# "A Grim Enemy For Reasons We Do Not Yet Comprehend"

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-science-7587315/a-grim-enemy-for-reasons-we-do-not-yet-comprehend
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-science-7587315/a-grim-enemy-for-reasons-we-do-not-yet-comprehend.md
Podcast: [The Rest Is Science](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-science-7587315)
Published: 2026-05-11T23:04:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT1224356059.mp3?updated=1778511882
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT1224356059.mp3?updated=1778511882
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-rest-is-science-7587315/episodes/a-grim-enemy-for-reasons-we-do-not-yet-comprehend
Duration seconds: 2633

## Resource

* This episode contains descriptions of warfare and use of chemical weapons * How do you feed a world that’s running out of food? In this episode of The Rest Is Science, Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens uncover one of the strangest and most unsettling stories in modern science: the tale of the man who learned how to pull fertiliser out of thin air. This discovery transformed agriculture. It made modern civilisation possible. But it also powered explosives, prolonged the First World War, and helped to birth some of the most deadly chemical weapons in history. From battles for bird poop and to the ethics of scientific progress, this is the story of the molecule that changed humanity forever. ------------------ For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠⁠clicking here.⁠⁠ ------------------- Video Producer: Adam Thornton + Oli Oakley + Jack MeekAnimator: Sam BensonVideo & Social: Bex TyrrellAssistant Producer: Lucy LipscombeProducer: Simona RataSenior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-CarterHead Of Digital: Samuel OakleyExec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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## Transcript

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