The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean
Sam Kean, Bleav
A topsy-turvy science-y history podcast by Sam Kean. I examine overlooked stories from our past: the dental superiority of hunter-gatherers, the crooked Nazis who saved thousands of American lives, the American immigrants who developed the most successful cancer screening tool in history, the sex lives of dinosaurs, and much, much more. These are charming little tales that never made the history books, but these small moments can be surprisingly powerful. These are the cases where history gets inverted, where the footnote becomes the real story.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 9, 2020 • 23min
The Science Immigrants Who Saved Millions
How two unlikely immigrants teamed up and saved millions of women's lives by developing the most successful cancer screening tool in history... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 2, 2020 • 21min
Tyrannosaurus sex
How a man who hated dinosaurs ended up revolutionizing our understanding of them, including dinosaur beauty and dinosaur sex... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
May 22, 2020 • 22min
The Lost Dinosaurs of Central Park
How a New York mob boss destroyed what would have been greatest dinosaur museum in the world... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
May 11, 2020 • 24min
Exposing Nazi Medical Atrocities
Explore the chilling realities uncovered by Dr. Leo Alexander about Nazi medical atrocities during WWII. Discover the relentless investigation by an Army psychiatrist into horrific experiments like hypothermia on prisoners. Follow the harrowing escape of a doctor who witnessed unspeakable acts and sought justice through a chance conversation. Unveil the dark legacy of unethical medical practices and the crucial formation of the Nuremberg Code, shaping today's medical ethics. Dive into a deeply moving quest for truth and accountability.
Apr 27, 2020 • 20min
Glove at First Sight
How a long-forgotten woman pioneered the first personal protective equipment (PPE) in history, rubber gloves for surgery, equipment that has been vital in fighting infections and pandemics ever since... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Apr 20, 2020 • 19min
Galileo and Art, part 2
Discover how Galileo blended art and science to challenge ancient beliefs about the moon's surface. His innovative use of the telescope revealed a cratered landscape, shattering old dogmas. Explore how his artistic training inspired scientific advances and influenced notable artworks. Delve into his early mathematical pursuits and unique interpretations of literary classics, showcasing the profound connections between creativity and discovery. Learn about the societal and religious tensions that emerged from his revolutionary findings.
Apr 20, 2020 • 21min
Galileo and Art, part 1
Dive into the fiery world of the Renaissance, where a bold lute player named Vincenzo challenged centuries of Pythagorean thought on music. Discover how his innovative ideas reshaped musical theory and the cosmos. The clash between ratios and emotions takes center stage as Vincenzo pushes back against tradition. Also, explore how Galileo used art to defy Aristotle, blending creativity with scientific inquiry. It's a tantalizing look at how music and artistry sparked revolutionary ideas.
6 snips
Oct 26, 2019 • 15min
Tea Test Tempest
How a not-so-friendly bet over afternoon tea revolutionized modern science... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
