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June 24, 2025 36 mins

In 1970, a young man, from a paper mill town in Pennsylvania, borrowed his roommate's car and drove 11 miles to see a new medical school. That casual drive would lead to one of the most widely used techniques in molecular biology and biomedical research.

In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. James (Jim) Alwine reflects on the fortuitous moments behind his career, how science builds on centuries of knowledge, the power of NIH funding, why "silly science" saves lives, and the threats now dismantling the foundations of health research.



References for Our Discussion

◼️ Trump Is Killing Life-Saving Health Research



Guest

◼️James Alwine, PhD | Emeritus Professor of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania; Visiting Professor, University of Arizona; Coordinating Committee Member, Defend Public Health



Host(s) & Producer(s)

◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®



Production Notes

◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room



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