Revisionist History
Higher Animals with Michael Specter
Thu Apr 06 2023Description
The episode covers the revolution of mRNA vaccines, the DNA revolution in biology, the risks and importance of vaccines, the successful smallpox vaccination campaign in New York City in 1947, the impact of vaccination efforts, and the importance of trusting science and vaccines.
Insights
mRNA Vaccines: A Revolutionary Technology
mRNA vaccines have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling quick development and global distribution through the internet. Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine development in just seven days showcases the power of synthetic biology.
Biology as Information and DNA Revolution
Advancements in synthetic biology, such as DNA printers and the integration of engineering and biology, are revolutionizing life on Earth. This technology allows us to build with biology instead of relying solely on chemicals.
The Risks and Importance of Vaccines
The book 'Higher Animals' explores the risks associated with advancements in biology, including the creation of viruses that can evade current vaccines. It emphasizes the need to carefully consider which technologies should be used.
The Successful Smallpox Vaccination Campaign
In 1947, New York City faced a smallpox outbreak and launched a successful vaccination campaign. Despite limited vaccine supply, the city managed to vaccinate thousands of people and prevent a widespread outbreak.
The Impact of Vaccination Efforts
The history of vaccination efforts, including the successful smallpox vaccination campaign in New York City, highlights the importance of vaccines in preventing deadly diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy and the need for advocacy and public trust remain challenges.
Chapters
- The Revolution of mRNA Vaccines
- Biology as Information and DNA Revolution
- The Risks and Importance of Vaccines
- The Successful Smallpox Vaccination Campaign
- The Impact of Vaccination Efforts
- The Importance of Trusting Science and Vaccines
The Revolution of mRNA Vaccines
00:06 - 07:39
- The synthetic biology technology behind mRNA vaccines is going to revolutionize our world.
- It's a revolution on the scale of the first computers.
- mRNA vaccines can be quickly developed and distributed globally through the internet.
- Moderna developed their mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 in just seven days, compared to years for previous vaccines.
- Despite its significance, synthetic biology has been largely overlooked by Silicon Valley and the public.
Biology as Information and DNA Revolution
07:21 - 14:49
- Biology has become like information, similar to computers but using DNA letters.
- DNA printers can write and rearrange DNA, revolutionizing life on Earth.
- Black-footed ferrets are endangered due to the plague, but a heritable vaccine could protect them.
- Changing human DNA should only be done for compelling reasons, such as eliminating diseases.
- Ginkgo BioWorks went public and aims to grow biology in a sustainable way.
- Synthetic biology allows us to build with biology instead of relying on chemicals.
- The integration of engineering and biology is breaking down disciplinary walls.
The Risks and Importance of Vaccines
14:30 - 21:47
- The book 'Higher Animals' explores the revolution in biology and the potential risks it brings.
- Advancements in biology allow for easier creation of viruses, including ones that can evade current vaccines.
- There is a need to consider which technologies should not be used.
- The book starts with a story about the last great smallpox scare in New York City in 1947.
- There was a legitimate fear that one person carrying smallpox could have wiped out the entire population of the city.
- The chapter excerpt will reveal what happened next to prevent the destruction of New York City.
The Successful Smallpox Vaccination Campaign
21:22 - 29:47
- In 1947, New York City faced a smallpox outbreak and had to launch an aggressive public health campaign.
- The city needed to vaccinate everyone, not just the hospital staff, in order to prevent a widespread outbreak.
- Despite having only 250,000 doses of smallpox vaccine, the city met the demand and vaccinated thousands of people.
- The campaign was successful, and by mid-April, the city was declared free of smallpox with only two deaths and twelve infections.
- Vaccination was an easy sell to New Yorkers in 1947 due to little competition from misinformation.
The Impact of Vaccination Efforts
29:25 - 38:01
- In 1947, New York City successfully vaccinated 6,350,000 people against smallpox in just two weeks.
- Israel Weinstein, the Health Commissioner at the time, played a crucial role in the vaccination campaign.
- Weinstein's efforts prevented a potentially disastrous outbreak and influenced future public health officials.
- Anthony S. Fauci has faced significant opposition and threats during the COVID pandemic for his work on vaccination.
- The widespread availability of safe vaccines has not eliminated vaccine hesitancy in the United States.
- Enricas, a historian of science, emphasizes the importance of vaccines throughout human civilization.
- Vaccination is both a scientific and political issue that requires advocacy and public trust.
- The history of vaccines shows that their importance is often forgotten or undervalued over time.
- The COVID vaccines have been a major scientific advance and serve as a reminder of the critical role vaccines play in our lives.
The Importance of Trusting Science and Vaccines
37:34 - 41:23
- COVID vaccines are a major scientific advance produced safely and quickly
- Vaccines play a critical role in saving lives
- Reluctance to accept new technologies is common, but vaccines are different as they are our main defense against a novel pathogen
- Trusting science and earning trust is crucial for the future of vaccines