's really, in some ways,
the beginning of neuroscience.
399
00:21:31,584 --> 00:21:35,077
- The way the rod goes through
his brain, it pierces an area
400
00:21:35,079 --> 00:21:39,339
Of the brain that controls
emotional responses.
401
00:21:39,341 --> 00:21:40,698
- The frontal lobes,
402
00:21:40,700 --> 00:21:43,302
Frontal lobes are
really super important
403
00:21:43,304 --> 00:21:45,179
For behavioral control.
404
00:21:45,181 --> 00:21:48,590
When phineas severely
damages his frontal lobes,
405
00:21:48,592 --> 00:21:51,076
It's like a brake
has been taken off
406
00:21:51,078 --> 00:21:53,336
Of his behavioral regulator
407
00:21:53,338 --> 00:21:56,081
And it is not
uncommon with patients
408
00:21:56,083 --> 00:21:59,618
That have frontal lobe damage
that they act impulsively.
409
00:21:59,620 --> 00:22:01,694
They can act aggressively.
410
00:22:01,696 --> 00:22:03,196
- Prior to this, people
thought personality
411
00:22:03,198 --> 00:22:04,848
Was sort of like an
extension of your soul.
412
00:22:04,850 --> 00:22:06,942
It was some sort of
ethereal part of you
413
00:22:06,944 --> 00:22:10,079
That, you know, you had to work
on all the time as opposed
414
00:22:10,081 --> 00:22:12,297
To something that literally
came out of synapses
415
00:22:12,299 --> 00:22:14,799
And cells and things
in your brain.
416
00:22:14,801 --> 00:22:16,034
however, temper tantrums
417
00:22:16,036 --> 00:22:19,362
Are just one possible side
effect of a brain injury.
418
00:22:19,990 --> 00:22:22,758
- One of the consequences
of certain types
419
00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:25,885
Of head injury is
pseudobulbar affect.
420
00:22:25,887 --> 00:22:29,531
Essentially, that results
in inappropriate laughter
421
00:22:29,533 --> 00:22:33,468
Or crying without any
sort of emotional context.
422
00:22:33,470 --> 00:22:35,804
in hollywood,
we call this Tuesday,
423
00:22:35,806 --> 00:22:38,123
But there's an even more
unusual medical condition
424
00:22:38,125 --> 00:22:42,494
Brought on by a brain injury,
foreign accent syndrome.
425
00:22:42,496 --> 00:22:45,797
- I woke up this morning, I
didn't do anything different.
426
00:22:45,799 --> 00:22:49,468
Then all of a sudden I was
talking in an irish accent.
427
00:22:49,470 --> 00:22:53,838
- A victim of brain trauma
in australia recovers,
428
00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:56,416
Retains the ability of speech
429
00:22:56,418 --> 00:23:00,011
But starts to speak
in an irish brogue.
430
00:23:00,013 --> 00:23:01,630
- I can't shake it.
431
00:23:02,341 --> 00:23:03,823
- It's a bizarre phenomenon
432
00:23:03,825 --> 00:23:06,935
And just one of the many strange
secrets the curious case
433
00:23:06,937 --> 00:23:09,346
Of phineas gage
begins to unlock.
434
00:23:10,407 --> 00:23:14,083
- What I find fascinating
about the phineas gage case
435
00:23:14,085 --> 00:23:17,345
Is that 175 years later,
436
00:23:17,347 --> 00:23:20,515
Scientists are still
studying his case.
437
00:23:20,517 --> 00:23:24,286
He is that important
in the history
438
00:23:24,288 --> 00:23:27,780
Of our understanding
of the human brain.
439
00:23:27,782 --> 00:23:30,542
what eventually
becomes of phineas gage?
440
00:23:30,544 --> 00:23:33,528
- Because of the
change in character
441
00:23:33,530 --> 00:23:35,880
That transpires in phineas,
442
00:23:35,882 --> 00:23:39,284
He can no longer get
along on crew work
443
00:23:39,286 --> 00:23:42,295
And he actually finds
work driving a stagecoach
444
00:23:42,297 --> 00:23:45,382
In south america in
the nation of chile.
