Search Engine Viruses in the Air
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Mar 21, 2025 
In this discussion, science journalist Carl Zimmer, author of "Airborne," delves into the intriguing history of airborne diseases. He shares the story of William and Mildred Wells, whose groundbreaking work on respiratory transmission went largely unrecognized due to their challenging personalities. The podcast explores the evolution of public health measures, highlighting lessons learned from past epidemics like measles and COVID-19. Zimmer also raises awareness about the potential risks of bird flu and the critical importance of indoor air quality.
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The Wells' Discovery
- William and Mildred Wells, a husband-wife team, pioneered airborne disease research in the 1930s.
- Their work was initially overlooked due to the prevailing miasma theory.
Germs Like Smoke
- Despite growing evidence, the mindset around disease transmission remained largely unchanged since the early 1900s.
- Germs can fill a room like smoke, challenging the then-dominant droplet theory.
From Oysters to Air
- William Wells's background in water and food safety made him an unlikely pioneer of airborne infection theory.
- His work with oysters, which filter vast amounts of water, gave him insights into how humans breathe and absorb airborne particles.
