Pain, Pus and Poison: The Search for Modern Medicines (2013)

Episode Overview

Infection has the potential to engulf the human body, and a weak immune system can lead to fatal consequences. Throughout history, infectious diseases have decimated populations worldwide. Dr. Michael Mosley delves into our initial efforts to combat infections, uncovering the pivotal moment when we learned to utilize microbes as allies in this fight. This narrative traces the contributions of scientists, chemists, and medical professionals, from Louis Pasteur to Howard Florey, highlighting the relentless dedication of a small group that ultimately eradicated one of humanity's most lethal diseases—smallpox.