445
00:23:47,653 --> 00:23:49,861
- Phineas gage's
skull and tamping iron
446
00:23:49,863 --> 00:23:52,972
Are on display in the
countway library of medicine
447
00:23:52,974 --> 00:23:54,733
At harvard university.
448
00:23:54,735 --> 00:23:56,310
The relics serve as a reminder
449
00:23:56,312 --> 00:23:59,771
Of how remarkably resilient
the human body can be,
450
00:23:59,773 --> 00:24:05,360
But it's nothing compared to
the resilience of chickens.
451
00:24:08,282 --> 00:24:11,366
1945, fruita, colorado.
452
00:24:11,368 --> 00:24:13,918
Farmer lloyd olson
is ready for dinner.
453
00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:18,498
The main course, a
chicken named mike.
454
00:24:26,767 --> 00:24:29,801
- So olson walks out,
hatchet in hand.
455
00:24:31,438 --> 00:24:33,179
He performs the act
456
00:24:33,181 --> 00:24:34,923
That he has performed
countless times
457
00:24:34,925 --> 00:24:36,624
With many other chickens.
458
00:24:41,248 --> 00:24:43,339
- Something's different.
459
00:24:43,341 --> 00:24:46,084
The chicken is still alive,
460
00:24:46,086 --> 00:24:49,178
Still walking and
acting like a chicken,
461
00:24:49,180 --> 00:24:51,990
But lloyd is holding
his head in his hand.
462
00:24:53,543 --> 00:24:55,284
how is this possible?
463
00:24:55,286 --> 00:24:58,021
The answer has a lot to do
with the unique attributes
464
00:24:58,023 --> 00:25:00,131
Of the gallus
gallus domesticuss,
465
00:25:00,133 --> 00:25:03,109
Also known as the
common chicken.
466
00:25:03,111 --> 00:25:06,371
- Chickens are descended
from the dinosaurs
467
00:25:06,373 --> 00:25:10,100
From a group called
the theropods,
468
00:25:10,102 --> 00:25:13,545
Which include all of
those famous meat eaters
469
00:25:13,547 --> 00:25:17,632
Like velociraptor and
tyrannosaurus rex.
470
00:25:18,652 --> 00:25:21,787
- Chickens have over 30
different kinds of vocalizations
471
00:25:21,789 --> 00:25:23,805
That they use to communicate
with other chickens.
472
00:25:23,807 --> 00:25:26,458
They can remember up to a
hundred different faces,
473
00:25:26,460 --> 00:25:27,967
Human or chicken or otherwise.
474
00:25:27,969 --> 00:25:30,112
They actually
experience rem sleep
475
00:25:30,114 --> 00:25:33,323
Because we can measure
their eye movements.
476
00:25:34,134 --> 00:25:35,409
These are pretty smart birds.
477
00:25:35,411 --> 00:25:37,344
unfortunately,
mike loses every one
478
00:25:37,346 --> 00:25:40,989
Of these attributes once
lloyd olson brings the ax down
479
00:25:40,991 --> 00:25:42,340
On his feathery neck.
480
00:25:44,043 --> 00:25:45,577
- When farmer olson heads out
481
00:25:45,579 --> 00:25:48,297
For the traditional
ax and stump routine
482
00:25:48,299 --> 00:25:52,600
With mike the chicken, he ends
up conducting what amounts
483
00:25:52,602 --> 00:25:56,254
To a complicated form
of brain surgery.
484
00:25:56,256 --> 00:25:59,924
His ax cleaves the
skull in such a way
485
00:25:59,926 --> 00:26:03,586
That it leaves the
stem of the brain.
486
00:26:03,588 --> 00:26:07,924
If you have that brain stem,
the circulatory functions,
487
00:26:07,926 --> 00:26:12,170
The respiratory functions, the
motor skills are left intact
488
00:26:12,172 --> 00:26:18,159
And he is left with this living,
essentially headless chicken.
489
00:26:18,161 --> 00:26:20,528
Turns out that you
don't need a whole brain
490
00:26:20,530 --> 00:26:21,913
To run a chicken.
491
00:26:22,791 --> 00:26:26,626
- Now, he has to feed
it very peculiarly.
492
00:26:26,628 --> 00:26:29,212
- So mike, being
headless, has no mouth
493
00:26:29,214 --> 00:26:31,506
And so can't eat in
the traditional way.
494
00:26:31,508 --> 00:26:34,042
But after the beheading,
there's a little opening
495
00:26:34,044 --> 00:26:36,561
To the esophagus
exposed right there.
496
00:26:36,563 --> 00:26:39,573
Lloyd is able to keep mike
the headless chicken alive
497
00:26:39,575 --> 00:26:42,959
By feeding food with an
eyedropper through that opening,
498
00:26:43,753 --> 00:26:45,503
pretty soon,
farmer olson's chicken
499
00:26:45,505 --> 00:26:47,539
Becomes the talk of the town.
500
00:26:47,541 --> 00:26:49,641
- He starts to show it
around the neighbors, like,
501
00:26:49,643 --> 00:26:51,467
"look, I've got a
headless chicken."
502
00:26:51,469 --> 00:26:52,527
I would show it off.
503
00:26:52,529 --> 00:26:55,046
- Lloyd olson realizes
pretty quickly
504
00:26:55,048 --> 00:26:58,033
That a headless chicken
which is still alive
505
00:26:58,035 --> 00:27:00,159
Is an amazing attraction
506
00:27:00,161 --> 00:27:03,663
And he takes that
animal on the road.
507
00:27:03,665 --> 00:27:07,091
So lloyd's doing everything
he can with mike.
508
00:27:07,093 --> 00:27:11,003
He's featured in "life magazine"
and he plays a world's fair
509
00:27:11,005 --> 00:27:13,114
And he's going to
carnivals and circuses.
510
00:27:13,116 --> 00:27:14,674
They're staying in hotels,
511
00:27:14,676 --> 00:27:17,010
And lloyd and mike
are living large,
512
00:27:17,012 --> 00:27:20,513
And he's making the equivalent
of like, 60,000 bucks a month
513
00:27:20,515 --> 00:27:24,333
Off this bird that's
headless, but still alive.
514
00:27:24,335 --> 00:27:28,254
At long last though,
things do come to an end.
515
00:27:28,899 --> 00:27:32,358
- After 18 months of
touring on the road,
516
00:27:32,360 --> 00:27:36,697
Mike unfortunately chokes to
death on a kernel of corn.
517
00:27:39,426 --> 00:27:43,537
but mike's short
life makes a lasting impact.
518
00:27:44,998 --> 00:27:47,949
- Fruita, colorado
still does celebrate
519
00:27:47,951 --> 00:27:50,359
Their most famous citizen,
520
00:27:50,361 --> 00:27:53,696
Mike the headless chicken,
with an annual festival,
521
00:27:53,698 --> 00:27:55,123
The catch line for which is,
522
00:27:55,125 --> 00:27:58,218
"keeping an open
mind since 1945."
523
00:27:59,555 --> 00:28:03,281
- Mike's unbelievable tale
raises an obvious question.
524
00:28:03,283 --> 00:28:07,728
If a headless chicken can
survive, can a headless human?
525
00:28:09,055 --> 00:28:13,341
- In 1905, a french doctor
is present at the guillotine.
526
00:28:13,343 --> 00:28:17,028
He's waiting for the guillotine
to slice a criminal's head off
527
00:28:17,030 --> 00:28:20,340
And after the head
has been decapitated,
528
00:28:20,342 --> 00:28:22,926
The doctor calls out
the criminal's name
529
00:28:22,928 --> 00:28:26,245
And apparently the criminal
looks at the doctor.
530
00:28:26,247 --> 00:28:27,472
And then looks back,
531
00:28:27,474 --> 00:28:30,141
And the doctor calls out the
name again and looks back,
532
00:28:30,143 --> 00:28:31,509
And then the doctor calls out
533
00:28:31,511 --> 00:28:34,070
The criminal's name a third
time and there's no response.
534
00:28:34,072 --> 00:28:36,697
So based on that, this
french doctor estimates
535
00:28:36,699 --> 00:28:41,136
That the human brain is able
to stay conscious and awake
536
00:28:41,138 --> 00:28:44,580
And present for up to
30 seconds after death.
