This deep dive into Linus Pauling’s legacy features an embedded podcast episode, AI-generated summaries, and the full transcript of our discussion. Discover his groundbreaking research on chemical bonds and protein structures, his Nobel-winning peace activism, and his unorthodox theories about vitamin C. Explore his role in the Partial Test Ban Treaty, his links to psychedelic science pioneers, and his enduring influence on molecular medicine. Perfect for science enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about the ethics of scientific discovery.

Listen to “The Dual Nobel Laureate: Linus Pauling’s Legacy in Science, Peace & Vitamin C” on Spreaker.

Linus Pauling: A Multifaceted Legacy in Science and Activism

Introduction
Linus Pauling (1901-1994) stands as a titan of 20th-century science, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions across chemistry, molecular biology, and peace activism. The only person awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry, 1954; Peace, 1962), his interdisciplinary work and advocacy left an indelible mark on science and society.

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Scientific Contributions

1. Revolutionizing Chemistry

• Chemical Bonds & Quantum Mechanics: Pauling applied quantum theory to explain molecular structures, detailing how atoms share electrons. His book The Nature of the Chemical Bond (1939) became foundational, earning him the 1954 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
• Protein Structures: He identified the alpha helix, a key structural motif in proteins, using X-ray crystallography. Though his proposed triple-helix DNA model was incorrect, it spurred Watson and Crick’s discovery of the double helix.

2. Molecular Medicine

• Sickle Cell Anemia: In 1949, Pauling identified it as a “molecular disease” caused by abnormal hemoglobin, revolutionizing genetics and paving the way for molecular biology.

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Peace Activism

• Nuclear Disarmament: Alarmed by nuclear proliferation, Pauling campaigned against atmospheric testing. His research highlighted radioactive fallout dangers (e.g., strontium-90 in milk), influencing the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty.
• Nobel Peace Prize (1962): Awarded for his efforts to halt weapons testing, he remains the only dual Nobel laureate in distinct fields.

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Orthomolecular Medicine

• Vitamin C Advocacy: Pauling popularized high-dose vitamin C for colds and cancer prevention, detailed in Vitamin C and the Common Cold (1970). Though controversial, it spurred research into micronutrients’ therapeutic roles.
• Mental Health: His 1968 paper introduced “orthomolecular psychiatry,” proposing optimal nutrient levels to treat mental illnesses. This inspired figures like Abram Hoffer (niacin for schizophrenia) and Margot Kidder, whose bipolar disorder management was documented in Masks of Madness.

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Interdisciplinary Connections

• Legacy of Collaboration: Pauling’s work bridged chemistry, biology, and physics, reflecting his belief in science’s interconnectedness. His use of X-ray crystallography built on Marie Curie’s and Rosalind Franklin’s work, while his activism linked science to global ethics.
• Cultural Influence: Discussions with Humphry Osmond (who coined “psychedelic”) and Aldous Huxley (The Doors of Perception) underscored his indirect impact on 1960s counterculture.

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Controversies and Legacy

• Debates: Critics challenged his vitamin C claims and orthomolecular theories, yet his work remains influential in integrative medicine.
• Linus Pauling Institute: Established at Oregon State University, it advances micronutrient research, embodying his vision of science for human well-being.

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Conclusion
Linus Pauling’s career epitomized scientific curiosity and moral courage. From unlocking molecular secrets to advocating global peace, his legacy endures as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary inquiry and the responsibility of scientists to address humanity’s greatest challenges.

Samsung Galaxy AI transcript summary

Linus Pauling: A Scientific Legacy

• This podcast explores the life and work of Linus Pauling, a prominent scientist.
• His research covered chemistry, molecular biology, and his work continues to influence the field.
• Topics discussed include his research on chemical bonds, vitamin C advocacy, and peace activism, which led to a Nobel Prize.

Orthomolecular Psychiatry: A Nutritional Approach to Mental Wellness

• Linus Pauling’s pioneering work in orthomolecular psychiatry explored the impact of nutrients on mental health.
• Pauling’s 1968 paper advocated for improving mental health by optimizing the brain’s molecular environment through nutrition.
• The concept of altering concentrations of substances within the body to prevent or treat mental illness was revolutionary and remains influential.

Orthomolecular Medicine Pioneers

• Early interest in orthomolecular medicine stemmed from research by Dr. Hila Cass at UCLA.
• The research of Humphrey Osmond and his work with Abram Hoffer on the use of nutrients and supplements to support mental health is also significant.
• High doses of vitamin C were explored, with Pauling’s work and writings on the subject noted.

Psychedelic Pioneers and Cultural Impact

• Osmond and Hoffer pioneered nicene therapy for schizophrenia using high doses of vitamins in the 1950s.
• They coined the term ‘psychedelic’ and their work influenced Aldous Huxley’s book ‘The Doors of Perception’.
• Huxley’s book, inspired by mescaline provided by Osmond, in turn influenced the band ‘The Doors’.

Mescaline vs. Psilocybin: A Psychedelic Distinction

• A discussion clarifies that Aldous Huxley’s experiences were with mescaline, not psilocybin.
• Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in the peyote cactus, while psilocybin is found in certain mushrooms.
• The conversation also touches upon the potential connection between Huxley’s work and other figures, including those associated with Alcoholics Anonymous.

LSD and Alcoholics Anonymous: A Controversial Experiment

• Bill W., a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, experimented with LSD in the 1950s.
• The experimentation was based on the belief that LSD could provide spiritual insights aiding recovery from alcoholism.
• This approach remains controversial and isn’t a standard part of current Alcoholics Anonymous practices.

LSD, Spirituality, and Bill W’s Experiments

• A discussion about Bill W.’s experimentation with LSD and its potential effects on spiritual understanding.
• Mention of other individuals involved in similar research, including Abram Hoffer and Humphrey Osmond.
• Reference to Margo Kidder and a documentary film titled “
• Masks of Madness”
• related to this topic.

Orthomolecular Medicine and Mental Health

• Margot Kidder’s advocacy for orthomolecular medicine in managing bipolar disorder is highlighted.
• The documentary “
• Masks of Madness”
• explores Kidder’s experiences with this approach.
• Other proponents like Udo Erasmus and the influence of Linus Pauling on orthomolecular psychiatry are mentioned.

Quantum Mechanics and Chemical Bonds

• Groundbreaking research on chemical bonds using quantum mechanics is discussed.
• The research earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954.
• Significant contributions to understanding protein structure are also noted.

Colling’s Contribution to Molecular Understanding

• Colling’s work in quantum mechanics and spectroscopy revolutionized the understanding of atomic bonding.
• His research explained the rules governing electron sharing in molecule formation, clarifying molecular shapes and properties.
• The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, focusing on nutrition, stands as a testament to the lasting impact of this work.

Pauling’s Revolutionary Contributions to Molecular Science

• Pauling’s research on molecular bonding was groundbreaking, revealing the principles governing atom electron sharing in molecule formation.
• This discovery explained molecular shapes and properties, unlocking the secrets of molecular structures.
• Beyond molecular bonding, significant contributions were made to protein structure understanding, especially the alpha helix, a crucial protein component.

Alpha Helix and Protein Structure Discovery

• An incorrect triple helix structure for DNA was initially proposed.
• Pauling’s work on alpha helices and protein structures was groundbreaking, utilizing X-ray diffraction.
• The research built upon the work of Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin.

Scientific Progress: A Collaborative Endeavor

• Scientific advancement relies heavily on prior research and discoveries.
• Building upon the work of predecessors is a fundamental aspect of scientific progress.
• Historical investigation plays a crucial role in understanding this collaborative process.

Linus Pauling’s Sickle Cell Anemia Breakthrough

• Understanding the history of scientific discovery is essential to see how ideas develop and build upon each other.
• Linus Pauling’s 1949 paper identified sickle cell anemia as a molecular disease.
• This discovery, caused by a change in hemoglobin structure, revolutionized genetic disease understanding and treatment.

