The Pulse Archive
When Being ‘Gifted’ No Longer Feels Like a Gift
We take a look at giftedness — how it’s defined, who qualifies as gifted, and how our understanding of giftedness is changing.
Air Date: November 29, 2024
Listen 48:31When holiday travel goes wrong: How flight crews deal with unruly passengers
Flying has gotten worse over the years — and so have passengers. An inside look at how aviation workers deal with angry customers
7 days ago
Listen 14:00How a turkey farmer dealt with an avian flu outbreak on Thanksgiving
The bird flu virus continues to spread around the world, including in mammals like cows. Scientists are worried it could become a human virus.
7 days ago
Listen 9:25Thanksgiving Disasters — And How to Avoid Them
We talk with experts ranging from food scientists to ER docs about how to avoid common Thanksgiving disasters.
Air Date: November 22, 2024
Listen 56:56The Threats Facing Trees — and How to Save Them
We look at the threats facing trees around the world, along with new efforts to save them — and help them survive and thrive.
Air Date: November 15, 2024
Listen 48:49The years-long quest to make an ‘artificial leaf’ as a promising fuel alternative
The artificial leaf was a vision for moving beyond fossil fuels. Researchers have since run into obstacles, but continue to push the field forward.
3 weeks ago
Listen 10:00Nature's grip: Scientist examines gecko feet to develop new medical adhesives
A Villanova University biologist is studying how geckos stick to surfaces in an effort to replicate this mechanism for new medical adhesives
3 weeks ago
Listen 8:37Biomimicry: What Nature Can Teach us about Engineering and Design
We explore the field of biomimicry, and how everyone from architects to engineers to medical researchers are drawing inspiration from nature.
Air Date: November 8, 2024
Listen 48:51Does it matter what time you take your medicine?
Years of research show it matters when a patient takes medicine. So why don't drugs come with those instructions?
4 weeks ago
Listen 9:48Practice in the dark: a student athlete’s guide to waking up before dawn
Corinne Carlson, a student athlete, shares how early morning rowing practice affects how she schedules her sleep, and her life.
4 weeks ago
Listen 4:16Can night owls become morning larks — and should they?
What science has to say about what makes someone a night owl, whether it’s bad for your health, and if it’s even possible to change.
4 weeks ago
Listen 8:46What Makes Our Circadian Clocks Tick
As the days grow shorter, we take a look at how changes to our circadian clocks affect our health.
Air Date: November 1, 2024
Listen 48:58Despite reassurances, election security risks continue to mount
Election security experts warn that underfunding and a lack of expertise in the field could threaten election integrity.
1 month ago
Listen 10:50How Politics Are Changing Health and Science
Ahead of the election, we look at how politics is affecting everything from health care to scientific progress.
Air Date: October 25, 2024
Listen 50:44Thrills & Chills: The Psychology of Fear
Fear is about survival, but it can also feel fun. We explore our complicated relationship with fear.
Air Date: October 18, 2024
Listen 48:00Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.