The Sound Of Science | Do Sloths Fart?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: The Sound Of Science | Do Sloths Fart?
Release Date: August 10, 2025

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Introduction to "The Sound Of Science"

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delves into the intriguing world of science with his beloved segment, "The Sound Of Science." Known for his wit and humor, Colbert navigates a series of fascinating scientific discoveries and quirky facts, blending entertainment with education.

Archaeologists and the Ancient Roman Villa Puzzle

Timestamp: 02:45

Colbert kicks off the segment by highlighting the meticulous work of archaeologists in London. They are currently engaged in assembling thousands of shattered fresco blocks from an ancient Roman villa, a project dubbed the "world's most difficult jigsaw puzzle." Colbert humorously compares this challenge to the previously held title by the "Ravensburger 1000 pizza cats galore," remarking, "All the cats look the same. They all look the same." (02:50)

The host appreciates the dedication involved, adding, "I love a puzzle. You like a puzzle. Good puzzle." (03:10) This lighthearted take underscores the human fascination with unraveling historical mysteries.

Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes to Combat Malaria

Timestamp: 04:15

Next, Colbert discusses a groundbreaking scientific advancement: the genetic engineering of a lethal mosquito STD aimed at combating malaria. He quips, "Now when I get a bite, I don't have to worry about malaria, just mosquito herpes. You had an ethical duty to inform me so I could inform my lovers." (04:30) This humorous approach brings attention to the serious implications of genetic modifications in disease control.

Moths Listening to Plants

Timestamp: 05:05

Shifting to the plant-insect communication, Colbert introduces a fascinating study where scientists discovered that moths can hear and interpret plants' acoustic distress signals. He jokes, "Scientists hypothesized that this was the case after observing that moths always got plants exactly what they wanted for their birthdays. How did it know? How did the moth know the plant wanted boots?" (05:10)

He further elaborates on the research, stating, "It's been long known that plants make sounds in the ultrasonic range when they're stressed. But now, for the first time, researchers have shown that insects can hear and interpret plants' acoustic distress signals." (05:25) Colbert creatively ties this discovery to his fictional suburban hardcore dad metal band, "Acoustic Distress Signals," adding a humorous personal touch.

Do Sloths Fart?

Timestamp: 06:00

Addressing a more whimsical topic, Colbert tackles the long-debated question: "Do sloths fart?" (06:10) He explains that the predominant theory suggested sloths don't produce methane due to their slow digestion, effectively absorbing it into their bloodstream. However, a recent video has provided evidence contradicting this belief, showing bubbles beneath the water—"Good for you, Science." (06:20)

Colbert humorously connects this finding to broader scientific implications by pondering, "If you have time for I missed the parade. Because there had to be a parade. If you cured cancer." (06:40) This playful banter highlights the unexpected nature of scientific discoveries.

Food Safety and Washing Watermelons

Timestamp: 06:55

The segment continues with food safety tips, where Colbert shares expert advice on washing watermelons to avoid food poisoning. He humorously laments the increasing list of food regulations, sarcastically questioning, "What's next to tell me I have to peel the banana before eating it and not bite into the side of it like a horse." (07:00)

Innovative Cow Toilets in Switzerland

Timestamp: 07:15

Colbert then shifts focus to agricultural advancements, discussing a Swiss invention designed to reduce emissions from cows. He describes the unique cow toilet system: "Cows are lured into the freestanding cow toilet with feed. Then are stimulated between the udder and the vulva so that they can urinate, which they say is way more effective than the old method of waiting till they're asleep than putting one of their hooves in a bucket of warm water." (07:20)

The host humorously questions the practicality of the process, ensuring the audience remains entertained while informed about innovative solutions to environmental issues.

Microplastics in Glass vs. Plastic Bottles

Timestamp: 07:40

Concluding the scientific explorations, Colbert presents a study revealing that glass bottles may contain up to 50 times more microplastics than their plastic counterparts, primarily due to the paint on their caps. He references Snapple caps, humorously noting, "Like, you're going to die from a brain full of plastic. Plastic man. Everything's killing us." (07:45)

He attributes the research to the French food safety watchdog ANSES, playfully summarizing their commitment with, "You got questions? We got ANSES. French ones." (07:50)

Conclusion of "The Sound Of Science"

Timestamp: 07:52

Stephen Colbert wraps up the segment with his characteristic blend of humor and insight, encouraging listeners to stay curious about the world around them. He seamlessly transitions into promotional content, maintaining engagement until the next segment begins.

