
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
So what’s the climate change/asthma connection?
Warming temperatures worsen ozone pollution. Excess carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) causes plants to grow faster and release more pollen — extending the “allergy” season.
6 years ago
Listen 8:46Acupuncture: real relief or theatrical placebo?
Alan Yu heads home to Hong Kong to investigate the ways acupuncture is used in the medical system there.
7 years ago
Listen 13:20Opera raises curtain on living with schizophrenia
The idea is to address the stigma of mental illness with music. The opera is based on a memoir from a law and psychiatry professor.
7 years ago
Delaware, other state Medicaid programs consider acupuncture as opioid alternative
State governments are thinking about how to treat pain other than opioids.
7 years ago
To prove a point, Drexel prof goes on monthlong McDonald’s diet
She says the 2004 movie 'Super Size Me' sent the wrong message, and she wants to destigmatize fast food.
7 years ago
E-sports injuries send gamers to physical therapy
When video gamers get tendinopathy or wrist pain, Caitlin McGee has a recovery and plan — and suggestions for better ergonomic play.
7 years ago
Listen 5:32Drugs detected in private well water in north central Pennsylvania
Simply put, drugs leave the body and go down the toilet. There are similar types of drugs in similar concentrations in water in Canada, the U.S., and most of Europe.
7 years ago
Pa. considers banning Japanese barberry, a popular but invasive landscaping plant
The shrub is already banned in New York, Maine, and other states. It’s a haven for ticks and mice.
7 years ago
‘It is not justice:’ Philly protesters decry police shooting of unarmed Pittsburgh teen
Around 60 people gathered for a rally in West Philly to stand in solidarity with Antwon Rose, an unarmed 17-year-old who was shot and killed by a Pittsburgh cop.
7 years ago
New blood test for pregnant women could predict preterm birth
In 2016, one in 10 babies in the U.S. were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Worldwide, preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death for children under 5
7 years ago
Is it important to keep lab rats happy?
Veterinarians say bored mice and rats that live in barren cages are bad test subjects.
7 years ago
When your job includes experimenting on animals
Neuroscientist Ashley Juavinett says, “we have medicine and amazing treatments because of all the animal research we’ve done.”
7 years ago
Listen 4:39