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
- Groundbreaking effort launched to decode whale languageGroundbreaking effort launched to decode whale language
- This fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litterThis fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litter
- How scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spiderHow scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spider
Environment
- Americans want more renewable energy. Can ‘community choice’ help them get it?Americans want more renewable energy. Can ‘community choice’ help them get it?
- Offshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easyOffshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easy
- How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.
- How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planetHow to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet
- Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.
- Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the regionOnce-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region
History & Culture
- After 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who foughtAfter 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who fought
- Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sightArchaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight
- Stolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuriesStolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuries
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
Science
- How virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them betterHow virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them better
- Billions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists reportBillions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists report
- NASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planetNASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planet
- NASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moonNASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moon
- Pfizer says a third vaccine dose will likely be needed within 12 monthsPfizer says a third vaccine dose will likely be needed within 12 months
Travel
- What it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great LakeWhat it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great Lake
- Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.
- Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.
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Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.