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The Pulse

@thepulse.whyy.org
122 followers 7 following 137 posts

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: bit.ly/1hoExHK

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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 03/11/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 29/10/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 24/10/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 17/10/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 15/10/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 03/10/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 19/09/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 12/09/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 10/09/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 05/09/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 02/09/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 22/08/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 18/08/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 01/08/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 01/08/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 30/07/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 25/07/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 18/07/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 11/07/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 07/07/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 27/06/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 20/06/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 13/06/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 06/06/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 23/05/2025
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
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 16/05/2025
Cybercrime has been around for as long as computers have, but today it’s a global threat impacting supply chains, infrastructure, and the economy. On this episode, we explore how it’s evolved, how it affects us, and how scammers exploit human nature. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 09/05/2025
Mother's Day is approaching, and we have a special treat for you! Check out one of our favorite episodes! It's all about modern motherhood — the challenges, the sometimes impossible standards, and the strategies that help moms thrive. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 02/05/2025
For years, weight lifting has been based on outdated myths — like it’ll make you bulky or is just for the Conan the Barbarian types. But that’s far from the truth. On this episode, the history of lifting and the ways it boosts brain and mental health. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 25/04/2025
It's been 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War — a conflict that forever changed the lives of veterans, refugees, and those still in Southeast Asia On this episode, the war's legacy and the quiet, ongoing efforts toward reconciliation. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 23/04/2025
Muscles aren't just for flexing. They carry stories of beauty, strength, and health. On this podcast extra of The Pulse, Bonnie Tsui talks about her new book, On Muscle, exploring how our muscles shape culture, identity, and well-being. 🔗 spoti.fi/4jEdTQC
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 18/04/2025
You’ve probably heard about the loneliness epidemic, and who is most vulnerable. But do you actually understand how this feeling can trigger serious health issues in the body? On this episode, we explore social connection and why our lives depend on it. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 11/04/2025
Hard to believe YouTube launched just two decades ago. Now sharing our lives on video seems second nature. On this episode, the 20th anniversary of YouTube. We explore how this leap from private moments — to sharing constant content — has reshaped us. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 04/04/2025
Our jobs can give us identity and purpose, but they can also become a never-ending to-do list that prevents us from truly living. On this episode, why — and if — work-life balance matters, and how to achieve it. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 28/03/2025
Spring is here and soon we'll be able to bask in the beauty of the natural world around us. But nature can offer us even more. 🤔 So check out one of our favorite episodes! We explore biomimicry and how nature can help us design our world. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 21/03/2025
Twenty years after Terri Schiavo’s feeding tubes were removed, the debate around what it means to be conscious remains relevant today. On this episode, a look back at the Terri Schiavo case, and what it revealed about the mysteries of consciousness. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 14/03/2025
Ever had an ad pop up right after talking about a new show or trip? It’s not magic — it’s your digital footprint. On this episode, we talk with Sandra Matz, author of Mindmasters, about how the internet knows us better than we know ourselves. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 07/03/2025
We’ve all had our appearance picked apart, from our nose to our hair, skin, and every other little detail. Whether it's fair or not, those critiques can really impact our mood and well-being. On this episode, how appearance affects our mental health. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 28/02/2025
For more than 15 years, bipolar disorder shaped Abigail Kafka’s life. But one therapy session during the pandemic sparked a new thought: Could the diagnosis have been wrong all along? On this episode, we explore diagnosing bipolar disorder. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 21/02/2025
In health and science, small discoveries can lead to breakthroughs, but flawed studies or guidelines can instead be detrimental. On this episode, we explore ripple effects — from breakthroughs to public health disasters and intergenerational trauma. lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 14/02/2025
Some protest, some lobby, some use social media — all to push for change. But what’s the most effective method, and what drives people to take a stand? On this episode of The Pulse, we explore what motivates people to change — themselves and the world. lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 07/02/2025
Does the dating pool really suck, or do you just need a little bit of help on finding love? On this episode of The Pulse, we dive headfirst into the complicated world of modern dating, and what science has to say about how to find love. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 31/01/2025
Every day, we encounter harmful things that we can't always see or smell that impact our health. On this episode, we explore exposure from black plastic to hazardous chemicals from the East Palestine train derailment. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 30/01/2025
Got zero sleep last night? Maybe you tossed and turned until morning came. Well, you're not alone, but there may be a way to ensure you get a good night's rest. Listen to our latest podcast extra where sleep researcher Olivia Walch talks about her new book, Sleep Groove. lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 24/01/2025
If you’re into DIY medicine, you won’t want to miss this rebroadcast. On this episode, we explore what happens when patients take their health into their own hands. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 17/01/2025
Humans have long dreamed of communicating with other species, from plants and animals to extraterrestrials. On this episode, we explore different efforts to break down the communication barrier with other forms of life. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 10/01/2025
We often see the future as a sudden breakthrough, but in reality, it unfolds gradually through incremental progress, pushed forward by innovators. On this episode, we explore what it takes to create the future and why some ideas fail. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 03/01/2025
Great origin stories aren’t just for superheroes or movie villains — many captivating tales reveal the fascinating history behind the people and places that shape health and science. On this episode, some of our favorite origin stories. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 30/12/2024
We have a holiday treat for you! Check out one of our favorite episodes. We explore how music affects our brains and its power to treat illnesses ranging from Parkinson’s to depression. 🔗 lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 20/12/2024
We turn to first responders during emergencies — but who’s looking out for them? On this episode, understanding the mental and physical toll their work takes on their health. lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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The Pulse @thepulse.whyy.org · 13/12/2024
On issues like politics or the recent murder of UHC's CEO Brian Thompson, people often believe their stance is right and rooted in morals. The problem is, so does the other side. On this episode, we talk with Kurt Gray about moral outrage, and why we all think we're right. lnk.to/whyy-thepulse
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