Spider-Man villains part 2: Scorpion and the other Chimeras

In the 74th episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by guest Erin C. Anthony, an evolutionary ecologist and science communicator, to continue their Spider-Man villain series with a deep dive into chimeras: part myth, part Handwavium, and recently part reality.The crew kicks off explaining what a chimera is? And is Spider-Man one? They explore the science behind why you can’t just inject someone with scorpion DNA and call it a day, looking at you waving those hands J. Jonah Jameson.Along the way they get into CRISPR, epigenetics, xenotransplants, and the very real, and ethically complicated, efforts to grow human organs inside animals. They also talk about the axolotl and salamander research behind limb regeneration, debate whether Frankenstein’s monster would have survived immune rejection?They also touch on the ethics of brain chimeras, clones as organ banks, and the comic run Flowers for Rhino, a riff on Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon that asks what happens when a supervillain gets too smart for his own good.The episode closes with the crew’s answers to the most important question of the night: if you could splice your DNA with one animal, what would it be?Pre-Order: Touch of Noir 2027 Wall Calendar —12 months of all-original art by Jim and Georgia; pre-orders open now, with mailing expected in SeptemberJoe will be at Shore Leave 46 — Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention CenterIt’s Science for WeirdosWant to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes.We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):If you could splice your DNA with one animal, what would it be and why?Would you accept a lab-grown organ grown inside a pig using your own stem cells if it meant saving your life?Scientists have drawn a hard line at brain chimeras. Do you think that line is in the right place?Future EpisodesThree Part Spider-Man Series continues to get ready for the new MCU Spider-Man: Brand New DayEpisode 76 – Spider-Man Villain Series 3: What His Villains Reveal About HimGuest: Comic YouTuber, Alex Hanes (@Hanes4Heroes)Episode 78 - Briar East Woods - Urban DeforestationGuest: Anne SedlacekEpisode 80: Magic: the Power and Cost of Magic SystemsGuest: B.L.MostynEpisode 82: Climate Change and Data CentersGuest: David Pincus, PhDFuture Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonRHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben TanzerEvents & Conventions to hang with the Crew:Events & Conventions:Shore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention CenterDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalFor more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVDon’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe