The Pulse
@thepulse.whyy.org
The Pulse is a health and science show and podcast out of
WHYY, an NPR member station. You can find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/1hoExHK
WHYY, an NPR member station. You can find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/1hoExHK
Americans have lost more than $16.6 billion to cybercrime, and it's still more challenging than ever to sniff out an online scam.
That's why it's never a bad time to check out our episode on cybercrime and how scammers prey on the rest of us.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
That's why it's never a bad time to check out our episode on cybercrime and how scammers prey on the rest of us.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
November 3, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Americans have lost more than $16.6 billion to cybercrime, and it's still more challenging than ever to sniff out an online scam.
That's why it's never a bad time to check out our episode on cybercrime and how scammers prey on the rest of us.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
That's why it's never a bad time to check out our episode on cybercrime and how scammers prey on the rest of us.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Coca-Cola rolled out a cane sugar version of its soda after Trump urged the corporation to do so — but debates around the sweetener in Coke are decades old.
On this podcast extra, we talk about this with journalist
@murray-journo.bsky.social, author of Sweet and Deadly.
🔗 bit.ly/4ofqexy
On this podcast extra, we talk about this with journalist
@murray-journo.bsky.social, author of Sweet and Deadly.
🔗 bit.ly/4ofqexy
October 29, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Coca-Cola rolled out a cane sugar version of its soda after Trump urged the corporation to do so — but debates around the sweetener in Coke are decades old.
On this podcast extra, we talk about this with journalist
@murray-journo.bsky.social, author of Sweet and Deadly.
🔗 bit.ly/4ofqexy
On this podcast extra, we talk about this with journalist
@murray-journo.bsky.social, author of Sweet and Deadly.
🔗 bit.ly/4ofqexy
Nearly 4 in 10 Americans say ghosts are real. Some even search for proof.
On this episode, a look at paranormal phenomena and the investigators who chase them.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, a look at paranormal phenomena and the investigators who chase them.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
October 24, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Nearly 4 in 10 Americans say ghosts are real. Some even search for proof.
On this episode, a look at paranormal phenomena and the investigators who chase them.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, a look at paranormal phenomena and the investigators who chase them.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
If it feels like urgent care centers are everywhere these days — that’s because they are.
On this episode, we explore the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting care.
🔗 bit.ly/4onrRZx
On this episode, we explore the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting care.
🔗 bit.ly/4onrRZx
October 17, 2025 at 1:54 PM
If it feels like urgent care centers are everywhere these days — that’s because they are.
On this episode, we explore the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting care.
🔗 bit.ly/4onrRZx
On this episode, we explore the rapid rise of urgent care, what’s fueling it, and how it’s affecting care.
🔗 bit.ly/4onrRZx
What if cures for rare diseases already exist — just waiting to be found?
On this podcast extra, meet @davidfajgenbaum.bsky.social, who not only discovered his own treatment for Castleman Disease, but is now using AI to repurpose existing drugs to help others. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this podcast extra, meet @davidfajgenbaum.bsky.social, who not only discovered his own treatment for Castleman Disease, but is now using AI to repurpose existing drugs to help others. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
October 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM
What if cures for rare diseases already exist — just waiting to be found?
On this podcast extra, meet @davidfajgenbaum.bsky.social, who not only discovered his own treatment for Castleman Disease, but is now using AI to repurpose existing drugs to help others. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this podcast extra, meet @davidfajgenbaum.bsky.social, who not only discovered his own treatment for Castleman Disease, but is now using AI to repurpose existing drugs to help others. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Mysteries of the wild often pull scientists from labs to mountaintops, forests, and far-off places.
On this episode, a quest for the vanished golden toad, a journey to find wild Asian elephants, and a look at the global wildlife trade’s impact.
🔗 bit.ly/48MvBPI
On this episode, a quest for the vanished golden toad, a journey to find wild Asian elephants, and a look at the global wildlife trade’s impact.
🔗 bit.ly/48MvBPI
October 3, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Mysteries of the wild often pull scientists from labs to mountaintops, forests, and far-off places.
On this episode, a quest for the vanished golden toad, a journey to find wild Asian elephants, and a look at the global wildlife trade’s impact.
🔗 bit.ly/48MvBPI
On this episode, a quest for the vanished golden toad, a journey to find wild Asian elephants, and a look at the global wildlife trade’s impact.
🔗 bit.ly/48MvBPI
Despite major advances in understanding how genetics, lifestyle, and environment shape health, it remains a mystery why similar patients can have such different outcomes.
On this episode, we discuss what factors shape health, disease, and survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we discuss what factors shape health, disease, and survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
September 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Despite major advances in understanding how genetics, lifestyle, and environment shape health, it remains a mystery why similar patients can have such different outcomes.
On this episode, we discuss what factors shape health, disease, and survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we discuss what factors shape health, disease, and survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Weightlifting, once for only bodybuilders, is now popular for strength and brain health.
On this remixed episode, we explore the proven and emerging benefits of pumping iron and why so many people say it’s changing their lives.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this remixed episode, we explore the proven and emerging benefits of pumping iron and why so many people say it’s changing their lives.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
September 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Weightlifting, once for only bodybuilders, is now popular for strength and brain health.
