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.
Go Further
Animals
- Inside the race to save West Africa’s endangered lionsInside the race to save West Africa’s endangered lions
- Enormous stingray sets world record for largest freshwater fishEnormous stingray sets world record for largest freshwater fish
Environment
- Why seashells are getting harder to find on the seashoreWhy seashells are getting harder to find on the seashore
- In Mexico City, the pandemic revived Aztec-era island farmsIn Mexico City, the pandemic revived Aztec-era island farms
- Can today's youth overcome widespread climate anxiety?Can today's youth overcome widespread climate anxiety?
- Historic Yellowstone flooding brings renewal despite destructionHistoric Yellowstone flooding brings renewal despite destruction
- What is a carbon footprint—and how to measure yoursWhat is a carbon footprint—and how to measure yours
History & Culture
- General Grant's surprising rise from cadet to commanderGeneral Grant's surprising rise from cadet to commander
- How the Declaration of Independence wooed Americans from BritainHow the Declaration of Independence wooed Americans from Britain
- The great hunt for the world's first LGBTQ archiveThe great hunt for the world's first LGBTQ archive
- Stolen a century ago, Bruce’s Beach has finally been returnedStolen a century ago, Bruce’s Beach has finally been returned
- ‘This is me, as I am’: Photographing my own gender transition‘This is me, as I am’: Photographing my own gender transition
- How historians are documenting the lives of transgender peopleHow historians are documenting the lives of transgender people
Science
- One of the best tools for predicting COVID-19 outbreaks? Sewage.One of the best tools for predicting COVID-19 outbreaks? Sewage.
- Why BA.4 and BA.5 are causing fresh U.S. outbreaksWhy BA.4 and BA.5 are causing fresh U.S. outbreaks
- Young adults are volunteering to get COVID-19—for scienceYoung adults are volunteering to get COVID-19—for science
- Why a placebo can work—even when you know it's fakeWhy a placebo can work—even when you know it's fake
- Biggest bacterium ever found shakes our view of microbial lifeBiggest bacterium ever found shakes our view of microbial life
- Fossil-finding ants amass huge haul of ancient creaturesFossil-finding ants amass huge haul of ancient creatures
Travel
- Escape the heat at these 10 cool U.S. destinationsEscape the heat at these 10 cool U.S. destinations
- Want to see the real Paris? Walk this way.
- Travel
- Best of Europe
Want to see the real Paris? Walk this way. - Where to find epic adventure in Europe’s best small villages
- Travel
- Best of Europe
Where to find epic adventure in Europe’s best small villages - Swoon over these romantic European villages
- Travel
- Best of Europe
Swoon over these romantic European villages