TED Radio Hour Small But Mighty
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Nov 3, 2023 Microbiologist Anne Madden, cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky, former educator YeYoon Kim, and former industrial engineer and Zen Buddhist monk Bart Weetjens discuss the surprising strength of all things minuscule and fleeting. Topics include the presence of microorganisms on our faces, the impact of COVID on our understanding of microbes, the influence of language on perception and cognition, the power of independence, and the use of rats to clear landmines and detect tuberculosis.
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Ann Madden's Microbe Discovery
- Ann Madden discovered a new microorganism species in a paper wasp nest and named it herself.
- Her passion for microbiology grew from exploring the jungle and realizing the vast microbial diversity around us.
Dual Role of Microbes
- Microbes can be both harmful and beneficial, playing roles in diseases and in producing antibiotics.
- Discovering new microbes could lead to novel antibiotics to fight infections resistant to existing drugs.
Yeast Brews Unique Beer
- Yeasts inside wasps were found to produce unique beers, including a sour beer made rapidly.
- This discovery enabled brewers to craft new beer flavors and highlighted biodiversity's benefits.