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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 \u2014 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\u2019s a magical shadowland with dire consequences.\xa0\nThen, we\u2019ll leave the thymus to visit a team of doctors who are using this organ that protects you as a way to protect someone\u2026 else. Their work could change everything.\nSpecial Thanks:\xa0\nOne thousand thanks to Hannah Meyer, Salom\xe9 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.\nFurther reading:\nWanna do a little light reading? Here\u2019s the immunology textbook Jenni Punt and Sharon Stranford helped write, including a whole section on that funny little thing called AIRE! Kuby Immunology\xa0\nThe science paper that first described what happens inside the thymus as an, \u201cimmunological self shadow\u201d.\nRadiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of\xa0The Lab\xa0(https://members.radiolab.org/)\xa0today.\nOur newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about special events.\xa0Sign up\xa0(https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!\nFollow our show on\xa0Instagram,\xa0Twitter\xa0and\xa0Facebook\xa0@radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing\xa0radiolab@wnyc.org.\nAnd, 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\u2026 Apply! We would LOVE to work with you.\xa0 You can find more info at\xa0wnyc.org/careers.