The shocking power of tiny things
Summary
Host Manoush Zomorodi explores the power of small forces in this episode featuring microbiologist Anne Madden, who reveals how tiny microbes produce antibiotics and sustainable materials. Cognitive scientist Lara Boroditsky discusses how language shapes perception and memory, while Ye-Yoon Kim shares a personal story about the vulnerability required to ask for help. The episode concludes with Bart Wittjens explaining how trained rats are effectively clearing landmines in war zones.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Middlesex County business opportunity
Intro: The invisible world on your face
Anne Madden's journey from rainforest to microbiology
Discovering new species and their potential
Microbes as sources of novel antibiotics
Engineering yeast to brew sour beer faster
Microbes that break down plastic and toxic waste
Sponsor: HomeServe home repairs
Post-break: Reintroducing Anne Madden
The impact of the pandemic and microbial extinction
Lara Boroditsky: The southeast pointing game
How language shapes spatial cognition
Language, time, and abstract thinking
Debating the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
Language effects on memory and responsibility
Gendered pronouns and identity
Language change and self-reflection
Sponsors: HomeServe and Planet Visionaries
Ye-Yoon Kim: A kindergartner's hidden struggle
Ye-Yoon Kim's battle with alcoholism
Accepting help and finding support
Bart Wittjens: Training rats to detect landmines
The science and process of rat training
Impact of Hero Rats in Africa
Credits and show wrap-up
Sponsor: Henry Ford Health
Listen ad-free on Castria