The Man Who Took LSD and Changed The World

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides a rich, multi-faceted account of a major scientific breakthrough. It excels in explaining the technical aspects of PCR in an accessible yet accurate manner, using clear animations and analogies. The narrative is compelling, weaving together personal anecdotes, scientific explanation, and historical context. The argumentation is solid, supported by interviews with key figures and references to primary literature. The video does not shy away from presenting Mullis’s flaws, offering a balanced view of his character and contributions. The claim that LSD influenced his creativity is presented as Mullis’s own belief, not as a proven fact, which is appropriately nuanced.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates high scientific rigor. It cites numerous primary sources, including Mullis’s original papers, the discovery of Thermus aquaticus, and studies on the impact of HIV denialism. Interviews with scientists who worked directly with Mullis add credibility. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on Mullis’s life and his invention, with the LSD aspect being a notable part of his story. The video also addresses the collaborative nature of the PCR development, correcting the common narrative that it was a solo achievement. The inclusion of Mullis’s later controversial views is handled responsibly, providing context and evidence of their harmful consequences.

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on Kary Mullis's life and his invention of PCR, with emphasis on his LSD use and its perceived influence.

9/10

The video is produced by Veritasium, known for high-quality science communication. It includes interviews with key scientists involved (Tom White, Hudson Freeze, Henry Erlich), references primary literature, and provides a detailed historical account. The narrative is balanced, acknowledging both Mullis's contributions and his flaws, and the scientific explanations are accurate.

• 00:00DNA under a microscope
• 01:17Kary Mullis at Berkeley
• 02:50Cetus and early biotech
• 04:16How to detect sickle cell anemia
• 09:12Kary Mullis at Cetus
• 10:39Infinite DNA glitch explained
• 15:29Kary Mullis struggles
• 18:10Thermus Aquaticus to the rescue
• 23:53Going public
• 26:59The quirky genius, Kary Mullis

• Brilliant (sponsor) — Sponsorship segment at the beginning of the video.
• Human Beta-globin gene via UniProt — Reference for the beta-globin gene sequence.
• Brock, T. D., & Freeze, H. (1969). Thermus aquaticus gen. n. and sp. n., a Nonsporulating Extreme Thermophile. Journal of Bacteriology — Original paper describing the discovery of Thermus aquaticus.
• Chigwedere, P. et al. (2008). Estimating the Lost Benefits of Antiretroviral Drug Use in South Africa. JAIDS — Study quantifying the deaths due to HIV denialism in South Africa.
• Conner, B. J. et al. (1983). Detection of sickle cell beta S-globin allele by hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotides. PNAS — Early method for detecting sickle cell mutation using probes.
• Rediscovering Yellowstone via UW-Madison — Article about the rediscovery of Thermus aquaticus in Yellowstone.
• Presidential Aids Advisory Panel Report via gov.za — Report from the Mbeki government's AIDS advisory panel.
• McDonald, C. (2019). Intolerable Genius. Cal Alumni Association — Profile of Kary Mullis from his alma mater.
• Mullis, K. (1968). Cosmological Significance of Time Reversal. Nature — Early publication by Mullis in Nature.
• Mullis, K. B., Faloona, F. A. (1987). Specific synthesis of DNA in vitro via a polymerase-catalyzed chain reaction. Methods in Enzymology — Key paper describing the PCR method.
• Mullis, K. B. (1990). The Unusual Origin of the Polymerase Chain Reaction. Scientific American — Mullis's own account of the invention of PCR.
• Mullis, K. (1997). Dancing Naked in the Mind Field. Vintage — Mullis's autobiography.
• Dr. Kary Mullis about LSD via RadioIciMaintenant Rim — Interview where Mullis discusses LSD and PCR.
• Nattrass, N. (2008). AIDS and the Scientific Governance of Medicine in Post-Apartheid South Africa. African Affairs — Academic analysis of AIDS policy in South Africa.
• Restriction Enzymes via The Nobel Prize — Nobel Prize page for restriction enzymes.
• Kary B. Mullis via The Nobel Prize — Nobel Prize page for Kary Mullis.
• PCR Visuals — Additional images and video used in the production.
• Patreon — Patreon page for behind-the-scenes content.
• Rabinow, P. (1996). Making PCR — Book providing detailed coverage of the PCR story.
• Saiki, R. K. et al. (1985). Enzymatic Amplification of β-Globin Genomic Sequences and Restriction Site Analysis for Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia. Science — First paper on PCR, with Mullis as fourth author.

• Saiki, R. K. et al. (1985). Enzymatic Amplification of β-Globin Genomic Sequences and Restriction Site Analysis for Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia. Science — First paper on PCR, confirming the method's efficacy.
• Brock, T. D., & Freeze, H. (1969). Thermus aquaticus gen. n. and sp. n., a Nonsporulating Extreme Thermophile. Journal of Bacteriology — Original description of Thermus aquaticus, supporting the discovery of Taq polymerase.
• Chigwedere, P. et al. (2008). Estimating the Lost Benefits of Antiretroviral Drug Use in South Africa. JAIDS — Quantifies the impact of HIV denialism, corroborating the video's claims.

• Mullis, K. (1997). Dancing Naked in the Mind Field. Vintage — Mullis claimed sole credit for PCR, while the video emphasizes the contributions of his colleagues at Cetus.

• ve42.co
• ve42.co
• ve42.co