Davida Smyth

Published: Sept. 7, 2019, 4:25 p.m.

When van Leeuwenhoek devised his microscope in 1676, it was not to study bacteria, says this microbiologist: “He designed it so he could look at thread; he was a draper.” Thus an amateur – a tailor – sparked a scientific revolution. A conversation with a champion of citizen scientists at KGB’s Red Room, produced with Lori Schwarz and 500 Women Scientists. Music fromEmily Cavanagh and Andrew Miramonte.