Join Jenn Brandel, a radio reporter deeply involved in investigative storytelling, and Neil Theis, a pioneering liver pathologist who uncovered the interstitium. They explore the groundbreaking discovery of this formerly invisible network of fluid channels that connects our organs. The discussion delves into how this finding could revolutionize our understanding of cancer and bridge Eastern and Western medical practices. They also highlight the remarkable implications for anatomy and health arising from advanced imaging techniques, merging tradition with modern science.
The interstitium, a previously unknown organ, has been discovered throughout the body, challenging previous beliefs about cancer metastasis and opening up new possibilities for targeted therapies.
The discovery of the interstitium establishes a scientific bridge between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, sparking discussions about the connections between these different approaches to health and healing.
The interstitium has implications beyond cancer research, with its role being explored in understanding metabolic diseases, infections, and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the importance of questioning established beliefs in medical research.
Deep dives
The Discovery of the Interstitium and its Implications for Cancer Spread
Scientists have discovered the interstitium, a previously unknown organ that exists throughout the body. Using sophisticated microscopy techniques, researchers have observed a network of fluid-filled channels, known as the interstitium, which surround and connect various organs. These channels serve as a type of highway system allowing cells to move and spread throughout the body. The discovery challenges previous beliefs about how cancer spreads, revealing that cancer cells can exploit these channels to metastasize to other organs. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for the development of targeted therapies to prevent the spread of cancer.
The Significance of the Interstitium in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The discovery of the interstitium resonates with traditional Chinese medicine, which has long recognized the importance of fluid and energy channels throughout the body. Practitioners of acupuncture, which stimulates these channels, have been working with the concept of meridians for thousands of years. The interstitium provides a scientific bridge between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, sparking discussions about the connections between these different approaches to health and healing.
Implications for Medical Research and Treatment
The interstitium has implications beyond cancer research. Scientists are now exploring its role in understanding a wide range of conditions, such as metabolic diseases, infections, and neurodegenerative disorders. The interstitial fluid flowing through these channels acts as a communication network between organs and tissues, potentially influencing overall health and well-being. Additionally, the discovery highlights the importance of questioning established beliefs in medical research and the potential for new avenues of exploration.
A Paradigm Shift in Understanding the Human Body
The discovery of the interstitium challenges long-held assumptions about the structure and function of the human body. It underscores the need to consider the intricate network of fluid-filled channels that exist throughout our organs and tissues. This paradigm shift opens up new questions and avenues for scientific exploration, inviting researchers to investigate the interrelationship between different systems in the body and the role of the interstitium in overall health and disease.
The Interstitium's Metaphorical Significance
Beyond its physical properties, the interstitium holds metaphorical meaning in our understanding of society. Like the interstitium connecting organs in the body, there are unseen connections and roles that exist between different sectors and organizations in society. Recognizing and valuing these connections can lead to a healthier and more integrated society. By shining a light on the interstitium, we are encouraged to explore and appreciate the invisible forces that hold our social systems together.
In this episode we introduce you to a part of our bodies that was invisible to Western scientists until about five years ago; it’s called "the interstitium," a vast network of fluid channels inside the tissues around our organs that scientists have just begun to see, name, and understand. Along the way we look at how new technologies rub up against long-standing beliefs, and how millions of scientists and doctors failed to see what was right in front (and inside!) of their noses. We also find out how mapping the anatomy of this hidden infrastructure may help solve one of the fundamental mysteries of cancer, and perhaps provide a bridge between ancient and modern medicine.Special thanks to Aaron Wickenden, Jessica Clark, Mara Zepeda, Darryl Holliday, Dr. Amy Chang, Kate Sassoon, Guy Huntley, John Jacobson, Scotty G, and the Village Zendo
EPISODE CREDITS -
Reported by - Lulu Miller and Jenn BrandelProduced by - Matt Kieltywith help from - Ekedi Fausther-Keeyswith mixing help from - Arianne WackFact-checking by - Natalie Middletonand Edited by - Alex Neason
EPISODE CITATIONS -
Articles: Check out reporter Jenn Brandel’s companion essay to this episode in Orion magazine, titled, Invisible Landscapes (https://zpr.io/NKuxvYY84RvH), which argues that the discovery of the interstitium could challenge established practices of compartmentalizing in science and society.Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.
Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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