The Pulse Archive
How NASA repairs its rovers on Mars, without ever touching them
NASA's rovers are labs on wheels, doing work on Mars, while being directed by scientists and engineers here on earth. How do they repair rovers from millions of miles away?
3 years ago
Listen 8:30What will humans eat on Mars? Earthbound researchers are cultivating menu choices
If or when humans get to the red planet, one of the next big questions is: What will they eat there? Would it even be possible to have a healthy or tasty diet?
3 years ago
Listen 4:53Air Date: June 25, 2021
Listen 49:19Can you tamp down your over-the-top startle response?
Jumping at the slightest little thing can be annoying and embarrassing. Why do some people startle so easily, and can they do anything about it?
3 years ago
Listen 14:42How to stop worrying and learn to love the unknown
People can reframe their relationship with uncertainty and that can help relieve some of their anxiety.
3 years ago
Listen 5:52Air Date: June 18, 2021
Listen 49:54Exploring the space-time-stench continuum, where no nose has gone before
Why NASA is creating — and then sniffing out — some of the foulest smells known in the universe.
3 years ago
Listen 10:23Is an irresistible human pheromone possible?
Cultural preferences play a huge role in determining what and who smells good to some and bad to others. Factors other than fragrance are involved.
3 years ago
Listen 7:56The Miracle and Menace of Plastic
Air Date: June 11, 2021
Listen 49:24Air Date: June 4, 2021
Listen 49:04Canada has universal health coverage. So why is a new ‘miracle drug’ so hard to get?
Trikafta costs $360,000 a year per cystic fibrosis patient, a big price the government has hesitated to approve.
3 years ago
Listen 7:12How Philadelphia escaped disaster in the face of a dozen shuttered maternity wards
Births are a high-risk, low-return part of the health business. The city’s hospitals rallied together a decade ago. Is a new challenge ahead?
3 years ago
Listen 20:58The Pulse Presents: A.I. Nation
Air Date: June 2, 2021
Listen 33:22Think pet, not threat with Artificial Intelligence
Air Date: June 2, 2021
Listen 18:37The Promise and Pitfalls of AI
Air Date: May 28, 2021
Listen 51:53Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.