by Ashleigh Sanchez
Daily Lobo
The flammability of flatulence was one of the myths Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage confirmed Saturday at Popejoy Hall.
Hyneman and Savage, hosts of the television series "MythBusters," credit the show's success to a fusion of science,
discovery and fun.
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The hosts gave an inside look at the show and answered questions during the 90-minute
presentation to a packed house.
"MythBusters" airs on the Discovery Channel and uses special effects to entertain young minds while educating them in how to tell the difference between a fact and a myth.
Savage said science must have a hands-on aspect.
"We want to know how fast does it drop, not how fast does someone say it drops," he said. "There are a number of cases where we consulted with experts, and they said, 'no way,' and then something unexpected happens."
One boy asked what it took to become a MythBuster.
"Well, it's our job, and you can't have it," Savage said, sparking laughter throughout the audience.
When Savage asked how many members of the audience tuned in simply to see the explosions, the audience cheered.
"Well, of course, blowing stuff up is great," said Nick Bennett, a high school science teacher at Montezuma Charter School in Santa Fe. "But it's really good science, too."
Bennett said he uses "MythBusters" episodes to teach his high school
science class.
His wife, Jen Bennett, said discovery is the allure of the show.
"It's fascinating - all these conceptions you have - to see them be disproved or even proven," said Bennett, a UNM student. "It's always entertaining when things go wrong, though."
Hyneman and Savage showed part of an episode the Discovery Channel refused to air, in which Savage attempts to confirm the myth that human flatulence can be ignited.
The audience roared with laughter as Savage repeatedly confirmed the myth, capturing the ignition of his own flatulence on a high-speed camera.
Hyneman said Savage brings humor to the show, and he used it at the event, making jokes and entertaining
the crowd.
"He's definitely more of a ham than me." Hyneman said.
