The Pulse

Giving birth. Giving support and feeling a fierce love. Being there. Being exhausted. It’s all part of being a mom. To mark Mother’s Day, we’ll reflect on some of the ways humans and other species juggle the never-ending demands that come with mothering. We’ll meet scientist moms who balance taking care of kids and applying for research grants. We’ll find out how America’s OB GYN shortage is affecting women in rural areas. We’ll observe the bird who wins the award for worst mother ever, or maybe she’s the smartest? Plus, we’ll talk about the “mother of all science”.

When it comes to scientific knowledge, we’re selective about who and what we believe. But, how do we get to a place of knowing? We hear from people who were believed — and those who weren’t — to find out what made the difference.

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Diabetes costs more healthcare dollars than any other disease in the United States. But beyond the huge financial price tag — diabetes takes a major toll on people’s lives. Constantly chasing a stable blood sugar level. Feeling sick and tired. Having to be really careful about how you celebrate Thanksgiving, or your enjoy your wedding cake. On this episode of The Pulse, we explore the social and emotional costs of the illness.

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For a long time disability meant one thing — limitations. Think about the word disabled: its literal meaning is broken, not functioning. In a world largely built by and for those considered typical, people with disabilities are often boxed out — from jobs they want, places they want to go and activities they could love. But that’s changing as advances in science and technology collide with evolving conceptions of disability. On this week’s show, we explore the idea that “disability” resides not in people, but in the systems, schools, workplaces and communities that don’t make a way for inclusion and participation.

To read a transcript of this week’s episode, click here.

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On this episode, we explore one of our most important and amazing human tools. What does neuroscience tell us about how language works, and how we acquire it? Can intensive rehab help those who have lost their ability to express themselves after stroke? We’ll also hear about plant ‘language,’ voice donation, and the failed effort to create a universal language from scratch.

You know what they say — when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But what are the factors that decide whether we bend or break? And what can we do to prepare ourselves better for future adversity? In this week’s show, we explore our capacity for resilience, with stories about bouncing back from hard times.

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Technology helps us run our lives, do our jobs, get directions and keep track of our calendars. Right? Or, is technology taking control of our lives – stealing our time, and shattering our attention into a thousand pieces?

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Whether you’re fixing a leaky toilet or a busted iPhone, there’s no satisfaction quite like doing it yourself. On this week’s episode, we celebrate our inner fixit people with stories from those who dare to repair stuff.

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Plus, Malcolm Burnley reports on how experimental tech is being deployed to combat an everyday annoyance-potholes.

Bruises. Burns. Lesions. Lacerations. Wounds can be dangerous, painful, even gruesome. But they also represent our ability to survive and heal. The Pulse explores the full life cycle of wounds.

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What happens when a Buddhist environmentalist, a Muslim astronomer … a rabbi and a priest walk into our studio? On this episode, we explore the ways faith and religion intersect with science. Sometimes the collision is fraught with misunderstanding and tension. Other times, science and religion influence and inspire each other.