Our bodies are composed of particles originating from the Big Bang, showcasing the cosmic journey of creation.
Scientific discoveries involve overcoming challenges, debunking prevalent beliefs, and pushing against established theories.
Deep dives
The Journey of Atoms from the Big Bang to our Bodies
Our bodies are made up of particles that originated from the Big Bang, leading to a fascinating journey through the creation of the solar system. Scientists tracked the atoms from the Big Bang to the formation of the elements in stars which eventually make up human beings. The evolution of the universe gradually produced heavier elements through processes like star explosions. The discovery that every particle in our bodies originated from the Big Bang raises awe-inspiring questions about our cosmic origins.
Detective Work in Scientific Discoveries
Scientific breakthroughs involve not just hard work and insight but also trials, rivalries, and heartbreak. Researchers often face challenges such as debunking prevalent theories and pushing against established beliefs. Examples like how Belgian astronomer Lemaitre proved Einstein wrong by proposing the expanding universe concept highlight the resistance faced by innovators. Personal stories behind scientific discoveries are as compelling as the discoveries themselves.
Challenging Biases and Unconventional Ideas
Scientific progress often confronts biases like 'too weird to be true,' hindering innovative ideas from gaining acceptance. The story of Cecilia Payne challenging prevailing beliefs about stars' composition exemplifies this struggle. Payne's groundbreaking discovery that stars are mostly hydrogen and helium faced initial rejection due to ingrained biases, but subsequent evidence validated her findings. Overcoming biases is essential for paradigm-shifting advancements in science.
Emergence of Organic Molecules in Space
The story of Charles Townes illustrates how going against conventional wisdom led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as detecting organic molecules in space using a microwave telescope. Townes faced skepticism regarding the presence of organic molecules in space due to the harsh cosmic environment. His persistence and innovative approach in observational techniques revealed the existence of organic molecules, challenging established beliefs. This discovery paved the way for understanding life's potential existence beyond Earth.
Every atom in your body – and there are more than all the grains of sand in the world – came from outer space, many of them created moments after the Big Bang that began it all. Dan Levitt tells the stories of the remarkable people who figured out how all those atoms got into you.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode