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WILLIAM CROOKES
Spirits, Plasma, and Thallium
Episode 70
October 21, 2026
Halloween energy, but make it scientific! Aarati tells the story of a chemist who discovered thallium and the fourth state of matter, plasma. But he also used science to investigate spirits, believing he could explain the unexplainable supernatural phenomena he observed.
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DR. WALTER CANNON
Fight or Flight
Episode 69
October 7, 2026
Boo! When you feel frightened, angry, or other strong emotions, your brain signals your body to prepare for drastic action. Aarati tells the story of the physiologist who coined the term "fight or flight" and defined "homeostasis".
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GERTRUDE ELION
The Rational Drug Designer
Episode 68
September 23, 2026
Finding a drug that works is only half of the challenge. Understanding WHY it works can open up paths to entire families of drugs that treat a myriad of diseases. Aarati tells the story of the Nobel Prize winning scientist who defied all expectations and created treatments for cancer, organ transplants, viral infections and more.
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DR. THEODOR ESCHERICH
The E. coli Pediatrician
Episode 67
September 9, 2026
The man behind E. coli, one of the most well-known bacteria in the world was actually a renowned pediatrician in his time. Aarati tells the story of how this celebrated physician became fascinated with microbes in the gut and how they affected the health of infants.
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