Curiosity Weekly History Punished Scientists - Are We Doing the Same Thing?
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Feb 11, 2026 Matt Kaplan, science writer and author of I Told You So, who chronicles scientists punished for being right. He traces patterns of ridicule from Semmelweis to modern social media. Short segments also explore why women may feel more IBS pain and the surprising history and biology of kissing.
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Hormones May Explain IBS Gender Gap
- A UCSF mouse study links estrogen to increased gut pain via L cells and PYY signaling.
- Blocking the PYY step reduced pain, suggesting potential human treatments for IBS in women.
Lister's Quiet Revolution
- Joseph Lister used carbolic acid on instruments and bandages and dramatically reduced post-operative infections.
- He faced fierce attacks led by James Simpson and had to teach students privately for decades before acceptance.
When Critique Becomes Destructive
- Personal attacks and character assassination stifle scientific progress more than reasoned debate.
- Matt Kaplan argues that debate is healthy but personal attacks derail researchers and innovation.