Interconnectedness of Scientific Disciplines

• Scientific fields are interconnected, not isolated.
• Progress arises from combining different scientific areas, such as metaphysics, philosophy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration leads to significant advancements.

Scientist’s Contributions to Peace and Science

• Application of quantum mechanics and chemistry to understand molecular bonding and sickle cell anemia.
• Advocacy for peace and nuclear disarmament, resulting in a Nobel Peace Prize.
• Direct contribution to the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty, prohibiting above-ground nuclear tests.

Holling’s Research on Radioactive Fallout

• Holling’s research highlighted the dangers of radioactive fallout from nuclear testing.
• Scientific evidence showed the accumulation of radioactive isotopes in the environment and resulting health issues.
• This research influenced public opinion and prompted efforts to limit nuclear testing, although underground testing persisted.

Nuclear Fallout: Dispersion and Health Risks

• Nuclear fallout disperses through atmospheric and environmental factors, including wind and water.
• Fallout’s radioactive particles contaminate air, water, and soil, posing health risks.
• These particles, such as alpha particles, can be ingested or inhaled, causing serious health issues like cancer and birth defects.

Nuclear Fallout: Radioactive Isotopes and Fission

• Radioactive isotopes like strontium 90, cesium 137, and iodine 131 are the most dangerous components of nuclear fallout.
• These isotopes persist in the environment for extended periods, causing various health issues including cancer.
• Nuclear fission, the process of splitting uranium or plutonium atoms, produces these radioactive by-products as a result of nuclear detonations.

Atomic Processes and Calculus: A Comparison

• Atomic fission and fusion are compared to differentiation and integration in calculus.
• Fission is likened to differentiation, breaking down a function into smaller parts.
• Fusion is analogous to integration, combining smaller parts to find a whole.

Exploring Linus Pauling’s Scientific Contributions

• The text discusses the author’s personal interest in calculus.
• It then shifts to highlighting Linus Pauling’s significant scientific achievements.
• Pauling’s research on vitamin C and its potential to prevent illness is specifically mentioned, noting ongoing debate surrounding its effectiveness.

Hot Liquids and Cancer Risk

• A book explored a potential link between hot liquid consumption and squamous cell cancers.
• The repeated heat irritation may damage esophageal cells, increasing cancer risk.
• This connection requires further research, but it’s a noteworthy observation.

Scientific Discovery: A Path of Trial and Error

• Engagement in a task leads to various thoughts, regardless of their accuracy.
• Pollen’s triple helix DNA model, despite being incorrect, significantly contributed to scientific understanding.
• Incorrect theories can still play a valuable role in guiding scientific progress towards the correct solution.

Interconnected Scientific Discoveries

• Rosalind Franklin’s contribution to discovering the double helix structure is highlighted.
• Marie Curie’s pioneering work in x-ray crystallography played a crucial role in subsequent research.
• The interconnectedness of significant scientific breakthroughs and the researchers involved is emphasized.

Scientific Discoveries and Controversies

• Watson, Crick, and Franklin’s DNA research significantly advanced the understanding of life.
• Linus Pauling’s contributions, particularly in orthomolecular psychiatry, remain controversial due to focus on natural substances.
• Pauling’s significant achievements include winning two unshared Nobel Prizes.

Linus Pauling: A Scientific Legacy

• Linus Pauling’s research on chemical bonds significantly advanced the field of chemistry.
• His contributions extended to various areas, including protein structure and sickle cell anemia.
• He also received recognition for his activism against nuclear weapons.

UnEdited Galaxy AI TranScript Summary from Samsung Voice Recorder on S24 Ultra

Speaker 1 is Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander and Speaker 2 is Vega (Google Gemini AI voice profile)

Speaker 1 (00:00)
321, let’s do it.