537
00:28:45,225 --> 00:28:47,416
sometimes,
the line between life
538
00:28:47,418 --> 00:28:51,521
And death isn't as
clear as we think.
539
00:28:54,434 --> 00:28:56,434
- Not all astonishing
bodies are bodies
540
00:28:56,436 --> 00:28:58,103
In the conventional sense.
541
00:28:58,105 --> 00:29:02,157
Consider one mysterious
salt lake on the border
542
00:29:02,159 --> 00:29:04,192
Of tanzania and kenya.
543
00:29:07,831 --> 00:29:10,281
- As soon as you see
pictures of lake natron,
544
00:29:10,283 --> 00:29:13,834
You know that something
strange is happening here.
545
00:29:13,836 --> 00:29:18,614
It seems eerie, dead,
and otherworldly.
546
00:29:18,616 --> 00:29:21,860
- It's 13 miles
away from a volcano.
547
00:29:21,862 --> 00:29:24,554
The locals call it
the mountain of god
548
00:29:24,556 --> 00:29:27,456
And it spits out
carbonatite lava.
549
00:29:27,458 --> 00:29:29,534
And that stuff is
pretty extraordinary
550
00:29:29,536 --> 00:29:33,538
Because it's calcium,
sodium, and carbon dioxide
551
00:29:33,540 --> 00:29:35,941
And that's what makes
it so corrosive.
552
00:29:38,545 --> 00:29:41,212
this is currently
the only place on earth
553
00:29:41,214 --> 00:29:44,232
Spewing this particularly
nasty kind of lava
554
00:29:44,234 --> 00:29:46,993
And much of it makes its
way into lake natron.
555
00:29:48,088 --> 00:29:51,255
- So water is constantly
flowing into the lake,
556
00:29:51,257 --> 00:29:53,091
Carrying with it minerals,
557
00:29:53,093 --> 00:29:55,660
And then the water
evaporates off the surface
558
00:29:55,662 --> 00:29:58,913
And it leaves behind
a high concentration
559
00:29:58,915 --> 00:30:00,865
Of sodium carbonates.
560
00:30:00,867 --> 00:30:03,944
These are molecules made
of sodium and carbon.
561
00:30:03,946 --> 00:30:06,129
You are very familiar
with a certain kind
562
00:30:06,131 --> 00:30:11,017
Of sodium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate, aka baking soda.
563
00:30:11,019 --> 00:30:15,338
This makes the lake
extremely alkaline.
564
00:30:15,340 --> 00:30:19,150
It has similar ph
to straight ammonia.
565
00:30:20,587 --> 00:30:23,238
- Alkaline is the
opposite of acidic,
566
00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:25,514
But the effects that
it'll have on you
567
00:30:25,516 --> 00:30:27,200
Are equally corrosive.
568
00:30:27,202 --> 00:30:29,619
If you were to drink
some of that water,
569
00:30:30,313 --> 00:30:32,889
You're gonna feel it
immediately on your lips
570
00:30:32,891 --> 00:30:36,333
As it goes down your tongue
and into your esophagus,
571
00:30:36,335 --> 00:30:40,463
All along the way, nothing
but horror and pain.
572
00:30:41,950 --> 00:30:44,467
Even though most of
the animals avoid it,
573
00:30:44,469 --> 00:30:47,045
Sometimes animals
do get in the lake
574
00:30:47,781 --> 00:30:49,881
And they basically
become petrified.
575
00:30:49,883 --> 00:30:52,133
It's like they looked at medusa.
576
00:30:52,135 --> 00:30:54,152
- Creatures that
perish in lake natron
577
00:30:54,154 --> 00:30:55,604
Don't actually turn to stone.
578
00:30:55,606 --> 00:30:58,039
They become calcified, meaning,
579
00:30:58,041 --> 00:31:01,909
They are encrusted in
these mineral salts
580
00:31:01,911 --> 00:31:05,880
In such a way that
preserves their bodies.
581
00:31:05,882 --> 00:31:08,516
- There are these pictures
of these birds that are dead.
