The Pulse

The Way Wounds Work

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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.

Also heard on this week’s show:

  • Alan Yu explores big moments in wound care history at the Mütter Museum.
  • Dermatologist Jules Lipoff gives us the lowdown on why paper cuts hurt so much, and the purpose of pain.
  • Author Kevin Brockmeier reads from his novel The Illumination, in which wounds and pain become sources of light.
  • Psychologist Dan Gottlieb tells us about the wounds that often mean bedrest for him.
  • Reporter Cari Spivak tells us about a new bandage based on tilapia skin, developed for bears caught
    • in California’s wildfires.
  • Anthropologist Diana Baird N’Diaye talks about wounds as parts of rituals around the world.
    • ...more
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