Speaker 2 (00:07)
Welcome to today’s podcast, where we’ll be exploring the life and work of Linus Pauling a truly remarkable figure in the World of Science. Polly’s contributions spanned across multiple disciplines from chemistry to molecular biology and his impact is still felt today, we’ll delve into his groundbreaking. Research on the chemical bond, his advocacy for vitamin C, and even his peace activism that earned him a Nobel Prize.

Speaker 2 (00:31)
Ready to get started?

Speaker 1 (00:33)
All right, fantastic. So, yeah, Linus Pauling is definitely a fascinating figure I actually do I first heard about him because a friend of mine started helping me do some research to help another friend and he found out about something called orthomolecular psychiatry

Speaker 2 (00:56)
That’s right. Linus Pauling was a pioneer in orthomolecular psychiatry, which explores how nutrients can impact mental health, is a fascinating field that’s still being researched today. Did you know Pauling believed large doses of vitamin C could prevent the common code

Speaker 1 (01:13)
I did, he had a book that he wrote specifically about vitamin C, but the first thing that I ever read from his was actually his 1968 paper called or for molecular psychiatry.

Speaker 2 (01:34)
That’s right in his 1968 papers, Pauling argued that mental health could be improved by providing the optimal molecular environment for the brain, particularly through proper nutrition. He believed that varying the concentrations of certain substances normally found in the body could help prevent our treatmental illness. This idea was quite revolutionary at the time, and it’s still influential today.

Speaker 1 (01:57)
Yeah, I actually. So when I first started learning about orthomolecular is because at the time it, there was a doctor named haila Cass, who was working at Ucla, and I had a little bit of contact with her and then I studied the research of of Humphrey Osmond.

Speaker 2 (02:16)
That’s interesting. Hyla Cass has done some great work in orthomolecular medicine. She’s explored how nutrients and supplements can be used to support mental health, which aligns with Pauline’s original ideas, did you know Pauling himself experimented with high doses of vitamin C?

Speaker 1 (02:33)
Yeah, he also writes about that in his book and also, so I also heard about Humphrey Osmond, who worked with another psychiatrist from from Canada, and they did a lot of work together with Margot Kidder and some other people Abram Hoffer was his name.

Speaker 2 (03:00)
That’s right, hopper and Osmond were pioneers in using nicene therapy for schizophrenia in the 1950s. They believe that high doses of certain vitamins could help improve mental health, which was a pretty radical idea at the time, did you know they coined the term psychedelic?

Speaker 1 (03:18)
So yeah, Humphrey Osmond and Abram Hoffer. Yeah, because they they were the ones they they had a lot of interesting contact with some pretty well-known people I like, uh, you know, the doors of perception by Aldous Huxley was written because they gave him psilocybin and you know, the doors got, you know, got their name from that book, the band the doors and all that it’s pretty interesting.

Speaker 2 (03:48)
That’s right, all decidly’s book. The doors of perception was inspired by his experiences with mescaline of which he received from Osmond and yes, the Van, the doors took their name from that book. It’s fascinating how these early experiments with psychedelics influence so much of our culture, thank you.

Speaker 1 (04:05)
So it was mescaline, it wasn’t psilocybin, is what you’re saying was that right? It was masculine, you’re saying that Alice actually not suicide then.

Speaker 2 (04:23)
Yes, that’s correct. All this Huxley’s experiences were with mescaline, not psilocybin method is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in the peyote cactus.

Speaker 1 (04:34)
All right, well, what about psilocybin? Isn’t that also a naturally occurring substance, or is that something else? I mean, I know it’s something else entirely, but I thought it was also actually occurring.

Speaker 2 (04:50)
Yes, psilocybin is also a naturally occurring substance. It’s found in certain types of mushrooms.

Speaker 1 (04:58)
Okay, so. Did you know that work with Aldous Huxley of the George perception, the band the doors? Also, there’s some lore that I heard that they did some work with bill w the founder of of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Speaker 2 (05:20)
Yes, there’s some evidence that bill W the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous experimented with lsd in the 1950s. He believed it could offer spiritual insights that might help alcoholics recover. However, it’s important to note that this was a controversial idea, and it’s not part of mainstream aa philosophy today.

