The Pulse

Some problems are so big, so entrenched and complicated, you can start to feel like Sisyphus – condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity. But still, we try to solve them. On this episode, we meet people who are finding ways to tackle massive problems. They’re working to slash high drug prices, slow the spread of HIV, and eliminate smoking.

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Happy Birthday, America! From the very beginning, science has shaped this country. Many of the Founding Fathers — Madison, Jefferson, Washington — were science geeks, and their methodical way of thinking is reflected in the Declaration of Independence. To celebrate the holiday, we dig into the science that makes fireworks sparkle, flags durable, and hot dogs delicious. Plus, what brain researchers are learning about the pursuit of happiness and feelings of patriotism.

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Steaks are delicious. Bacon is tasty. Americans eat a ton of meat, and consumption is on the rise. And, there are serious implications in our diet choices. Eating too much meat can impact your health, meat production takes a lot of resources and has a big effect on the environment. And, of course, there are ethical concerns to ponder. How were those animals treated? We take a closer look at the meat we eat.

What’s in your backyard, in your water, in your food? On this episode, we hunt for the hidden poisons and find them everywhere — even in our medical treatments. In Alabama, residents say an expanding landfill threatens their way of life. Out West, we profile a toxic plant that’s killing big game. And a history lesson: a government researcher who intentionally poisoned people to ultimately make our food supply safer.

Gene editing is quickly moving from high-tech labs into middle school classrooms and even people’s kitchens. Will this finally bring us spicy tomatoes and vanilla basil, or dangerous super bugs? On this episode, we explore all kinds of DIY approaches in health and science. Tinkering with genes, ordering your own medical tests, detoxing from drugs by yourself,  creating a gigantic online map for birders. And – your stories of DIY success and failure.

We follow the money as it drives decisions and changes the game in health and science. How does investment dictate which drugs end up on our shelves? Could diminished funding push climate science out of the US? Can you make a living eating radioactive egg sandwiches? Would you pony up thousands of dollars for an extremely rare pet fish? And, you can cash in too – by spitting in a cup.

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”. 

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