Who Smarted? – SMARTY Q: How was the diaper invented???

September 2, 2025
Host: Trusty Narrator | Audience: Kids, families, teachers

Episode Overview

This episode of Who Smarted? is a special “Smarty Qs” edition, where the trusty narrator answers questions submitted by young listeners. Designed with the trademark blend of humor, storytelling, and real science, this episode tackles fascinating questions from curious kids about the origins of diapers, cats and water, the dangers of eating toothpaste, the origins of air, the connection between burping and motion sickness, and the critical importance of water in our bodies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How Was the Diaper Invented?

(00:59 – 03:03)

• Question from Hazel: “How was the diaper invented?”
• The precursor to the modern disposable diaper was invented by Marion Donovan in 1951.
  • Donovan’s invention was a reusable plastic diaper with an absorbent insert, called the “boater.”
  • Before Donovan, babies used folded cloths pinned under rubber pants. According to Donovan, these “served more as a wick than a sponge.”
• Challenges: Donovan’s idea was initially rejected by big manufacturers, so she made them herself and they became a hit.
  • She eventually sold her patent for $1 million.
  • Donovan also considered a paper disposable version, but business execs said no.
• Evolution: In 1961, ten years after Donovan’s "boater," Pampers introduced the first major commercial disposable diaper.
• Quote:

  “The precursor to the modern disposable diaper was invented by Marion Donovan in 1951. It was a reusable plastic diaper with an absorbent insert, which she called a boater.” (01:30)

2. Why Do Cats Dislike Water?

(03:04 – 04:27)

• Question from Henry: “Why do cats dislike water?”
• Not all cats dislike water; many big cats (like tigers) enjoy it.
• Possible reasons for domestic cats’ aversion:
  • Domestic cats evolved in drier climates, so water is unfamiliar.
  • Wet fur is uncomfortable, dries slowly, and makes the cat heavier (and more vulnerable to predators).
  • Cats are fastidious groomers; wet fur is a nuisance.
• Exceptions: Some domestic breeds (Maine Coon, Bengal, Turkish Van) have more water-resistant fur and enjoy swimming.
• Quote:

  “Wet fur is uncomfortable for a cat and takes a long time to dry. It also makes cats heavier and, on an evolutionary level, less nimble and therefore easier for predators to catch.” (03:55)

3. Can You Get Sick if You Eat Toothpaste?

(04:28 – 05:28)

• Question from Jorah: “Do you really get sick if you eat toothpaste, or is it just a myth?”
• Yes, you can get sick—toothpaste contains sodium fluoride and triclosan, which can be toxic in large amounts.
  • Regular brushing (with spitting) is safe.
  • The risk comes from ingesting large amounts.
• Notable wisdom:
  • Quoting Paracelsus, “the dose makes the poison.”
  • The narrator adds, “Do not eat toothpaste. It’s meant for cleaning teeth, not a minty snack.”
• Quote:

  “The dose makes the poison. In other words: do not eat toothpaste. It’s meant for cleaning teeth—not a minty snack.” (05:12)

4. How Did Air Get on Earth?

(07:20 – 09:13)

• Question from Hazel: “How did air get on Earth?”
• Earth’s early days: The planet formed ~4.6 billion years ago and was too hot for a stable atmosphere.
• Atmospheric formation: Cooling allowed gravity to trap volcanic gases (hydrogen sulfide, methane, CO₂) in the atmosphere.
• Photosynthesis revolution: About 3 billion years later, photosynthesis by single-celled organisms began releasing oxygen, transforming Earth's air.
  • Today's atmosphere: 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases/particles.
• Quote:

  “Photosynthesis helped create the atmosphere that we have today—one that is essential for human life.” (08:40)

5. Does Burping Help With Motion Sickness?

(09:14 – 10:13)

• Question from Charlie: “How does burping make you feel better when you're carsick or motion sick?”
• Short answer: No medical confirmation that burping helps motion sickness.
  • Motion sickness is caused by conflicting signals to the brain (from the eyes, ears, body).
  • Treatments usually focus on settling the stomach (carbonated drinks, ginger chews, peppermint).
  • Burping may feel relieving when the stomach is unsettled, which could explain why it feels like it helps.
• Quote:

  “After consulting with our medical experts... none could confirm that burping specifically helps motion sickness. However... burping sometimes does the trick.” (09:55)

6. What Happens If Your Body Has No Water?

(10:14 – 11:30)

• Question from Pablo (Vietnam): “What would happen if you did not have water in your body?”
• Vital importance: No water, no body! Water is essential for all life and every body function (nutrient transport, waste removal, protecting joints, temperature regulation).
• Fun fact: Some tiny creatures like tardigrades can survive without water for decades by entering a dormant state (cryptobiosis).
• Humans: Can only survive about three days without water.
• Quote:

  “If you didn’t have water in your body, you wouldn’t have a body. That is how fundamental water is to human life and life on Earth.” (10:30)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Marion Donovan’s Diaper Invention:

  “Donovan’s diaper vision proved to be right once more. In 1961, 10 years after she invented the boater, Pampers introduced the first disposable diaper.” (02:50)

• Cats & Water:

  “Not all felines dislike water. Large cats like tigers take dips to cool off or to hunt for water prey.” (04:13)

• Tardigrades Trivia:

  “The microscopic tardigrade, if separated from water long enough, retreats into cryptobiosis... can survive up to 30 years without water.” (11:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Diaper Invention – 00:59–03:03
• Cats Disliking Water – 03:04–04:27
• Toothpaste Safety – 04:28–05:28
• How Air Got on Earth – 07:20–09:13
• Burping & Motion Sickness – 09:14–10:13
• No Water in the Body – 10:14–11:30

Conclusion

This Smarty Q’s edition is a potpourri of quirky, science-powered questions from real kids, answered in a playful, engaging manner. From the pragmatic history of diapers to the mysteries of cat behavior, motion sickness, and the chemistry that makes life possible, the episode is brimming with fun facts and memorable quotes. The narrator’s friendly, humorous tone keeps things lively, making it an excellent tool for sparking curiosity in kids and adults alike.

To submit your own question:
Email your “Smartie Q” to whosmarted at whosmarted.com

“Who Smarted?”—where curiosity and laughter make you smarter every episode!