On this remixed episode, we explore the proven and emerging benefits of pumping iron and why so many people say it’s changing their lives.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this remixed episode, we explore the proven and emerging benefits of pumping iron and why so many people say it’s changing their lives.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
When we see surprising couples, like Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, we can’t help but wonder what brought them together 💘
In this podcast extra, we explore the mysteries of attraction and love.
🔗 bit.ly/4m66NW5
In this podcast extra, we explore the mysteries of attraction and love.
🔗 bit.ly/4m66NW5
September 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
When we see surprising couples, like Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, we can’t help but wonder what brought them together 💘
In this podcast extra, we explore the mysteries of attraction and love.
🔗 bit.ly/4m66NW5
In this podcast extra, we explore the mysteries of attraction and love.
🔗 bit.ly/4m66NW5
We think of Martians as belonging to the realm of sci-fi — but in the early 1900s, they were believed to be a real civilization living on Mars 👽
On this episode, why astronomers once believed in life on Mars. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, why astronomers once believed in life on Mars. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
September 5, 2025 at 4:09 PM
We think of Martians as belonging to the realm of sci-fi — but in the early 1900s, they were believed to be a real civilization living on Mars 👽
On this episode, why astronomers once believed in life on Mars. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, why astronomers once believed in life on Mars. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Labor Day is over, and it's back to work — back to a laundry list of emails, meetings, and projects. How can you possibly stay productive when your workload is massive?
On this episode, we explore productivity, what works, and what doesn't. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we explore productivity, what works, and what doesn't. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
September 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Labor Day is over, and it's back to work — back to a laundry list of emails, meetings, and projects. How can you possibly stay productive when your workload is massive?
On this episode, we explore productivity, what works, and what doesn't. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we explore productivity, what works, and what doesn't. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
It's back-to-school time. Students, teachers, and parents are facing numerous challenges — from using AI in the classroom to reckoning with the long shadow of the pandemic.
On this episode, we explore how our rapidly changing world is transforming school.
🔗 bit.ly/4lLyHGH
On this episode, we explore how our rapidly changing world is transforming school.
🔗 bit.ly/4lLyHGH
August 22, 2025 at 1:51 PM
It's back-to-school time. Students, teachers, and parents are facing numerous challenges — from using AI in the classroom to reckoning with the long shadow of the pandemic.
On this episode, we explore how our rapidly changing world is transforming school.
🔗 bit.ly/4lLyHGH
On this episode, we explore how our rapidly changing world is transforming school.
🔗 bit.ly/4lLyHGH
Reports on a Legionnaires' disease outbreak are making the news. Back in 1976, the same illness was a mystery.
On this Pulse Extra, listen as Reporter Elana Gordon tells the story of how scientists tracked down the origin of this deadly illness. 🔗 bit.ly/4mmZASv
On this Pulse Extra, listen as Reporter Elana Gordon tells the story of how scientists tracked down the origin of this deadly illness. 🔗 bit.ly/4mmZASv
August 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Reports on a Legionnaires' disease outbreak are making the news. Back in 1976, the same illness was a mystery.
On this Pulse Extra, listen as Reporter Elana Gordon tells the story of how scientists tracked down the origin of this deadly illness. 🔗 bit.ly/4mmZASv
On this Pulse Extra, listen as Reporter Elana Gordon tells the story of how scientists tracked down the origin of this deadly illness. 🔗 bit.ly/4mmZASv
Surviving traumatic events and devastating illnesses is a reason to celebrate. We ring the bell, throw a party, and get back on our feet — but we often learn, the fight is rarely over.
On this episode, the quieter struggle that follows survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, the quieter struggle that follows survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
August 1, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Surviving traumatic events and devastating illnesses is a reason to celebrate. We ring the bell, throw a party, and get back on our feet — but we often learn, the fight is rarely over.
On this episode, the quieter struggle that follows survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, the quieter struggle that follows survival.
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Surviving traumatic events and devastating illnesses is a reason to celebrate. We ring the bell, throw a party, and get back on our feet — but we often learn, the fight is rarely over.
On this episode of The Pulse, the quieter struggle that follows survival. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode of The Pulse, the quieter struggle that follows survival. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
August 1, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Surviving traumatic events and devastating illnesses is a reason to celebrate. We ring the bell, throw a party, and get back on our feet — but we often learn, the fight is rarely over.
On this episode of The Pulse, the quieter struggle that follows survival. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode of The Pulse, the quieter struggle that follows survival. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
More than a hundred thousand people in the US are waiting for a life-saving organ — but the pressure for organ donations is putting some donors at risk.
On this Pulse Extra, @brianmrosenthal.bsky.social discusses his recent investigation into the issue.
🔗 bit.ly/3HdqTz7
On this Pulse Extra, @brianmrosenthal.bsky.social discusses his recent investigation into the issue.
🔗 bit.ly/3HdqTz7
July 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
More than a hundred thousand people in the US are waiting for a life-saving organ — but the pressure for organ donations is putting some donors at risk.
