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.

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.