Explore the harrowing tale of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who survived both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Delve into the psychological and genetic impacts of such trauma and how survivors often defy expectations with their resilience. The narrative reveals surprising statistics about the health of second-generation survivors, while also examining DNA repair mechanisms in the face of disaster. This thought-provoking journey balances personal stories with scientific insights, making for a captivating listen.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Yamaguchi Survives Hiroshima Blast
Tsutomu Yamaguchi experienced the Hiroshima atomic bomb blast about a mile away while walking to work.
He was thrown unconscious in a potato field but survived the devastating initial blast.
insights INSIGHT
Gamma Rays Shred DNA
Gamma rays from atomic bombs penetrate skin and produce free radicals that shred DNA by ripping off electrons.
This genetic damage happens almost instantaneously and can cause severe cellular harm.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Double Blast Survivor
Yamaguchi reached Nagasaki after Hiroshima and survived the second atomic bomb blast the very next day.
He was severely injured but managed to see the destruction and lived through the double exposure.
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Dinner with King Tut, How Rogue Archaeologists Are Recreating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations
Dinner with King Tut, How Rogue Archaeologists Are Recreating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations
Sam Kean
The violinist's thumb
Sam Kean
In 'The Violinist's Thumb', Sam Kean delves into the mysteries of the human genome, weaving tales of love, war, and genius. He explores how our genetic code shapes us and our understanding of the world. The book offers a captivating narrative that makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
We first aired this episode in 2012, but at the show we’ve been thinking a lot about resilience and repair so we wanted to play it for you again today. It’s about a man who experienced maybe one of the most chilling traumas… twice. But then, it leads us to a story of generational repair.
On the morning of August 6th, 1945, Tsutomu Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on a work trip. He was walking to the office when the first atomic bomb was dropped about a mile away. He survived, and eventually managed to get himself onto a train back to his hometown... Nagasaki. The very next morning, as he tried to convince his boss that a single bomb could destroy a whole city, the second bomb dropped. Author Sam Kean tells Jad and Robert the incredible story of what happened to Tsutomu, explains how gamma rays shred DNA, and helps us understand how Tsutomu sidestepped a thousand year curse.
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