The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean · Sam Kean, Bleav
The Battle over Human Chromosomes
April 1, 2025·19 min·1 clip
Chio experienced the 'golden moment' of knowing something no one else in history ever had, only to have his boss try to claim credit.
As heard by us
A byline fight opens onto the methods that made chromosome science easier to see.
Joe Hinn Chio sits at the center of this episode, and the anger around his byline makes the story feel personal fast. The wartime suffering gives his demand for credit real weight, so the confrontation does more than function as office drama.
Why you'd press play
A fight over first authorship opens into a story of chromosomes, survival, and how evidence gets made.
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