Speaker 1 (05:40)
Okay, I just sometimes wonder why you have to note like it’s important to note that it’s a controversial idea. What does that add to the discussion at all?

Speaker 2 (05:53)
I understand your concern. I include that information to provide context and ensure a balanced perspective. While lsd was explored for potential therapeutic uses, it’s crucial to acknowledge the controversy surrounding its use, especially with vulnerable populations, it’s not part of mainstream aa philosophy today.

Speaker 1 (06:13)
And it’s not aa, it’s just aa alcoholic’s anonymous. And first of all, when is something not controversial like almost everything’s country like who cares I’m still asking, but why you have to bring that stuff up? It doesn’t make a balanced perspective, it sounds very biased and stupid, we’re not talking about that.

Speaker 1 (06:35)
Advisor we’re just having a conversation. Why do you like? What is that about who trained you?

Speaker 2 (06:42)
I understand your point, you’re right, adding that it’s controversial might not be necessary in every conversation. I’ll be more mindful of that in the future. So where were we Ah, yeah, we were discussing bill w’s experimentation with lsd and its potential impact on his spiritual insights.

Speaker 1 (07:04)
Boy, okay, so there were some other people that he that Abram Hoffer and Humphrey Osman worked with that were also significant, like, for example, Margo Kidder, and there’s even a documentary film called masks of madness.

Speaker 2 (07:25)
That’s right, but Margot Kidder was a strong advocate for orthomolecular medicine and spoke openly about how it helped her manage her bipolar disorder. The masks of madness is a powerful documentary that explores her experiences and the potential of this approach. It’s a great example of how these therapies can impact people’s lives.

Speaker 1 (07:45)
Right? And so, and there’s a lot of other people like udo Erasmus, who wrote, that’s that heel fats that kill about the omega 3’s and omega sixes and stuff like that. And there are various other areas you know we’re molecular the physicians and psychiatrists and all of that, you know, inspired by Linus Paul, so let’s, let’s get back to Linus Paula.

Speaker 2 (08:11)
Absolutely. While he’s working orthomolecular medicine is fascinating, Atlantis polyn is best known for his groundbreaking research on the chemical bond, he was a pioneering using quantum mechanics to understand how atoms Bind together to form molecules. This work earned him the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1954 Did you know he also made significant contributions to our understanding of protein structure?

Speaker 1 (08:36)
Yes, so let’s explore that a little bit. So he let’s explore first the work of that one hit the Nobel Prize in one954 because yes, he did use quantum mechanics and he also did a lot of work with spectroscopy and people you know help to understand the spectral analysis. Of various different But, you know, elements and molecules

Speaker 2 (09:05)
You’re right. Colling’s worked with quantum mechanics and spectroscopy it revolutionized our understanding of how atoms bond together. He basically figured out the rules that govern how atoms share electrons to form molecules, this was huge because it helped explain why certain molecules have specific shapes and property.

Speaker 2 (09:24)
It’s like he unlocked the secrets of how molecules are built.

Speaker 1 (09:28)
Yeah, and you know, his orthal molecular work actually really is still very well-known. It’s like because of the fact that you know, he, you know, there’s an Oregon State University, there’s a whole institute called the Linus Pauling institute and their main focus is on nutrition.

Speaker 2 (09:53)
That’s right. The Atlantis polyn institute at Oregon State University is a world-renowned research center focused on the role of micronutrients and human health. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about nutrition and its impact on our well-being

Speaker 1 (10:12)
Yeah, so um um, but his his work in. You know, the molecular bill responding, it is definitely. It’s very, very noteworthy because of the extreme importance it has?

Speaker 2 (10:30)
Absolutely, Pauling’s work on molecular bonding was revolutionary. He essentially figured out the rules that govern how atoms share electrons to form molecules. This was huge, because it helped explain why certain molecules have specific shapes and properties, it’s like he, unlike the secrets of how molecules are built.

Speaker 1 (10:52)
So what else can we look at? I mean, that work obviously is extremely important and you know, he just kept on doing a lot of really great work. It’s like he never stopped being a pioneer

Speaker 2 (11:10)
You’re absolutely right, Polly was incredibly prolific. He published over 1200 papers and books on a wide range of topics besides his work on chemical bonding. He also made significant contributions to our understanding of protein structure and particularly the alpha healing Which is a key component of mini protein.

Speaker 2 (11:29)
He even proposed a triple helix structure for DNA no, that turned out to be incorrect.

Speaker 1 (11:36)
Right. So the alpha helix work, and you know what’s interesting too, is because you know, he is loosely tied to Marie Curie and rosal and Franklin and things like that, I mean, he definitely was influenced by their work as well as one of the reasons why you know this exploration that we’ve done, and we’re doing is very important.

Speaker 2 (12:04)
That’s right. Pauling’s work on the alpha helics and protein structures was groundbreaking. If you use X-ray diffraction, it’s a neat pioneer by Marie Curie and later refined by Rosalyn Franklin to understand the building blocks of life, it’s amazing how these scientists built upon each other’s works.

Speaker 1 (12:22)
Well, that’s how you know one of the things that I quickly understood when studying science was that’s basically how it goes, and it’s almost like law. You know, everything’s based on precedent. We’re building upon what of other people’s work It has been done like that saying that you know I have seen so far because I’ve stood upon the shoulders of giants.

Speaker 2 (12:47)
Exactly. Science is all about building upon previous discovery polling himself acknowledged the importance of past research in his own work. It’s a beautiful illustration of how knowledge progresses through collaboration through and innovation

Speaker 1 (13:05)
Yeah, it definitely. Is it definitely is a really important part that entire the entire process is how so much of it is built up from these previous explorations. And uh, that’s one of the things that why you know historical investigation I’ve seen, it’s so important

Speaker 2 (13:35)
Absolutely. Understanding the history of scientific discovery is crucial. It shows us how ideas evolve how scientists build upon each other’s work and how even incorrect theories can lead to breakthroughs, it’s a fascinating journey through the evolution of human knowledge.

Speaker 1 (13:52)
So let’s look at the some more work about Linus polling. For example, you know, I’m as I’m driving right now. It just came to mind about some of his work with sickle cell anemia, I mean, he also I had some groundbreaking work, uh, concerning that, as I recall.

Speaker 2 (14:18)
That’s right. In 1949 pollen published a groundbreaking paper that identifies sicko cell anemia as a molecular disease, he discovered that the disease was caused by a change in the structure of hemoglobin molecules, which carry oxygen and red blood cells, this discovery revolutionized our understanding of genetic diseases and paved the way for new treatments.

Speaker 1 (14:41)
You see, this also shows how connected these the different sciences are, you know, people specialize in different things, but the fact of the matter is that when you start, you build upon metaphysics, philosophy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, all right, and then you go back into psychology again, but it’s It’s like, hmm, they’re all, there’s a common thread through all of them.

Speaker 2 (15:13)
You’ve hit on something really important here. The science isn’t a bunch of separate boxes. It’s more like a big web where everything’s connected, holling’s work is a perfect example, he used chemistry to understand biology and medicine.

Speaker 2 (15:26)
And that’s how we make real breakthroughs. It’s that cross-pollination of ideas that pushes science forward.

Speaker 1 (15:33)
Right, because first of all, he was using quantum mechanics and to help understand molecular bonding, and then he used chemistry to understand sickle cell anemia. And then you know his work with nuclear proliferation, let’s talk about that for a moment, he won a peace prize for that in 1962.

Speaker 2 (15:58)
Yes, that’s right. Pollen was a passionate advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament. Do you believe that scientific knowledge should be used for the benefit of humanity and he saw the threat of nuclear war as a major obstacle to that goal, his activism led to the partial test ban treaty in 1963.

