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
How clinics in the Philadelphia area are dealing with a national shortage of penicillin
This injectable form of penicillin is a critical treatment for infections like syphilis, and could be in short supply for the rest of the year.
10 months ago
Listen 1:38After years of advocacy, Medicare finally extends coverage for kidney transplant recipients
Despite the win, many services are still not covered, and this does not apply to patients who receive other organs.
10 months ago
Listen 2:54Philadelphia Insectarium evicted: ‘Every window and every mirror was shattered’
The museum's managers had not paid the mortgage for years, leading to a debt of close to $1 million.
11 months ago
Philadelphia Insectarium to close, will be evicted on May 30
The science museum in the city’s Northeast has been on a roller coaster of financial and other problems for several years now.
11 months ago
Life after a shock: Why heart patients need access to mental health care
An implantable defibrillator can save patients who have unusual heart rhythms. But some of them also need help to deal with painful and anxiety inducing shocks.
11 months ago
Listen 12:32Should there be standards for acupuncture in the U.S.?
If you get acupuncture in the U.S., chances are you will pay for it out of pocket. Some acupuncturists say having standards for the industry gives more people access.
11 months ago
Listen 11:40Why did the Mütter Museum take down all their YouTube videos and online exhibits?
There has been an ongoing, broader discussion around displaying human remains, which has brought up some difficult questions many institutions are grappling with.
12 months ago
Listen 7:04Behind the scenes of a $200 million nuclear fusion experiment
How scientists and engineers make parts for a nuclear fusion experiment at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in New Jersey.
1 year ago
Listen 8:58Penn Medicine residents are demanding better working conditions amid growing unionization efforts
Residents at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital have joined a growing number of physician unionization efforts.
1 year ago
Listen 4:30How we decide which animals are pests, and why
Even for the most devoted animal lover among us, there are animals that we hate and try to avoid, or kill: rats, mice, pigeons, invasive snakes. We call these animals pests.
1 year ago
Listen 22:01Changes that eased access to health care during the pandemic will soon be reversed
Several programs that lowered barriers to health care and services during the pandemic are about to end, leaving patients and experts worried about the fallout.
1 year ago
Listen 3:23An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has killed millions of birds in Pennsylvania, and farms, wildlife centers, and testing labs are bearing the costs.
1 year ago
Listen 4:16