The Air is Alive - Going Air-Borne with Carl Zimmer

Send us Fan Mail Carl Zimmer, science journalist and author, discusses his fifteenth book, Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe. Zimmer’s career includes two decades of science reporting for the New York Times and early editorial work at Discover magazine. ​ Airborne documents the science of aerobiology and the historical refusal by public health institutions to recognize airborne disease transmission. The conversation highlights the neglected epidemiological research of William and Mildred Wells, the fragmented nature of atmospheric sciences, and how the complex realities of scientific validation collide with public policy during global health crises. Key Topics: Aerobiology and the microscopic life thriving in the atmosphere.   How COVID-19 exposed century-old dogma against airborne transmission.   William and Mildred Wells' pioneering use of UV light to disinfect air.   Book writing craft, archival research, and the value of physical books.   The dangers of scientific silos in Aerobiology and epidemiology.   Rapid-fire COVID-19 facts, virus origins, and political threats to science.   The global tuberculosis crisis and the consequences of defunding health programs.   Carl's Links: CarlZimmer.com The Future of Ageing Podcast @carlzimmer.com  Book Science: Website: https://www.trippcollins.com/podcast.html Show notes & transcripts: https://www.trippcollins.com/show-notes Check out the Book Science Book Shop on BookShop.org Instagram: @booksciencepodcast Book Science Book Shop (bookshop.org) Welcome to the official bookshop.org bookshelf of the Book Science podcast. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show