582
00:31:08,518 --> 00:31:11,243
They look like
they're still alive,
583
00:31:11,245 --> 00:31:14,338
But alive like a
zombie is alive.
584
00:31:17,443 --> 00:31:22,680
but not everything that
touches this strange lake dies.
585
00:31:22,682 --> 00:31:24,849
- Perhaps most marvelous of all,
586
00:31:24,851 --> 00:31:29,487
You have two and a half
million lesser flamingos
587
00:31:29,489 --> 00:31:32,991
Who don't just
live at this lake,
588
00:31:32,993 --> 00:31:34,767
But they actually nest there.
589
00:31:35,436 --> 00:31:40,047
- The flamingos are specially
adapted to this environment.
590
00:31:40,049 --> 00:31:44,268
They have thick scales on
their legs that allow them
591
00:31:44,270 --> 00:31:47,538
To withstand this highly
corrosive environment.
592
00:31:47,540 --> 00:31:51,284
And then, all the salts that
they're constantly ingesting,
593
00:31:51,286 --> 00:31:54,304
They have special salt
glands near their beaks
594
00:31:54,306 --> 00:31:58,208
That pull salt out of their
bloodstream and expel it.
595
00:31:59,452 --> 00:32:02,611
the algae they
eat are also peculiar.
596
00:32:02,613 --> 00:32:04,355
- There's a special
kind of algae
597
00:32:04,357 --> 00:32:07,041
That thrives in these conditions
598
00:32:07,043 --> 00:32:09,377
And occasionally
has seasonal blooms
599
00:32:09,379 --> 00:32:11,287
That turn it a very red color,
600
00:32:11,289 --> 00:32:14,148
Which actually
provides the pigment
601
00:32:14,150 --> 00:32:16,184
That makes those flamingos pink.
602
00:32:17,104 --> 00:32:19,403
it's astounding
that this body of water
603
00:32:19,405 --> 00:32:23,215
Produces such visions
of beauty and horror.
604
00:32:23,910 --> 00:32:25,660
- Because the lake
water is so clear,
605
00:32:25,662 --> 00:32:27,962
You can't really tell
where the horizon is,
606
00:32:27,964 --> 00:32:30,898
Where the lake stops
and the ground begins.
607
00:32:30,900 --> 00:32:34,810
in 2007, a news
crew flying over lake natron
608
00:32:34,812 --> 00:32:36,955
Experiences that firsthand.
609
00:32:38,241 --> 00:32:40,074
- This lake is
very, very shallow,
610
00:32:40,076 --> 00:32:44,679
No more than 10 feet deep,
and it's incredibly reflective
611
00:32:44,681 --> 00:32:47,248
And so it's hard to tell
where the surface is.
612
00:32:47,250 --> 00:32:49,008
And there was an accident.
613
00:32:50,721 --> 00:32:53,805
- The helicopter
crashed into the lake.
614
00:32:55,133 --> 00:32:57,775
What happens is, the
people have enough time,
615
00:32:57,777 --> 00:33:00,729
They can survive long
enough to swim to the shore.
616
00:33:01,690 --> 00:33:04,365
But the helicopter,
it's made of metals
617
00:33:04,367 --> 00:33:07,777
And this thing immediately
begins to corrode.
618
00:33:10,273 --> 00:33:12,198
despite
its lethal waters,
619
00:33:12,200 --> 00:33:14,125
Lake natron is a paradise
620
00:33:14,127 --> 00:33:16,427
Compared to our
next bizarre body.
621
00:33:16,429 --> 00:33:18,245
Anyone who says,
"beam me up, scotty,"
622
00:33:18,247 --> 00:33:21,332
To this place
probably shouldn't.
623
00:33:23,420 --> 00:33:29,390
- Planet hd 189733b is
63 light years away,
624
00:33:29,392 --> 00:33:32,868
Which in the cosmic scheme of
things, is relatively close.
625
00:33:32,870 --> 00:33:36,372
- Now, this celestial
body, it is amazing.
626
00:33:36,374 --> 00:33:38,116
We're talking about a planet
627
00:33:38,118 --> 00:33:42,420
That is even bigger than our
jupiter in our solar system.
