Best of Health and Science
Campbell’s soup, horseshoe crabs and the instruments used by a famous surgeon during the American Revolution. The NewsWorks Health and Science reporters put together stories that educated you, challenged you and, in many cases, kept you healthy.
There’s quite a bit of content over the last year, but we’ve added 10 of our favorites below.
What story do you remember the most? Join the discussion in the comments section below.
One chance left: one woman’s battle to beat depression
By Maiken Scott
It is May of 2009. Tara Aliotta almost has a spring in her step. Her wardrobe is fashionable and bright, as if the cheerful colors could chase away the relentless depression that has darkened her life. More »
In the Gap: Voices from the health divide
By Taunya English
A series exploring the divide that separates African Americans from better health outcomes and access to care. More »
Out of the shadows – trauma and recovery after 9/11
By Maiken Scott
In the days after the attacks, and in the decade since, behavioral health researchers and practitioners have learned a great deal about how people cope with emotional trauma. More »
Counting the Del. Bay horseshoe crabs to save the red knot
By Kerry GrensVideo by Todd Vachon
Each spring the shores of the Delaware Bay in Delaware and New Jersey host a spectacular mating event: the annual horseshoe crab spawn. More »
All MLB baseballs get treatment from South Jersey mud
By Caroyln Beeler, Video by Todd Vachon
Even though the Phillies are out of the pennant race this year, a little bit of our area is still represented on every ball thrown in Major League play, right through the World Series. More »
The instruments of Dr. Physick
By Todd Vachon
Dr. Philip Syng Physick was a renowned University of Pennsylvania-trained surgeon born during the American Revolution. More »
‘Mad Men’ style fueled by Delaware Valley smarts
By Maiken Scott
Love that “Mad Men” style? Many of the products sold by Don Draper and his colleagues on the AMC hit show were invented right here in the Delaware Valley. More »
Scientific community unites to save bats
By Carolyn Beeler
Greg Turner is deep in an old mine near Allentown, Pennsylvania, wearing a yellow protective jumpsuit and a miner’s lamp on his head. More »
Jellyfish explosion in Barnegat Bay worries scientists
By Carolyn Beeler
It was hot and sunny Thursday afternoon on Windward Beach Park in Brick Township, N.J. More »
Debate swirls around menthol smokers
By Taunya English
The minty smokes are heavily marketed in urban areas and particularly popular among African Americans. Opponents say a ban robs black smokers of a perfectly legal preference. Supporters say the prohibition could boost public health. More »
From your driveway to China
By Carolyn Beeler
On a morning pick-up route in Northeast Philadelphia, city sanitation workers George Sewell and Michael Jones walk down a side street, picking up blue bins at the end of driveways and dumping their contents into an idling recycling truck. More »
Staff Sgt. Andrew Robinson: Learning to live, becoming a father
By Elizabeth Fiedler
This Veterans Day comes as U.S. troops are leaving Iraq. As part of WHYY’s series “Back from Iraq,” we’re looking at how withdrawing troops is affecting the Delaware Valley. In the second installment we look at one Burlington County, New Jersey veteran who is learning to live a new life. More »
Philly foodies love it, but FDA mulls tougher rules for raw milk cheese
By Carolyn Beeler and Peter Crimmins
The demand for artisanal cheeses is booming. With new federal regulations concerning health concerns looming, some producers and consumers are worried it might become harder to get raw milk cheeses. More »
Campbell’s: Healthy employees are Mm Mm Good
By Taunya English
Unhealthy workers cost companies more money, so bosses are looking for ways get employees to give up their bad habits. More »
New mental health initiative reaching out to refugees
By Maiken Scott
War, torture, loss of family and friends–refugees arriving in the United States often carry heavy emotional baggage. Then they endure the strains of adjusting to a new culture. Agencies working with refugees new to Philadelphia are puzzling out how to help this population cope with its burdens. More »