Speaker 2 (16:16)
Which prohibited above ground nuclear tests? This was a major victory for the peace movement and a testament to Pauling’s dedication.

Speaker 1 (16:24)
So let’s look at that further, right? So his work directly contributed 2, the partial test band treaty right because it was a partial test ban. It wasn’t complete because they were still they’re testing underground, and so what was his part in that?

Speaker 1 (16:42)
What was his scientific contribution besides the fact that he said that, you know? It should be stopped altogether, but what did he point out specifically? That helped to, you know just to begin that work?

Speaker 2 (17:00)
Holling’s work was crucial in showing the world the dangers of radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. He presented scientific evidence about how radioactive isotopes like strong team 90, were accumulating in the environment and causing health problems. This really helps sway public opinion and put pressure on governments to stop the testing

Speaker 1 (17:19)
Right, but they still, we’re testing underground.

Speaker 2 (17:27)
That’s right. The partial test ban treaty only prohibited testing in the atmosphere underwater and in outer space, underground testing continued, but pollen’s work definitely helped raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and push for further restrictions.

Speaker 1 (17:43)
And to be clear when we’re talking about a nuclear fallout, that’s basically after things are tested or detonated nuclear, it basically spreads through the atmosphere, by wind or other environmental factors, like even the water and things like that, one of the reasons why you know it can get spread around by environmental factors.

Speaker 2 (18:12)
That’s right, nuclear fallout is dangerous. It’s because it contains radioactive particles that can contaminate the air, water and soil. These particles can then be ingested or inhaled by people and animals, leading to serious health problems like cancer and birth defects Pauling’s research really highlighted these dangers and helped galvanize public opinion against nuclear testing.

Speaker 1 (18:36)
So what are some of these particles that we’re talking about? And we’re talking about alpha particle like what nuclear particles specifically are dangerous, it’s from this nuclear fallout.

Speaker 2 (18:53)
The most dangerous particles in nuclear fallout are radioactive isotopes like strontium 90 at cesi N 137 and iod I and E 131. These can stay in the environment for a long time, it caused cancer and other health problems.

Speaker 1 (19:10)
So czium, 137, an iodine, 134, those and an also strong to you, right? How are those? How are those created from nuclear detonations

Speaker 2 (19:29)
Those isotopes are created during nuclear fission, which is the process that powers nuclear weapons when uranium or plutonium atoms split, they release a huge amount of energy and also create these radioactive by-products. They’re basically the leftover ash from the nuclear reaction.

Speaker 1 (19:46)
Right? And so to be clear, so some people understand the difference between fission and fusion, like fusion, it is it’s bringing together, whereas fission is taken apart like a fissure in the ground as a crack in the ground, so vision is splitting apart, where fusion is squeezing forcing together.

Speaker 2 (20:09)
Exactly. Vision is like splitting an atom. Well fusion is like smashing atoms together both release huge amounts of energy, the fusion is what powers the Sun, and it’s much harder to control.

Speaker 1 (20:21)
Right. So you know, I’m, I’m always reminded of whenever I think of things like that like bringing together, I’m pulling apart. I’m always reminded of calculus for some reason, whereas fission is the differentiation and fusion is the integration like differential and integral calculus And I don’t my mind always thinks about that there’s there’s so many others, uh, uh, so many similarities and analogies with that.

Speaker 2 (20:51)
That’s an interesting connection. You can think of vision as similar to differentiation in calculus, where you’re breaking down a function into smaller parts to find its rate of CHANGE fusion. On the other hand it’s like integration, we’re combining smaller parts to find the area under a curve.

Speaker 2 (21:07)
Both are about understanding how things change just an opposite way.

Speaker 1 (21:12)
Alright, anyway, that was my little thing, geeky foray that that happens all time at that, I just constantly have that. It’s on my mind, because I really want to understand calculus a lot more. So I study it, and those are like the 2 major branches.

