Summary: <p>Today, we go to a spot that may be one of the most philosophical places in the universe: the thymus, an organ that knows what is you, and what is not you. Its mood may be existential, but its role is practical — the thymus is the biological training ground where the body learns to protect itself from outside invaders (think: bacteria, coronaviruses). But this training is not the humdrum bit of science you might expect. It’s a magical shadowland with dire consequences. </p> <p>Then, we’ll leave the thymus to visit a team of doctors who are using this organ that protects <em>you</em> as a way to protect someone… else. Their work could change everything.</p> <p>Special Thanks: </p> <p>One thousand thanks to Hannah Meyer, Salomé Carcy, Josh Torres, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for showing us a real-life (mouse) thymus for this episode. Special thanks also go to Diane Mathis and Kate Webb.</p> <p>Further reading:</p> <p>Wanna do a little light reading? Here’s the immunology textbook Jenni Punt and Sharon Stranford helped write, including a whole section on that funny little thing called AIRE! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kuby-Immunology-Jenni-Punt/dp/1464189781/ref=asc_df_1464189781/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312091458201&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5208068676084181524&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004368&hvtargid=pla-525174969520&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63669393113&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312091458201&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5208068676084181524&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004368&hvtargid=pla-525174969520">Kuby Immunology</a> </p> <p>The science <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1075958">paper</a> that first described what happens inside the thymus as an, “immunological self shadow”.</p> <p><em>Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of <a href="https://members.radiolab.org/"></a></em><em>The Lab</em> (https://members.radiolab.org/) <em>today.</em></p> <p>Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about special events. <a href="https://radiolab.org/newsletter">Sign up</a> (<a href="https://radiolab.org/newsletter">https://radiolab.org/newsletter</a>)!</p> <p>Follow our show on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/radiolab/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Radiolab">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Radiolab">Facebook</a> @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.</p> <p>And, by the way, Radiolab is looking for a remote intern! If you happen to be a creative, science-obsessed nerd who is interested in learning how to make longform radio… Apply! We would LOVE to work with you. You can find more info at <a target="_blank" class="c-link" data-stringify-link="http://wnyc.org/careers" data-sk="tooltip_parent" href="http://wnyc.org/careers" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-remove-tab-index="true" tabindex="-1">wnyc.org/careers</a>.</p>
