Ep 18. Myth Evolution!

In season 5 episode 18 of Mythbusters titled "Myth Evolution!", the team of Adam Savage, Jamie Hyneman, Kari Byron, Grant Imahara, and Tory Belleci explore a variety of popular myths that have evolved over time.

The episode starts off with the team testing whether the classic tale of Archimedes using mirrors to create a solar "death ray" was actually possible. They set up a series of mirrors in the desert and attempt to focus the sun's rays onto a wooden boat, just as the story goes. However, they quickly run into some unexpected obstacles that challenge the feasibility of the myth.

Next, the team tackles the age-old question of whether elephants are actually afraid of mice. They conduct several experiments with both live and fake mice to see how elephants react, and their results may surprise you.

The episode then takes a more lighthearted turn as the team explores whether people can actually get their tongues frozen to metal surfaces during cold weather. They conduct a series of tongue-sticking experiments with both human volunteers and a very brave pig to see if the myth is actually based in reality.

Moving on from frozen tongues, the team dives into the world of sports myths, starting with the claim that baseballs travel farther at higher elevations. They set up an experiment at a high-altitude baseball field to test this theory, and things quickly get interesting.

The team also tests whether the size of a basketball's rim affects the number of shots that go in, and whether wearing red clothing can actually give an athlete an advantage in sports. They conduct a series of experiments with basketball players of different skill levels and red clothing, respectively, to see if there is any truth to these popular sports myths.

Finally, the episode turns to a classic ghost story about a haunted hotel room. The team investigates whether the room's purported "cold spot" is actually colder than the rest of the room, and if the strange noises heard there can be explained by natural causes.

Throughout the episode, the team uses their trademark combination of scientific method and hands-on experimentation to separate fact from fiction. Whether you're a fan of classic myths and legends or just curious about how they stack up against reality, "Myth Evolution!" is a must-watch episode of Mythbusters.