The Moth Radio Hour: Hand Transplant, DNA, and a Backwards Heart

Presented by The Moth and collaborating with the World Science Festival, this episode features three captivating stories from scientists and physicians, each intertwining personal journeys with profound scientific endeavors.

1. Jana Levin: Navigating the Cosmos and the Heart

Overview: Astrophysicist Jana Levin shares a deeply personal story that blends her scientific fascination with the mysteries of the universe with the complexities of her romantic relationship. Her journey takes listeners from the analytical realms of theoretical physics to the unpredictable terrain of human emotions.

Key Points:

• Obsession with Finite Universe: Levin discusses her intense research on whether the universe is finite, contemplating mind-bending possibilities like traveling in a straight line only to find oneself back on Earth.

  “Einstein famously said only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. And then he added, and I'm not so sure about the universe.” [03:44]

• Meeting Warren: Seeking balance, Levin meets Warren, an unorthodox musician from Manchester whose chaotic lifestyle starkly contrasts her structured scientific world. Their relationship is tumultuous yet magnetic, characterized by mutual exiles from their respective obsessions.

  “Warren is just everything I would never want in a man.” [03:44]

• Life in Cambridge: The couple relocates to Cambridge, where their divergent passions strain their relationship. Levin's groundbreaking work on black holes contrasts with Warren’s menial job, leading to emotional disconnection.

• Reunion and Unlikely Parenthood: Years later, fate reunites them in San Francisco, resulting in marriage and the birth of their son with dextrocardia—his heart on the right side—symbolizing the improbable alignment of their lives.

  “Our rings... are stamped with the words, the lyrics, melody and numbers, shapes and rhythms.” [20:22]

Conclusion: Levin’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of love and life, where scientific theories about the universe’s finiteness mirror the serendipitous and rare alignment of human relationships, culminating in a uniquely bonded family.

2. Dr. Cody Azari: Precision in Hand Transplantation

Overview: Dr. Cody Azari, a distinguished plastic and hand surgeon, recounts his path to pioneering hand transplantation surgery. His narrative highlights the blend of meticulous scientific precision and profound human empathy required in reconstructive medicine.

Key Points:

• From Fighter Pilot Dreams to Surgery: Originally aspiring to be a fighter pilot, Azari pivoted to medicine under family expectations, channeling his desire for precision and functionality into plastic surgery.

• Training and Challenges: Azari details the grueling years of training, including general surgery, plastic surgery, and microsurgery residencies, underscored by personal sacrifices and relentless dedication.

  “I'm not a religious person, but if there's any evidence of divine intervention, it has to be the human hand.” [21:50]

• First Hand Transplant Operation: Azari describes the groundbreaking surgery in California, emphasizing the intricate process of attaching bones, tendons, nerves, and vessels with unparalleled precision.

  “There's no way this is going to fail. There's no way.” [36:25]

• Emotional Impact: The success of the operation not only restores functionality but also reinforces the profound emotional fulfillment derived from healing and giving back to those who serve.

• Ongoing Commitment: Azari continues to honor wounded service members through his practice, blending surgical expertise with heartfelt dedication.

  “It's difficult to find a hand. Not only do we have to have the exact same match...” [36:25]

Conclusion: Dr. Azari’s journey underscores the intersection of advanced scientific techniques with compassionate care, illustrating how surgical precision can transform lives and restore hope.

3. Dr. Eric Lander: DNA Fingerprinting and the Quest for Justice

Overview: Dr. Eric Lander, a leading geneticist and key figure in the Human Genome Project, narrates his pivotal role in challenging flawed DNA fingerprinting practices in the criminal justice system. His story reveals the profound implications of scientific integrity on legal outcomes.

Key Points:

• Early Involvement in DNA Fingerprinting: Lander becomes involved in a Bronx criminal case where flawed DNA evidence threatens to convict an innocent janitor, Jose Castro.

  “I teach because I firmly believe that no matter what I do with my own scientific career, the greatest impact I can possibly have is through my students.” [51:53]

• Challenging the Evidence: Discovering inconsistencies in the Lifecodes laboratory’s DNA procedures, Lander spearheads a collaborative effort with other scientists to expose the inaccuracies.

• Innocence Project Formation: The fallout from the case inspires the creation of the Innocence Project, dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA evidence.

  “The Innocence Project has gone on to lead to the exoneration of nearly 300 people, including 17 people on death row.” [51:53]

• Impact on Justice System: Lander’s advocacy leads to improved DNA testing standards and highlights the critical need for scientific rigor in legal contexts.

Conclusion: Dr. Lander’s story illustrates the vital role of scientific integrity in ensuring justice, demonstrating how dedicated individuals can drive systemic change and protect the innocent through unwavering commitment to truth.

Notable Quotes:

1. Jana Levin:

   “Warren is just everything I would never want in a man.” [03:44]

2. Jana Levin:

   “Our rings... are stamped with the words, the lyrics, melody and numbers, shapes and rhythms.” [20:22]

3. Dr. Cody Azari:

   “There's no way this is going to fail. There's no way.” [36:25]

4. Dr. Eric Lander:

   “I teach because I firmly believe that no matter what I do with my own scientific career, the greatest impact I can possibly have is through my students.” [51:53]

Closing Thoughts: This episode of "The Moth Radio Hour" masterfully weaves together stories of scientific exploration and personal resilience. Through the narratives of Jana Levin, Dr. Cody Azari, and Dr. Eric Lander, listeners witness the profound interplay between scientific passion and the human experience, highlighting how dedication and integrity can lead to extraordinary outcomes both in the lab and in life.

For more inspiring stories and to share your own, visit themoth.org.