628
00:33:42,422 --> 00:33:45,773
- It does look to be blue
and we kind of have this idea
629
00:33:45,775 --> 00:33:47,609
That you know, we are
the pale blue dot.
630
00:33:47,611 --> 00:33:48,810
So another pale blue dot
631
00:33:48,812 --> 00:33:52,238
Is therefore going to be
the best place for us to go.
632
00:33:52,240 --> 00:33:54,449
- No, this is a hell world.
633
00:33:55,143 --> 00:33:57,168
- It's a little hot
and a little windy.
634
00:33:57,170 --> 00:33:58,986
The temperature is
1,000 degrees fahrenheit
635
00:33:58,988 --> 00:34:04,008
At the surface and the winds
blow at 5,400 miles per hour.
636
00:34:04,010 --> 00:34:08,179
- If you were to go to this
planet, you would boil and burn
637
00:34:08,181 --> 00:34:12,575
And then the wind would whip
you around like a leaf on fire.
638
00:34:12,577 --> 00:34:14,152
Then there's the rain.
639
00:34:14,845 --> 00:34:17,521
It is actually silicate
particles that are so hot,
640
00:34:17,523 --> 00:34:21,025
It's kind of like
raining molten glass.
641
00:34:21,027 --> 00:34:24,871
- So if you could imagine
being sand blasted, right,
642
00:34:24,873 --> 00:34:28,199
You would be reduced to
a skeleton in minutes,
643
00:34:28,201 --> 00:34:30,485
If not seconds, on this planet.
644
00:34:31,570 --> 00:34:33,296
with
conditions like this,
645
00:34:33,298 --> 00:34:39,177
It's doubtful we'll be visiting
hd189733b anytime soon.
646
00:34:39,179 --> 00:34:40,178
- If you're asking me
647
00:34:40,180 --> 00:34:42,046
Where to find the most
astonishing bodies,
648
00:34:42,048 --> 00:34:42,997
I'm looking to the sky
649
00:34:42,999 --> 00:34:45,283
And I'm looking out
into the universe.
650
00:34:45,919 --> 00:34:49,378
This planet is not what
I would call hospitable,
651
00:34:49,380 --> 00:34:52,573
But I want to know if there are
any other astonishing worlds
652
00:34:52,575 --> 00:34:56,469
That we are gonna find in our
galaxy of 400 billion stars.
653
00:35:01,058 --> 00:35:03,977
- We've all heard the phrase,
"two heads are better than one,"
654
00:35:03,979 --> 00:35:05,995
But what about 2,000?
655
00:35:14,414 --> 00:35:16,172
- The ancient city of abydos
656
00:35:16,174 --> 00:35:18,974
Is one of the most
significant locations
657
00:35:18,976 --> 00:35:20,568
Of all ancient egypt.
658
00:35:20,570 --> 00:35:26,665
The first things we find in
abydos dates back to 3,500 bc,
659
00:35:26,667 --> 00:35:29,919
That's over 5,500 years ago.
660
00:35:31,505 --> 00:35:35,550
- It's a massive,
sprawling temple compound.
661
00:35:35,552 --> 00:35:38,827
It is used in part for burial,
662
00:35:38,829 --> 00:35:42,423
Including of first
dynasty rulers,
663
00:35:42,425 --> 00:35:45,243
But there's all
kinds of symbology
664
00:35:45,245 --> 00:35:47,111
That run through the complex
665
00:35:47,113 --> 00:35:50,273
That we modern westerners
do not understand.
666
00:35:52,752 --> 00:35:55,019
much of the
site remains a mystery
667
00:35:55,021 --> 00:35:59,123
Until an unbelievable
discovery is made in 2023
668
00:35:59,125 --> 00:36:01,350
By a team from new
york university.
669
00:36:02,186 --> 00:36:06,522
- So this team is digging,
gingerly brushing away at sand,
670
00:36:06,524 --> 00:36:08,440
And they find these pieces
671
00:36:08,442 --> 00:36:11,252
Of what ends up becoming
the skull of a ram.
672
00:36:11,254 --> 00:36:14,305
curiously, the ram
skull has been mummified
673
00:36:14,307 --> 00:36:16,966
And deliberately
placed here for burial.
674
00:36:18,929 --> 00:36:22,947
- This is very, very
promising, so they keep going,
675
00:36:22,949 --> 00:36:26,100
Thinking, like, we could
find an intact ram.
676
00:36:26,102 --> 00:36:30,788
- This team from nyu comes
across not one, not two,
677
00:36:30,790 --> 00:36:33,149
Not 5, not 10, not 20.
678
00:36:34,210 --> 00:36:38,212
- They find 2,000 ram heads,
679
00:36:38,214 --> 00:36:41,407
All specifically stacked
next to each other.
680
00:36:42,235 --> 00:36:45,278
- These are not just
skulls straight out
681
00:36:45,280 --> 00:36:46,412
Of the butcher shop.
682
00:36:46,414 --> 00:36:50,149
These are treated
like sacred objects.
683
00:36:50,151 --> 00:36:52,710
- This is not a
cumulative scenario.
684
00:36:52,712 --> 00:36:56,580
All of these skulls got
put there at the same time.
685
00:36:56,582 --> 00:37:01,052
but why would
anyone mummify 2,000 rams?
686
00:37:01,880 --> 00:37:04,263
- Ramses ii, or
ramses the great,
687
00:37:04,265 --> 00:37:05,523
Is the pharaoh that's alive
688
00:37:05,525 --> 00:37:08,351
When the abydos temple
complex is completed.
689
00:37:08,353 --> 00:37:11,562
However, we also know that
these rams were placed
690
00:37:11,564 --> 00:37:13,498
Into the skull room
2,000 years ago,
691
00:37:13,500 --> 00:37:17,801
Which is 1,000 years
after ramses ii died.
692
00:37:17,803 --> 00:37:20,438
The theory is that he's
still being worshiped
693
00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:22,657
One millennium after he passes.
694
00:37:23,793 --> 00:37:25,760
- Another question
raises itself.
695
00:37:25,762 --> 00:37:27,711
What happened to the
rest of the bull?
696
00:37:27,713 --> 00:37:32,791
It's only mummified heads of
the rams, not the whole body,
697
00:37:32,793 --> 00:37:33,868
Which is significant
698
00:37:33,870 --> 00:37:36,804
Because we have mummified
animals in ancient egypt
699
00:37:36,806 --> 00:37:40,591
And the whole body is
mummified, not just the skull.
700
00:37:41,644 --> 00:37:44,895
It's very likely that
that was done on purpose.
701
00:37:44,897 --> 00:37:46,630
that part
is still a mystery
702
00:37:46,632 --> 00:37:49,516
And certainly not the first
we encounter in egypt.
703
00:37:50,153 --> 00:37:54,705
Over 150 years ago, an even
stranger collection of bodies,
704
00:37:54,707 --> 00:37:56,490
Whole ones, is unearthed
705
00:37:56,492 --> 00:37:59,510
By french archeologist
auguste mariette.
706
00:38:01,714 --> 00:38:04,782
- In 1851, there is a
pretty interesting discovery
707
00:38:04,784 --> 00:38:07,535
That you could say
is somewhat similar.
708
00:38:08,263 --> 00:38:11,922
Auguste mariette has a
huge team out at saqqara.
709
00:38:11,924 --> 00:38:13,724
- And he is
searching for a place
710
00:38:13,726 --> 00:38:18,095
That local bedouin lore
says is a burial ground
711
00:38:18,097 --> 00:38:19,922
That's a bit weird.
712
00:38:21,350 --> 00:38:23,468
- It is about 10
miles to the south
713
00:38:23,470 --> 00:38:25,244
Of the great pyramids of giza.
714
00:38:25,246 --> 00:38:29,431
I have to also mention,
before mariette's discovery,
715
00:38:29,433 --> 00:38:34,378
The bedouins of egypt name
this "the monsters' cage,"
716
00:38:34,380 --> 00:38:37,047
The place that
keeps monsters in.
717
00:38:37,850 --> 00:38:40,400
- Local bedouin
tribes tell the team
718
00:38:40,402 --> 00:38:45,623
Of excavators something
unique exists in this area.
719
00:38:45,625 --> 00:38:49,369
- They come upon a thing
that is startling.
720
00:38:50,472 --> 00:38:53,164
- He finds this
boulevard of stairs.
721
00:38:54,967 --> 00:38:56,951
- He takes his torch, he enters,
722
00:38:56,953 --> 00:38:59,770
And as he walks through,
he finds one room
723
00:38:59,772 --> 00:39:03,257
After the other of
massive sarcophagi.
724
00:39:04,544 --> 00:39:07,595
- There's 24 and they're giant.
725
00:39:07,597 --> 00:39:13,384
12 feet, by 6 feet, by 6
feet, 40,000 pound lids.
726
00:39:13,386 --> 00:39:16,562
Why are these
coffins so massive?
727
00:39:16,564 --> 00:39:17,555
What are they containing
728
00:39:17,557 --> 00:39:19,640
And what are they trying
to keep contained?
729
00:39:19,642 --> 00:39:21,049
- And you have to understand,
730
00:39:21,051 --> 00:39:26,280
Mariette now thinks he's walking
into the cage for monsters.
731
00:39:26,282 --> 00:39:28,649
The bedouins are very upset
732
00:39:28,651 --> 00:39:32,936
Because they think mariette is
bringing those monsters out.
733
00:39:32,938 --> 00:39:34,062
mariette
and his team manage
734
00:39:34,064 --> 00:39:37,625
To remove one of these
giant lids and peer inside.
735
00:39:38,486 --> 00:39:43,147
- They find a full
mummy of an apis bull.
736
00:39:43,149 --> 00:39:48,102
We're talking a 1,300
pound bull, massive animal.
737
00:39:48,104 --> 00:39:51,772
- Bulls are extremely important
to the ancient egyptians.
738
00:39:51,774 --> 00:39:56,268
They are understood as
mediators between the individual
739
00:39:56,270 --> 00:40:01,106
And the gods, in the same
way some westerners today
740
00:40:01,108 --> 00:40:05,278
Understand saints as
mediators to the holy.
741
00:40:05,280 --> 00:40:08,614
these apis bulls
are sacrificed starting
742
00:40:08,616 --> 00:40:11,099
About 3,000 bce.
743
00:40:11,101 --> 00:40:13,952
It's part of an elaborate
religious ritual that
744
00:40:13,954 --> 00:40:18,391
Takes place at key astrological
times across centuries.
745
00:40:19,051 --> 00:40:22,127
- Each of these sarcophagi
has a inscription on the side
746
00:40:22,129 --> 00:40:25,964
That specifically reads, in
ancient egyptian hieroglyphs,
747
00:40:25,966 --> 00:40:29,952
"this is where the
apis bull stays,"
748
00:40:29,954 --> 00:40:34,265
Hence the bedouins calling
it the monsters' cage.
749
00:40:35,134 --> 00:40:36,984
to mariette's surprise,
750
00:40:36,986 --> 00:40:40,128
Not all the bulls are
left to rest in peace.
751
00:40:40,130 --> 00:40:43,791
- Mariette finds one sarcophagus
that is broken through.
752
00:40:43,793 --> 00:40:46,727
It's unclear, is it the
monster that broke out
753
00:40:46,729 --> 00:40:51,990
Or someone broke in to steal
what's inside the sarcophagus?
754
00:40:51,992 --> 00:40:53,417
It is another mystery.
755
00:40:53,419 --> 00:40:55,703
So you dug yourself
into another mystery
756
00:40:55,705 --> 00:40:58,389
While trying to
solve your first one.
757
00:40:58,391 --> 00:41:01,209
That's the life of
an archeologist.
758
00:41:04,063 --> 00:41:08,716
- Whether human, animal, or
literally out of this world,
759
00:41:08,718 --> 00:41:10,735
These tales of
astonishing bodies
760
00:41:10,737 --> 00:41:15,931
Leave us asking one simple
question, what else is out there
761
00:41:15,933 --> 00:41:19,352
That could be even
more unbelievable?
762
00:41:19,432 --> 00:41:21,432
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