Ep 9. Chicken Gun, Octopus Egg Pregnancy, Killer Washing Machine

In season 1 episode 9 of the popular science show MythBusters, the hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage tackle three intriguing myths that have long been debated in scientific circles. The first myth they test is commonly referred to as the "chicken gun" myth, which suggests that a chicken can be fired out of a specially designed gun and used in airplane engines to test for engine damage.

To test this theory, Jamie and Adam construct their own makeshift chicken gun and fire a variety of birds at different speeds and angles to see if they can cause any damage to a simulated airplane engine. Along the way, they discover some surprising results and learn a great deal about the impact of high-speed collisions on living organisms.

The second myth the hosts take on is the idea that an octopus can lay eggs inside a human female's body and cause a false pregnancy. While this myth might seem far-fetched, it has been reported by several people over the years and has even been verified in a few strange cases.

To put this myth to the test, Jamie and Adam work with a team of experts to create a special "octopus suit" that allows them to simulate the sensation of having eggs laid inside their bodies. They then conduct a series of tests to see if they can fool the body into producing the hormones and symptoms associated with pregnancy. Along the way, they explore the fascinating biology of cephalopods and gain a better understanding of how pregnancy tests work.

The final myth the hosts tackle in this episode is the idea that a washing machine can become so unbalanced during a spin cycle that it can actually tip over and kill someone. While this might sound like an urban legend, there have been a surprising number of reports over the years of washing machines causing serious accidents and injuries in homes across the country.

To test this myth, Jamie and Adam use a variety of experimental techniques to simulate the conditions that might cause a washing machine to tip over during a spin cycle. They also consult with a range of experts, including safety engineers and washing machine designers, to get a better understanding of the physics of these machines and how they can be made safer for consumers. Along the way, they conduct some eye-opening experiments that reveal the hidden dangers lurking in our laundry rooms.

Overall, this episode of MythBusters is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of three myths that have captured the public imagination for years. From the bizarre notion of a chicken gun to the more disturbing prospect of a killer washing machine, Jamie and Adam use science, ingenuity, and a healthy dose of humor to separate fact from fiction and provide us with some unforgettable insights into the workings of the modern world.