Health & Science
The ‘Great Dying’ nearly erased life on Earth. Scientists see similarities to today
The "Great Dying," the biggest extinction the planet has ever seen, happened some 250 million years ago and was largely caused by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
5 years ago
Researchers pose as heroin users to find treatment gaps
The study revealed other roadblocks: high fees and a government website riddled with wrong phone numbers.
5 years ago
A mother’s wish for her son: Mental health treatment
His immigration status — undocumented — stands in the way of obtaining medication and therapy a 15-year-old boy needs for his depression, ADHD, and more.
5 years ago
PFAS chemicals: health risks and regulation
We discuss PFAS, compounds used in cookware, carpeting and upholstery, food wrappers, and firefighting foam, the health risks they pose and the challenges regulating them.
Air Date: June 4, 2019 10:00 am
Listen 49:30Pa. has had a lot of tornadoes this year. But scientists don’t know if there’s a climate change link
Pennsylvania has seen an abnormally high number of tornadoes this year — with more than two dozen confirmed as of last week.
5 years ago
Under new proposal, N.J. patients would be informed of in-state options before being transferred
New Jersey lawmakers may require its doctors to make sure patients know about in-state treatment options.
5 years ago
Kelp has been touted as the new kale, but it has been slow to catch on
While seaweed has a lot of things going for it in terms of nutrition, the lack of infrastructure to process it and people's tastes have not been quick to adopt it.
5 years ago
U.S. aims to help more cancer patients try experimental drugs
Thousands of gravely ill cancer patients each year seek "compassionate use" access to treatments that are not yet on the market but have shown some promise.
5 years ago
Plans for LNG terminal in South Jersey kept under wraps, enviro group says
Developer and agencies deny effort to shield from public view plans that would allow for transfer of potentially explosive liquefied natural gas to ocean-going tankers.
5 years ago
The Thwaites Glacier is melting. Here’s why the Philly region should care
Scientists are racing to figure out how it much could contribute to sea level rise and impact cites and coastlines thousands of miles away, including the Philly region.
Air Date: June 3, 2019
Listen 14:31To some solar users, power company fees are an unfair charge
"The bottom line is that ultimately they seem to be double counting — double charging essentially for the costs of backup generation," he says.
5 years ago
10,000 steps a day? How many you really need to boost longevity
It's often the default setting on fitness trackers, but what's it really based on?
5 years ago
Scientists know how tornadoes form, but they are hard to predict
On Monday, 52 tornadoes may have touched down across eight states, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
5 years ago
New Constellation On the Block
Air Date: June 1, 2019
Listen 07:04Missouri’s last abortion provider wins reprieve, as judge rules against state
The judge granted the clinic's request for a temporary restraining order and set a hearing date in early June.
5 years ago
Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.