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How a few scientists transformed the way we think about disease - Tien Nguyen

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TEDEd Animation

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For several centuries, people though diseases were caused by wandering clouds of poisonous vapor. We now know that this theory is pretty ridiculous, and that diseases are caused by specific bacteria. But how did we get to this new idea of germ theory? Tien Nguyen describes the work of several scientists who discredited a widely accepted theory in a way that was beneficial to human health.

What was a symptom of cholera that made Dr. Snow suspect that the disease was transmitted through drinking contaminated water?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Tien Nguyen
  • Collaborator Office of Research Integrity, David M. Morens
  • Director Brandon Denmark
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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