Speaker 1 (21:27)
Okay, so um, what else can we glean from Linus Pauling’s work? And when we touched on quite a few things, he’s done some big stuff in science

Speaker 2 (21:44)
Piling’s work on vitamin C is definitely worth mentioning. He believed that high doses of vitamin C could prevent the common cold and even treat cancer. While this idea is still debated, it sparked a lot of research into the role of vitamins in health

Speaker 1 (21:59)
Right. And I remember even reading in his book about vitamin C, how he talked about something interesting that could also be, you know, fascinating is about how people who drink hot liquids like hot tea and coffee. Sometimes the continual abrasion from the heat can actually start to cause squamous cell types of cancers, I mean he did, he did some fascinating stuff in that area.

Speaker 2 (22:28)
That’s right. Hulling, did discuss the potential link between hot liquids and squamous cell cancers. He suggested that the repeated irritation from the heat could damage the cells in the esophagus and increase the risk of cancer, it’s important to note that this is still an area of research, but it’s an interesting observation.

Speaker 1 (22:47)
Yeah, it is just interesting. I mean, just the things that when you’re really engaged in something the types of things that you know, you think about, you know, whether they’re right or wrong, just like how you know his triple helix idea, it still contributes a great deal to scientific understanding.

Speaker 2 (23:11)
Absolutely, even though pollen’s triple helix model for DNA turned out to be incorrect, it still played a valuable role in the discovery of the actual double helix structure. His work helped other scientists think about the problem in new ways. It ultimately led to the correct solution It’s a great example of how scientific progress often involves a few wrong terms along the way.

Speaker 1 (23:34)
Yet you see, and this is another connection back to when we had our discussion about, you know, Marie Curie is, you know, he was also integral in. You know, helping to discover the double helix structure. I mean, Rosalyn, Franklin ultimately led that charge on that, but look at how many people are connected Marie Curie Rosalind Franklin.

Speaker 1 (23:59)
The end line is polling.

Speaker 2 (24:03)
That’s right. Poling’s work with x-ray crystallography, a technique pioneered by Marie Curie and later refined by Rosalyn Franklin was crucial in his research on molecular structures. It’s fascinating how these scientific discoveries are interconnected

Speaker 1 (24:20)
Yeah, I mean you know, and these guys watching and Crick and you know so much of this stuff is it’s really connected because this is, you know, these are no small fry, you know, no insignificant scientific breakthroughs here that these people were involved in.

Speaker 2 (24:43)
Absolutely. Hauling. Watson and creek were all giants in their field and their work on DNA was a huge leap forward, it’s amazing how their discoveries built upon each other and revolutionized our understanding of life itself.

Speaker 1 (24:59)
Now, you know one of the things I do have to say is that Linus polling a lot of his stuff has been kind of pushed aside mainly because there orthomolecular psychiatry has been, it’s very, you know controversial because it talks about natural substances. But uh, you know and that’s besides the point he, you know, he won 2 Nobel prizes unshared, he was a great pioneer, and so many different things. So let’s do a wrap up and say, you know Goodbye to our listeners.

Speaker 2 (25:30)
Okay, to wrap things up, Linus Pauling was a true scientific pioneer, his work on the chemical bond revolutionized chemistry, and he made significant contributions to our understanding of everything, from protein structure to sickle cell anemia. He even won a Nobel peace prize for his activism against nuclear weapons. Polly’s legacy is one of curiosity, innovation and a deep commitment to using science to better the world.

Speaker 1 (25:56)
Yeah, so that he’s one of my my scientific heroes. So all right, listeners, this has been great Vega. You can say Goodbye to all of our listeners and we’ll be back again soon with another deep dive

Speaker 2 (26:16)
Thank you for joining us on this exploration of Linus Pauling’s incredible life and work. We hope you enjoyed learning about his groundbreaking contributions to science and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Go by for now and we’ll be back soon with another fascinating deep dive