How do we get to know the human body? Rapamycin is a immunosuppressant drug that was isolated from novel bacteria found on the pacific island Rapa Nui. Research on rapamycin led to the discovery of one of the central molecules in human metabolism, mTOR. In this presentation, I will highlight the importance of a number of scientific disciplines that contribute to our understanding of rapamycin. Work from the disciplines of biochemistry, organic chemistry, medicine and pharmacology has fostered an in-depth understanding of how rapamycin works, while also understanding the human body in new ways.