On this Pulse Extra, @brianmrosenthal.bsky.social discusses his recent investigation into the issue.
🔗 bit.ly/3HdqTz7
On this Pulse Extra, @brianmrosenthal.bsky.social discusses his recent investigation into the issue.
🔗 bit.ly/3HdqTz7
Shame can make us feel isolated, hurting our health and relationships — but it can also drive growth.
On this episode, we untangle why we feel it, where shame comes from, and how it affects our behavior and health. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we untangle why we feel it, where shame comes from, and how it affects our behavior and health. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
July 25, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Shame can make us feel isolated, hurting our health and relationships — but it can also drive growth.
On this episode, we untangle why we feel it, where shame comes from, and how it affects our behavior and health. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we untangle why we feel it, where shame comes from, and how it affects our behavior and health. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
We have a treat for you this summer!
Check out one of our favorite episodes: The Inner Workings of the Ocean. We explore the Earth's defining feature, the largest ecosystem, and the engine that powers our planet 🌊
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Check out one of our favorite episodes: The Inner Workings of the Ocean. We explore the Earth's defining feature, the largest ecosystem, and the engine that powers our planet 🌊
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
July 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
We have a treat for you this summer!
Check out one of our favorite episodes: The Inner Workings of the Ocean. We explore the Earth's defining feature, the largest ecosystem, and the engine that powers our planet 🌊
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Check out one of our favorite episodes: The Inner Workings of the Ocean. We explore the Earth's defining feature, the largest ecosystem, and the engine that powers our planet 🌊
🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Sleep isn't just what fuels us to get through the day. It's a biological function, just as vital as your heartbeat.
On this episode, we discuss how finding your body’s unique sleep rhythm can help you get better rest. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we discuss how finding your body’s unique sleep rhythm can help you get better rest. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
July 11, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Sleep isn't just what fuels us to get through the day. It's a biological function, just as vital as your heartbeat.
On this episode, we discuss how finding your body’s unique sleep rhythm can help you get better rest. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we discuss how finding your body’s unique sleep rhythm can help you get better rest. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
We have a special treat for you this summer!
Amid the summer heat 🥵, we explore the history and future of cold technology on this encore episode of The Pulse — from innovations in freezing to the next generation of air conditioners. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Amid the summer heat 🥵, we explore the history and future of cold technology on this encore episode of The Pulse — from innovations in freezing to the next generation of air conditioners. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
July 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
We have a special treat for you this summer!
Amid the summer heat 🥵, we explore the history and future of cold technology on this encore episode of The Pulse — from innovations in freezing to the next generation of air conditioners. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Amid the summer heat 🥵, we explore the history and future of cold technology on this encore episode of The Pulse — from innovations in freezing to the next generation of air conditioners. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
New Episode 🚨: When scientists set out to decode the human genome, they knew it could change medicine forever. What they didn't expect was the behind-the-scenes and hostile race to get there. On this episode, the human genome project and the price of DNA. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
June 27, 2025 at 2:23 PM
New Episode 🚨: When scientists set out to decode the human genome, they knew it could change medicine forever. What they didn't expect was the behind-the-scenes and hostile race to get there. On this episode, the human genome project and the price of DNA. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
Friends enhance our lives — we laugh with them, share memories, and provide emotional support. And it turns out our brain loves these kinds of connections.
On this episode, we delve into why our brains are drawn to friendship. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we delve into why our brains are drawn to friendship. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
June 20, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Friends enhance our lives — we laugh with them, share memories, and provide emotional support. And it turns out our brain loves these kinds of connections.
On this episode, we delve into why our brains are drawn to friendship. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we delve into why our brains are drawn to friendship. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
When someone harms you, revenge can feel like the only way to even the score. But that urge you feel — the one that seems like justice — isn't.
On this episode, @realjameskimmeljr.bsky.social talks about his new book, The Science of Revenge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, @realjameskimmeljr.bsky.social talks about his new book, The Science of Revenge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
June 13, 2025 at 2:43 PM
When someone harms you, revenge can feel like the only way to even the score. But that urge you feel — the one that seems like justice — isn't.
On this episode, @realjameskimmeljr.bsky.social talks about his new book, The Science of Revenge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, @realjameskimmeljr.bsky.social talks about his new book, The Science of Revenge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
What happens when we make room for creativity — not only in art, but in how we learn, heal, and build the world around us?
On this episode, we explore creativity and what happens when we let imagination take charge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we explore creativity and what happens when we let imagination take charge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
June 6, 2025 at 1:28 PM
What happens when we make room for creativity — not only in art, but in how we learn, heal, and build the world around us?
On this episode, we explore creativity and what happens when we let imagination take charge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, we explore creativity and what happens when we let imagination take charge. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
We all want the truth — from our family, friends, the media, institutions, and the government. But how exactly do we know when we're being fed the truth or lies in disguise?
On this episode, what it takes to prove the truth. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, what it takes to prove the truth. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
May 23, 2025 at 2:23 PM
We all want the truth — from our family, friends, the media, institutions, and the government. But how exactly do we know when we're being fed the truth or lies in disguise?
On this episode, what it takes to prove the truth. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
On this episode, what it takes to prove the truth. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse