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No Such Thing As A Fish
No Such Thing As A Fish

Little Fish: I'm Not Even On The Internet Right Now

August 16, 2026 • 34m

Summary

⏱️ 6 min read

Overview

In this episode of Little Fish, hosts Anna, Dan, and James share fascinating listener-submitted facts while recording remotely from separate locations. The discussion ranges from workplace safety regulations to carnivorous plants, from ATP molecules to transistor production, covering everything from ancient Jerusalem's lost property system to pets that are actually rocks. The hosts maintain their characteristic humor while exploring these diverse topics.

Hidden Reports and Railway Safety

The episode opens with a fact about the Clapham rail crash investigation. A signal engineer's overwork led to the disaster, and the subsequent inquiry was conducted by Sir Anthony Hidden - a coincidentally perfect name given the report's nature. This incident directly led to modern regulations requiring train crews to have 12 hours rest between shifts and at least one day off per fortnight.

  • The Clapham rail crash investigation report was led by Sir Anthony Hidden
  • The crash was caused by an overworked signal engineer
  • Current regulations require train crews to have 12 hours rest between shifts and one day off per fortnight
" This report was named after Sir Anthony Hidden. "

Plants That Turn Caterpillars Cannibalistic

Tomato plants have evolved a remarkable defense mechanism against caterpillar attacks. When under assault, they release chemicals called methyl jasmine that make the plants taste so disgusting that caterpillars would rather eat each other than continue eating the plant. This chemical signal also warns neighboring plants to activate their own defenses, creating a network of plant communication.

  • Tomato plants produce chemicals that make caterpillars eat each other instead of the plant
  • The chemical is called methyl jasmine and makes the plant taste disgusting
  • Different plants smell this chemical and release their own defensive smells
  • The plant essentially rearranges the menu to make other caterpillars the optimal choice
" The plant rearranges the menu for the caterpillar to make the other caterpillars the optimal choice. "

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