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Go on an adventure into unexpected corners of the health and science world each week with award-winning host Maiken Scott. The Pulse will take you behind the doors of operating rooms, into the lab with some of the world’s foremost scientists, and back in time to explore life-changing innovations. The Pulse delivers stories in ways that matter to you, and answers questions you never knew you had.
Listen at noon every Sunday and Monday on WHYY-FM
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Hosted by Maiken Scott
Recent Articles
When holiday travel goes wrong: How flight crews deal with unruly passengers
Flying has gotten worse over the years — and so have passengers. An inside look at how aviation workers deal with angry customers
2 weeks ago
Listen 14:00How a turkey farmer dealt with an avian flu outbreak on Thanksgiving
The bird flu virus continues to spread around the world, including in mammals like cows. Scientists are worried it could become a human virus.
2 weeks ago
Listen 9:25The years-long quest to make an ‘artificial leaf’ as a promising fuel alternative
The artificial leaf was a vision for moving beyond fossil fuels. Researchers have since run into obstacles, but continue to push the field forward.
4 weeks ago
Listen 10:00Nature's grip: Scientist examines gecko feet to develop new medical adhesives
A Villanova University biologist is studying how geckos stick to surfaces in an effort to replicate this mechanism for new medical adhesives
4 weeks ago
Listen 8:37Does it matter what time you take your medicine?
Years of research show it matters when a patient takes medicine. So why don't drugs come with those instructions?
1 month ago
Listen 9:48Practice in the dark: a student athlete’s guide to waking up before dawn
Corinne Carlson, a student athlete, shares how early morning rowing practice affects how she schedules her sleep, and her life.
1 month ago
Listen 4:16Can night owls become morning larks — and should they?
What science has to say about what makes someone a night owl, whether it’s bad for your health, and if it’s even possible to change.
1 month ago
Listen 8:46Despite reassurances, election security risks continue to mount
Election security experts warn that underfunding and a lack of expertise in the field could threaten election integrity.
1 month ago
Listen 10:50How opioid prescriptions are tracked and monitored by law enforcement and health care providers
Medical sociologist Liz Chiarello discusses the effects of prescription drug monitoring programs on both patients and physicians.
2 months ago
Listen 12:22New generation of AEDs designed to reach cardiac arrest victims faster
Surviving cardiac arrest is rare. Only about 10% of patients pull through. One major factor is getting CPR immediately. New AEDs could help speed things up.
2 months ago
Listen 10:13How close are we to artificial hearts? New advancements in heart health
Cardiac researcher Sian Harding discusses scientific advances in heart health including growing artificial hearts from stem cells.
2 months ago
Listen 11:51Understanding PDA — when tantrums and school avoidance have deeper roots
Extreme tantrums related to any demands define PDA, but experts say it’s not about demands, it’s about anxiety.
2 months ago
Listen 15:03Some parents say their children are not supported enough. The School District of Philadelphia says they need more staff and resources.
3 months ago
Listen 12:02For those with sensory issues, ‘fitting in’ at school can be a huge challenge
Growing up in the early 2000s, Rebecca Kaplan faced challenges fitting in due to autism-related sensory issues — but on a whim, she hoped buying a pair of jeans would help.
3 months ago
Listen 10:20Patrick Kennedy reflects on new book, advocacy for better mental health care
Former congressman Patrick Kennedy and journalist Stephen Fried have teamed up to write a new book together, Profiles in Mental Health Courage.
3 months ago
Listen 11:42