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Notable Highlights and Quotes

• Ancient Roman Villa Puzzle:
  "All the cats look the same. They all look the same." – Stephen Colbert (02:50)

• Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes:
  "Now when I get a bite, I don't have to worry about malaria, just mosquito herpes." – Stephen Colbert (04:30)

• Moths Listening to Plants:
  "How did it know? How did the moth know the plant wanted boots?" – Stephen Colbert (05:10)

• Do Sloths Fart?:
  "Good for you, Science." – Stephen Colbert (06:20)

• Microplastics in Bottles:
  "You're going to die from a brain full of plastic. Plastic man." – Stephen Colbert (07:45)

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Final Thoughts

In this episode, Stephen Colbert masterfully blends humor with scientific discourse, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for his audience. From ancient puzzles and genetic engineering to the quirky world of sloth biology and environmental innovations, Colbert ensures that listeners are both informed and amused. "The Sound Of Science" segment stands as a testament to Colbert's ability to engage audiences with intellectual content delivered in a relatable and humorous manner.

Whether you're a science enthusiast or someone who enjoys a good laugh, this episode offers a compelling mix of knowledge and entertainment, exemplifying why The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert remains a favorite among late-night podcast listeners.

Transcript

[Stephen Colbert]

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[LL Cool J]

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[Stephen Colbert]

Folks, I love science. If I didn't know anything about science, there'd be nothing to complain about while watching Pacific Rim. Why didn't you make your giant robot bigger than the monster? Why is it exactly the same size as the monster? That's like bringing a knife to a knife fight. Come on, come on. Bring a gun. Do they have guns where you're from? Why are you. Why are you just punching the monster? I'd like to tell you all about the latest science news in my long running and deeply treasured segment, the Sound of Science. Hello, science, my friend. I love that. Everybody loves that graphic. First up, archaeologists in London are piecing together thousands of shattered fresco blocks from an ancient Roman villa in what's being called the world's most difficult jigsaw puzzle, a title previously held by the Ravensburger 1000 pizza cats galore. All the cats look the same. They all look the same. We only have this Airbnb for two weeks. I love a puzzle. You like a puzzle. Good puzzle. Oh, that is a mind number. I love it. Next up, scientists have genetically engineered a lethal mosquito STD to combat malaria. Great. Now when I get a bite, I don't have to worry about malaria, just mosquito herpes. You had an ethical duty to inform me so I could inform my lovers. Next up, a breakthrough discovery shows that moths listen to plants. Scientists hypothesized that this was the case after observing that moths always got plants exactly what they wanted for their birthdays. How did it know? How did the moth know the plant wanted boots? It's been long known that plants make sounds in the ultrasonic range when they're stressed. But now, for the first time, researchers have shown that insects can hear and interpret plants acoustic distress signals. Acoustic distress signals, of course. Also the name of my suburban hardcore dad metal band, Acoustic Distress Signals. We rock pretty hard. We all rock out. We rock pretty hard. As long as it's before 7pm out of respect for the neighbors. Our neighbors have a newborn. It also means no fireworks in the summer. Next up, do sloths fart? A cute new video finally settles the age old question. I'm sorry, that's an age old question. I didn't even know it was a question. But for those who are curious, the predominant theory for years has been that sloths don't. Yeah, they swear they were just moving the chair. Until now. Until now. Folks, Scientists thought that sloth's digestion was so slow that they just absorbed methane into their bloodstream. But this video proves otherwise. Look down below the water and bubbles. Good for you, Science. Just a really quick follow up question. I. I assume if you're doing this, cancer's all cured, right? Did I? If you have time for I missed the parade. Because there had to be a parade. If you cured cancer. Right. Next up, according to food safety experts, to avoid food poisoning, you really should be washing your watermelon. Too many fruit rules. What's next to tell me I have to peel the banana before eating it and not bite into the side of it like a horse. Next up, scientists in Switzerland have invented a special toilet for cows to cut emissions. Curious how that works? No? Too bad. First, cows are lured into the freestanding cow toilet with feed. Then are stimulated between the udder and the vulva so that they can urinate, which they say is way more effective than the old method of waiting till they're asleep than putting one of their hooves in a bucket of warm water. Next up, between the udder and the vulva, you gotta stimulate. Next up, a new study says glass bottles have been found to have up to 50 times as much microplastics as plastic bottles, likely due to the paint on their caps. For instance, Snapple caps with those fun facts written inside of them, like, you're going to die from a brain full of plastic. Plastic man. The team Everything's killing us. The team behind the research is French food safety watchdog Ances, famous for their slogan, you got questions? We got Ances. French ones. Thank you for listening to the Late Show POD show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives. To understand the power of hip hop today, you gotta go back to where it all started. New York City.

[LL Cool J]

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[Stephen Colbert]

You saying hip hop went worldwide from right here? Yeah.

[LL Cool J]

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[Stephen Colbert]

I wanna impact not only my generation, but the generation before me, the generation after me. Who would ever think that we could be world famous? I would have never imagined that hip.

[LL Cool J]

Hop was born here. New docu series now streaming on Paramount.

[Stephen Colbert]

Plus September 4th on Paramount Plus. Someone is trying to frame us until our names are cleared. More fugitives from Interpol like Bonnie and Clyde. We're better snacks. NCIS Tony and Ziva. Streaming September 4th on Paramount Plus.