This Radiolab episode interviews science writer Carl Zimmer about his book "Airborne," exploring the history of understanding airborne diseases. The discussion traces beliefs about disease transmission from the ancient Greek concept of "miasma" (bad air) through the rise of germ theory, highlighting how the latter initially overshadowed the role of airborne transmission. The episode features the story of Fred Meyer, who pioneered aerobiology but disappeared mysteriously, and the Skagit Valley Chorale's COVID-19 outbreak, a pivotal event in shifting scientific understanding. Zimmer emphasizes the long-held, incorrect belief that germs primarily spread through direct contact, delaying recognition of airborne transmission's significance. The podcast concludes by discussing the ongoing exploration of the "aerobiome," the diverse life forms present in the air, and their potential impact on human health.
