In this episode, we’ll tell the tale of how a 19th-century duel led to a medical breakthrough. Chemist Louis Pasteur was challenged to prove that invisible agents (germs) caused diseases, and he did so by using sheep. With the world’s media at attention and 50 sheep at the ready, the science community waited with bated breath for the reveal that would revolutionize medical science and save countless lives.
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Animals
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
- A surprising discovery upends what we know about turtlesA surprising discovery upends what we know about turtles
- Cage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really meanCage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really mean
Environment
- Ginkgo trees nearly went extinct. Here’s how we saved these ‘living fossils.’Ginkgo trees nearly went extinct. Here’s how we saved these ‘living fossils.’
- Can UNESCO safeguard the Okavango from oil drilling?Can UNESCO safeguard the Okavango from oil drilling?
- Initiating the butterfly effect for good, Video Story
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Initiating the butterfly effect for good - Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybridMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the environment
History & Culture
- What made Oxford's medieval students so murderous?What made Oxford's medieval students so murderous?
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
- Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survivedMeet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived
- Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was bornInside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born
Science
- Meet the rock guitarist who helped NASA land on an asteroidMeet the rock guitarist who helped NASA land on an asteroid
- What is stiff person syndrome—and how common is it?What is stiff person syndrome—and how common is it?
- This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemicThis strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic
- A rare ‘ring of fire’ eclipse is coming. Here’s how to see it.A rare ‘ring of fire’ eclipse is coming. Here’s how to see it.
Travel
- 10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer
- National Geographic Traveller (UK) Hotel Awards 2023National Geographic Traveller (UK) Hotel Awards 2023
- Enchanting Epirus: inside Greece’s wild north
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Enchanting Epirus: inside Greece’s wild north - Ready to plan your fall hike? Read this safety advice first.Ready to plan your fall hike? Read this safety advice first.