Sam’s brain-altering bacteria and Deboki’s polio vaccine fascination: EPISODE 100!

In this milestone 100th episode of Tiny Matters we take you on a personal journey into what first inspired our passion for science. Sam shares the story of her childhood struggle with germophobia and the brain-altering bacteria that kicked it off, likely causing a condition called PANDAS: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. PANDAS may have led to her OCD, but it also fueled Sam’s fascination with the microscopic world, germ theory, and the ways infections can shape our brains. Then Deboki dives into her early fascination with vaccines, inspired by the interests of her scientist parents. She shares the history of the polio vaccine — a story of victory but also tragedy that led to significant progress, both in terms of science and safety.Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter!All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.