Alan was all set on majoring in biology, but then he realized he liked writing about science more than doing research, so he left Hong Kong and went to study journalism in the U.S. After interning at NPR and WBEZ in Chicago, he has never wanted to work anywhere outside of public radio. He covers space and all other kinds of innovation. He enjoys comic books, LEGO, and dragon boating.
More from the Contributor
They care for their patients for years sometimes, getting to know their families. Now, a shortage of PPE and a lack of testing puts them all at risk.
4 years ago
Listen 3:14How COVID-19 led to a blood shortage, and why that’s troubling
Blood donations by African Americans dropped by 50% since mid-March, when many drives were canceled. That affects sickle cell patients seeking a match.
4 years ago
Listen 1:37How regulatory, price obstacles frustrate two counties’ COVID test goals
Montgomery and Chester counties want to do more tests in jails and nursing homes, but state and federal regulations are getting in the way.
4 years ago
Treating blood clots, kidney injuries and other problems linked to COVID-19 could save lives
As doctors treat more and more COVID-19 patients, they are realizing the new coronavirus can affect far more than just a patient's lungs.
4 years ago
Listen 1:44What it’s like to be disabled now, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic
People who are disabled or have chronic illnesses have a different perspective on the limits we’re all living with today.
4 years ago
What’s holding up coronavirus testing? Lack of necessary chemicals and lab equipment
Researchers say the U.S. needs to test at least 500,000 people a day. But labs and health systems have to share what’s required to perform the tests.
4 years ago
Listen 1:33A COVID-19 snapshot: How the Philadelphia region’s hospitals are managing
During interviews over the past week, as coronavirus cases continued to rise, officials said the tri-state region’s hospitals were up to the challenge.
4 years ago
Humans stay home because of the coronavirus. Some rats follow
Those restaurant dumpsters aren’t full of food waste anymore, so opportunistic rodents are going the residential route to fill their bellies.
4 years ago
Listen 1:21How do quick coronavirus tests work, and will the U.S. have enough?
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb estimated at least 750,000 rapid point-of-care tests are needed weekly to guide the country out of the pandemic.
4 years ago
Einstein Healthcare Network to furlough workers
The health system, which employs 8,000 workers, instructed leadership to choose which positions to temporarily cut.
4 years ago
Philly area hospitals grapple with shortage of drugs to put patients on ventilators
It’s not just the ventilators: Hospitals are short the sedatives and painkillers used to keep patients on those ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic.
4 years ago
Listen 1:41Tips for a healthy coronavirus-era diet, from the nutritionist who ate at McDonald’s for a month
There are workarounds to takeout and whatever is left on the supermarket shelf. If canned or frozen fruits and veggies are all that’s left, use those.
4 years ago