Did you know a 19th-century Bengali scientist anticipated the technology behind modern Wi-Fi and proved that plants could feel? In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the life of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, a polymath whose work spanned physics, biology, and even science fiction.

We explore Bose's groundbreaking work in microwave optics, including his invention of the mercury coherer—a device that was integral to Marconi’s famous first transatlantic wireless transmission but often goes uncredited. We discuss how Nobel Laureate Sir Nevill Mott declared Bose to be "60 years ahead of his time," specifically for anticipating the P-type and N-type semiconductors used in electronics today.

Switching from physics to botany, we examine how Bose blurred the lines between the living and non-living. You will learn about his invention, t ...