Gastropod The Interstitium (Radiolab)
Jul 23, 2024
Exploring the discovery of the interstitium, a hidden fluid system challenging traditional anatomy views. The podcast discusses its potential role in cancer research and its connection to ancient medical practices. The episode highlights the importance of embracing diverse medical traditions and the mystery of cancer metastasis.
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Unlikely Motivation
- Neil Theis became a doctor for unusual reasons.
- He wanted meaningful relationships and a well-attended funeral.
Honeycomb Discovery
- Doctors found honeycomb-like structures in the bile duct using a new endoscope.
- Initially, they were dismissed as artifacts, but Neil Theis realized they were remnants of collapsed fluid-filled spaces.
Body-Wide Network
- The honeycomb structures, initially found in the bile duct, were also present in other organs like skin, stomach, and colon.
- This suggested a body-wide network of fluid-filled spaces, later termed the "interstitium."