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At Harvard: The Case Of The Tainted Espresso

Scott Hensley, writing for NPR's health blog, details the bizarre case of Harvard scientists sickened by tainted espresso over the summer. He writes that six scientists and students were hospitalized in August after drinking coffee spiked with sodium azide, a chemical used to keep bacteria from growing where they shouldn't. One victim, a researcher in the pathology lab, is quoted saying the group will now start patronizing Starbucks.

This program aired on October 27, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of Rachel Zimmerman

Rachel Zimmerman Reporter
Rachel Zimmerman previously reported on health and the intersection of health and business for WBUR. She is working on a memoir about rebuilding her family after her husband’s suicide. 

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