Sarah Maslin, The Economist's Brazil correspondent, reports on the grim COVID-19 situation in Manaus, where government negligence and a dangerous belief in herd immunity have led to devastating healthcare crises. Meanwhile, Mike Dunn explores the revolutionary journey of lasers, tracing their evolution from obscurity to vital technology across industries. The podcast also highlights an innovative method in Poland, using clams for water monitoring to detect contaminants. Tune in for an insightful discussion that connects health crises with technological advancements.