Matthew Meselson

A key figure in convincing Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon to ban biological weapons research in the early 1970s. Led scientific investigations into the Sverdlovsk incident for over a decade.

Best podcasts with Matthew Meselson

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Jun 26, 2024 • 55min

How to Ban Biological Weapons

Dr. Matthew Meselson, known for DNA research, influenced Nixon to ban toxins. Learn how Hungarian lunch ladies and Michael Crichton played a role. Explore the impact on diplomacy and honesty in international relations. Discover the guest's background and productivity in science, including studying classic literature. Uncover the link between a lethal disease outbreak, monkeys, and transportation from Africa to Ancient Athens.

Jul 3, 2024 • 53min

How to Catch a Lab Leak

Matthew Meselson, a pivotal figure in banning biological weapons research and investigator of the Sverdlovsk anthrax outbreak, shares gripping insights. He discusses the confusion around the deaths in 1979 and the Soviet cover-up. Meselson details his collaboration with the CIA and the challenging journey to investigate the incident firsthand. He draws parallels between Sverdlovsk and the COVID lab leak theory, highlighting failures in containment and secrecy. His anecdotes reveal the complicated interplay between science, diplomacy, and Cold War politics.