Premier Date: August 6, 2008
confirmed
This user-submitted myth was tested by submerging vacuum-sealed steaks in a barrel of water, then detonating explosives inside the barrels. The water was intended to transmit the shock wave from the explosion to the meat. Adam and Jamie joined a professional chef in a taste test to judge the tenderness of these steaks compared to others, but the results were unclear, so they developed a more objective test. Several new steaks were cut in half, with one half being exposed to the explosion and the other half used as a control. The tenderness of these steaks was measured using a pressure-sensitive cutting device built following recommendations from the USDA. The steaks which underwent the explosion were significantly more tender.
confirmed
In this experiment steaks were wrapped in Kevlar to keep them whole and then launched from a pneumatic cannon into a steal plate. Their tenderness was then tested using the same method used in the steak explosion experiment, and the experimental steaks were significantly more tender than the control steaks.
confirmed
In this experiment steaks were wrapped in a protective shell and then placed inside a laundry dryer along with several steel ball bearings. Dry ice was used to help keep the steaks cool overnight in the running dryer. Their tenderness was then tested using the same method used in the steak explosion experiment, and the experimental steaks were significantly more tender than the control steaks..
confirmed
To test this myth Tory and Grant each drove around a test course twice in the same car, once after being relaxed and once after being angered. Their fuel consumption was measured each time be calculating the weight loss of an external fuel tank. Before their first run, Tory and Grant were exposed to puppies, sweet deserts, and a gentle massage. Before their second run, each was forced to stand in one spot under the sun, drink caffeinated beverages, and forbidden to use the bathroom. Kari also told them she put a laxative in their drinks, but it was really just a vitamin. Kari also put rats, sticky substances, uncomfortable seat cushions, and stink bombs inside the car to agitate them. Both Tory and Grant used substantially more fuel (up to 50%) when they were distressed.
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