In this episode, Robin and Chris explore seven of the most fascinating accidental medical discoveries in history. They cover the story behind penicillin, the lifesaving antibiotic discovered when Alexander Fleming noticed a mold killing bacteria; insulin, found by Frederick Banting and Charles Best while experimenting on dogs; and blood types, identified by Karl Landsteiner, which made transfusions safe.

The hosts also delve into the smallpox vaccine and Edward Jenner’s observation that milkmaids exposed to cowpox were immune to smallpox, as well as LSD, discovered accidentally by Albert Hofmann, which revolutionized neuroscience and psychiatric research. They discuss X-rays, which changed diagnostics forever, and nitrous oxide, originally a novelty gas, which became one of the first anesthetics thanks to careful observation by Humphry Davy ...