Man with No Memory | The Accident | S55-E1

Even as recently as the early 1950s, we didn’t understand that there were different types of memory, or how the brain processed and stored memories. Then, in 1953, a radical surgery by a reckless doctor gave us tremendous insights into how human memory works. Those scientific gains came at a terrible cost, however. The surgery left the patient, Henry Molaison, a profound amnesiac -- completely incapable of forming new memories. This is his story.You can binge all episodes of American Innovations exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What this episode covers

Even as recently as the early 1950s, we didn’t understand that there were different types of memory, or how the brain processed and stored memories. Then, in 1953, a radical surgery by a reckless doctor gave us tremendous insights into how human memory works. Those scientific gains came at a terrible cost, however. The surgery left the patient, Henry Molaison, a profound amnesiac -- completely incapable of forming new memories. This is his story.You can binge all episodes of American Innovations exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NOW PLAYING

0:00 41:28

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

After OpenAI (Vandal Live at Wake Forest Humanities Institute)

May 12, 2026 ·82m

Muskism with Quinn Slobodian & Ben Tarnoff

Apr 6, 2026 ·77m

The Secret History of Canvas LMS, Corporate Raiders, & The Chatbot Bubble (Vandal Live at UVU)

Mar 24, 2026 ·112m

Close Reading Is Not A Luxury (Vandal Live at Emory)

Mar 17, 2026 ·107m

RAGA Texas Attorney General Debate Reaction | Texas AG GOP Primary + Border, Crime, AI Fraud

Feb 18, 2026 ·146m

Epstein Files: What the Newly Released DOJ Documents Actually Reveal (and What They Don’t) | LIVE

Feb 17, 2026 ·107m

Similar Podcasts

Solving for Change MOBIA Technology Innovations Solving for Change welcomes business and technology leaders to share stories of bold business transformation within complex organizations. In an era when technology and markets are changing around businesses, the key to staying competitive is to evolve in response to those changes. MOBIA’s Mike Reeves and Marc LeBlanc investigate business transformation, deconstructing the challenges, ambitions, and market disruptions that drive companies to embark on transformation journeys, and exploring their unique approaches to achieving meaningful outcomes. What sparks leaders to pursue business transformation? How do they overcome the challenges along the way? What are the keys to creating enduring change? Through in-depth conversations with business and technology leaders, Mike and Marc answer these questions and explore how businesses evolve by pulling four key transformation levers: people, process, technology, and culture. Powering the Middle TJ Wilde The podcast that celebrates the backbone of America, our middle class and small businesses. We dive into the challenges that harm consumers. Threaten businesses and undermine our economy. How do we blend timeless values and traditions with modern technology to secure a brighter future? Come explore how middle class values and small businesses can keep driving the economy, creating jobs, and offering the American dream SPADE: The Podcast Paul Anthony Henderson Jr SPADE: The Podcast stands as a beacon of hope and understanding, addressing critical mental health challenges within the African American community. SPADE (Suicide, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Epilepsy) seeks to shine a light on topics often stigmatized and misunderstood. Our mission is to break the silence surrounding these issues, encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of support and education. By providing meaningful resources and sharing powerful stories, we aim to empower individuals to confront these challenges head-on and build pathways toward healing. Mental health is a crucial but often overlooked subject in the African American community. It’s time to dismantle the barriers of shame and stigma, ensuring everyone feels safe to speak their truth and seek the help they need. This podcast is more than just a platform—it’s a movement to spark change, spread awareness, and inspire action within families, friendships, and communities. Generally American (A Journey in American English) Christopher M. Chandler, Kris Schauer Hello, Hola, Guten Tag, Bonjour, こんにちは !Welcome everyone, this is a podcast for those wanting to learn about U.S. culture through Standard American English, also known as General American. We talk about various different topics related to the U.S. and the U.S.'s relations with other countries. My co-host and I would like to think of this as more of a journey because you never know where it’ll take us. Plus, since the journey’s more important than the end or the start, we hope that you’ll be willing to join us! Let’s see where it takes us!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of American Innovations?

This episode is 41 minutes long.

When was this American Innovations episode published?

This episode was published on November 11, 2021.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this American Innovations episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!