The Moth Radio Hour: Hand Transplant, DNA, and a Backwards Heart
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Host: Jay Allison
Produced By: The Moth in collaboration with the World Science Festival

Introduction

In this special episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Jay Allison presents a captivating collection of true stories from scientists and physicians. Filmed live at the Players Club in New York City under the theme Dark Stories of Stars Aligned, each storyteller shares personal narratives that blend scientific inquiry with profound human experiences. This episode features three compelling stories: an astrophysicist’s journey through love and academia, a surgeon’s emotional venture into hand transplantation, and a geneticist’s pivotal role in the development of DNA fingerprinting and the Innocence Project.

Jana Levin: A Backwards Heart

Timestamp: [03:11] – [19:49]

Story Overview: Jana Levin, an astrophysicist and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University, delves into her tumultuous relationship with Warren, a self-professed obsessive-compulsive musician from Manchester. Their contrasting obsessions—she with mathematics and he with melody—initially create a balancing tension. However, their move to England strains their bond, leading to eventual separation. Years later, a serendipitous reunion in San Francisco rekindles their relationship, culminating in marriage and the birth of their son, who is born with dextrocardia and situs inversus, meaning his heart and organs are mirrored from their typical positions.

Notable Quotes:

• “The laws of science could be suspended for one night, what would you do? I’d take the day off.” ([03:11])
• “In the sheer magnitude of the universe, my personal trials seemed diminished.” ([18:00])
• “Our son is a perfectly formed mirror image of conventional human anatomy, a living testament to our improbable journey.” ([19:45])

Key Points:

• Scientific Obsession vs. Human Connection: Jana’s fixation on the finite universe contrasts with Warren’s passion for music, highlighting the struggle between intellectual pursuits and personal relationships.
• Struggles in England: Adjusting to life in England strains their relationship, emphasizing the challenges of balancing personal life with professional ambitions.
• Serendipitous Reunion: Years later, fate brings them back together in San Francisco, illustrating the unpredictable nature of relationships.
• Miraculous Birth: The birth of their son with a rare heart condition symbolizes the improbable and miraculous aspects of their journey together.

Insights: Jana’s narrative underscores the fragile balance between personal happiness and professional dedication. Her story illustrates how shared experiences, even those rooted in starkly different passions, can lead to profound connections and unexpected joys.

Cody Azari: Hand Transplant

Timestamp: [23:19] – [37:55]

Story Overview: Cody Azari, an internationally renowned plastic and hand surgeon at UCLA, recounts his rigorous journey to become a pioneering hand transplant surgeon. Motivated by the groundbreaking work of Tom Starzl in liver transplantation, Cody dedicates over 18 years to his training. His perseverance pays off when he performs a successful hand transplant on a 26-year-old Marine who lost his hand in a munitions accident. The emotional culmination of the surgery, coupled with the profound impact on the Marine’s life, solidifies Cody’s commitment to reconstructive surgery for wounded service members.

Notable Quotes:

• “I couldn’t imagine what it truly means to live without a hand, beyond the surface-level inconveniences.” ([25:30])
• “Performing the operation was like being in the zone, where everything else stood still.” ([33:50])
• “It's not flying fighter jets, but reconstructing those who have been injured in service is my mission.” ([37:00])

Key Points:

• Rigorous Training: Cody’s extensive training in general surgery, plastic surgery, microsurgery, and tissue engineering prepared him for the complexities of hand transplantation.
• First Transplant Operation: The high-stakes, emotionally charged procedure required meticulous precision in attaching bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.
• Emotional Impact: Successfully reattaching the Marine’s hand provided not only physical restoration but also immense emotional relief and gratitude.
• Commitment to Service Members: Cody’s practice focuses on reconstructive surgery for wounded service members, highlighting his dedication to giving back to those who have sacrificed for their country.

Insights: Cody’s story highlights the intersection of cutting-edge medical science and deep human empathy. His dedication illustrates how medical advancements can profoundly impact individual lives, transforming suffering into renewed hope and functionality.

Eric S. Lander: DNA and the Innocence Project

Timestamp: [38:32] – [53:10]

Story Overview: Eric S. Lander, a leading geneticist and president and founding director of the Broad Institute, shares his pivotal role in the case that led to the creation of the Innocence Project. During a meeting on DNA fingerprinting in 1989, Lander was confronted by lawyers seeking to leverage flawed DNA evidence in a criminal case. His skepticism about the reliability of the DNA evidence in the Jose Castro case, combined with collaborative efforts from other scientists, exposed significant errors in the DNA fingerprinting process. This revelation not only won the case but also spurred the establishment of the Innocence Project, which has since exonerated nearly 300 individuals.

Notable Quotes:

• “The DNA evidence was schmutz, it was a mess.” ([40:45])
• “I firmly believe that the greatest impact I can have is through my students.” ([51:30])
• “The Innocence Project has led to the exoneration of nearly 300 people, including 17 on death row.” ([52:50])

Key Points:

• DNA Fingerprinting Challenges: Early DNA fingerprinting techniques were unreliable, as demonstrated by the flawed evidence in the Castro case.
• Courtroom Battle: Lander’s critical analysis and refusal to support dubious DNA evidence exposed significant flaws, leading to a landmark courtroom victory.
• Formation of the Innocence Project: The case’s fallout inspired the creation of the Innocence Project, aiming to overturn wrongful convictions through reliable scientific evidence.
• Impact on Justice System: The Innocence Project has significantly influenced the legal system by highlighting the fallibility of eyewitness identification and unreliable scientific evidence.

Insights: Eric Lander’s narrative underscores the essential role of scientific integrity in the justice system. His story illustrates how meticulous scientific scrutiny can protect individuals’ rights and ensure the accurate application of justice, ultimately shaping policies and practices to prevent wrongful convictions.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully intertwines personal journeys with scientific exploration, showcasing how the pursuit of truth—whether through the depths of space, the intricacies of human anatomy, or the quest for justice—can lead to remarkable and transformative outcomes. Each storyteller not only shares their professional achievements but also reveals the profound human experiences that drive their passions and innovations.

Closing Note: For more stories like these or to share your own, visit themost.org or the Moth’s website at themoth.org.

Produced By:
Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Presented by Public Radio Exchange (prx.org)
Produced with funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Endowment for the Arts, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.