What happens when a scientist is also a musician? For Barbara McClintock, the combination may have led the way to a Nobel Prize in genetics. Science historian Jocelyn Bosley tells us the story of Barbara’s remarkable life, and how her experience playing banjo in a jazz band (yes) helped her discover “jumping genes.”
This is a very musical episode, with spec ... Show More
Aug 7
How Do Stem Cells Decide What to Become? ... and Other Questions [MAILBAG]
In this special summer mailbag episode, Marshall and Lindsay help answer three kid questions: How do stem cells decide what to become? How do chameleons change color? and... What is Morse code? This special episode features answers from Jessica Whited, Michel Milinkovich, and Mic ... Show More
23m 47s
Dec 2010
The Rock Star Weirdo Lives of Scientists
<p>It's no secret that genius and eccentricity are related, but scientists can be downright weird. In this episode, Julie and Robert explore the bizarre lives of history's greatest scientists. Tune in to learn more about clairvoyant dwarves, Tesla and more.</p><p> </p> Learn more ... Show More
38m 13s
Feb 2023
The Soul of Music: Rhiannon Giddens excavates the past
This episode is part one of The Soul of Music—Overheard’s four-part series focusing on music, exploration, and Black history. Our guest this week is two-time Grammy award winner Rhiannon Giddens, a singer, songwriter, and banjo and fiddle player. A self-described “armchair histor ... Show More
35m 14s
Jul 2024
Banjos Pt. 1: From Gourds to Grammys
Today’s episode has a lot of pluck! It’s all about the banjo. For over 100 years, the banjo has been associated with country and bluegrass music, two genres that over-index with white musicians. But, with the help of Rhiannon Giddens, we find out that this uniquely American instr ... Show More
26m 25s
<p><em>The Disappearing Spoon</em>, a <a href= "news/the-disappearing-spoon" data-cke-saved-href= "/news/the-disappearing-spoon">podcast collaboration</a> between the Science History Institute and <em>New York Times</em> best-selling author Sam Kean, returns for its third season ... Show More