The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean

Chemist Justus von Liebig was perhaps the most famous scientist in the world in the mid-1800s—but quickly became infamous for his role in the killing of four starving infants.

Patient after patient died under the care of a single nurse in Holland. So why did so many statisticians think Lucia de Berk was innocent?

Rama IV of Siam (from the “King and I” musical) used an eclipse to save his kingdom from greedy colonial powers. But it cost him his own life in the end.

One Brazilian man’s brain damage transformed him into a selfless giver. So why did he infuriate so many people—and what does his case say about the biological roots of generosity?

Jack Parsons was a devil-worshipping FBI rat who led a sex cult and was bosom buddies with L. Ron Hubbard. He was also one of the most important rocket scientists in history. (Episode 2 of 2)

Guest Jack Parsons, a devil-worshiping FBI rat and rocket scientist, led a sex cult with L. Ron Hubbard. Podcast explores his childhood, rocket experiments, and involvement in JPL. It delves into his interest in the occult, charismatic cult leader persona, and tragic turn of events.

Who put the cheese in your stuffed-crust pizza? Or cows on a Caribbean island? And when more than half the world's population can't actually digest milk, is it really essential for a healthy diet? On a trip through time and taste—to dairy-obsessed Bulgaria, colonial Trinidad and Tobago and the ‘Got Milk?’ era—we explore humanity's millennia-long relationship with milk.Listen to Don't Drink the Milk wherever you get your podcasts! https://pod.link/1704462801 Also on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpBAZYDqAE8nzvIRx2dApgkDi3zkSe3GS

In this podcast, the connection between a murder case and Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is explored, raising the question of whether Darwin was to blame. The aftermath of the murder reveals a cover-up, investigation, and unequal distribution of stolen money. The controversy surrounding Darwin and evolution is discussed, along with public opinion on Darwin's nomination to the French Academy of Sciences. Connections to the novel Crime and Punishment and Dostoyevsky's views on natural selection and morality are also highlighted.

Americans happily ate monosodium glutamate for decades. Then one (possibly fake) letter sparked mass hysteria over “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”, and the bogus MSG scare was born...

Scientists have confirmed five basic human tastes—sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami. But is that all? Debate now rages about adding a sixth or seventh or even eighth(!) to the Big Five...