The Fever That Saved Us episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 12, 2026 · 14 MIN

The Fever That Saved Us

from The Breaking Point · host Podcaster

In 1928, Alexander Fleming left a petri dish uncovered by accident and returned to find something extraordinary: a mold that could kill bacteria. But the real story of penicillin isn't about one eureka moment—it's about a decade of failed experiments, a desperate wartime race, and the unlikely team of scientists who turned Fleming's moldy dish into the drug that would save more lives than any other in human history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming left a petri dish uncovered by accident and returned to find something extraordinary: a mold that could kill bacteria. But the real story of penicillin isn't about one eureka moment—it's about a decade of failed experiments, a desperate wartime race, and the unlikely team of scientists who turned Fleming's moldy dish into the drug that would save more lives than any other in human history.

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The Fever That Saved Us

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This episode was published on June 12, 2026.

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In 1928, Alexander Fleming left a petri dish uncovered by accident and returned to find something extraordinary: a mold that could kill bacteria. But the real story of penicillin isn't about one eureka moment—it's about a decade of failed...

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