The Gist

It’s a Copper Sock Miracle

Are the amazing antimicrobial properties of copper BS? Maria Konnikova vets the research. Mike Pesca vets the socks.

Mike Pesca
Mike puts a pair of copper socks to the test.

Photo by Andrea Silenzi

Listen to Episode 341 of Slate’s The Gist:

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On The Gist, Emily Bazelon from the New York Times Magazine joins us to answer one question, one question only. This is it: “If Congress defunds Planned Parenthood, is it possible that, even though no government funding funds abortions, they will still have less money available for abortion services?” Then, Mike asks Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker to examine the healing and funk-eliminating powers of copper for a game we call “Is That Bulls–t?” For the Spiel, five impressive things about how Gov. Scott Walker bowed out of the race.

Today’s sponsors:

Citrix GoToMeeting. When meetings matter, millions choose GoToMeeting. Get a free 30-day trial by visiting GoToMeeting.com and clicking the “try it free” button.

Casper, the online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/gist and using the promo code GIST.

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Twitter: @slategist