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The Science of Headaches

The Science of Headaches

Migraine and cluster headaches affect millions—yet research remains surprisingly thin.

Science Quickly

November 7, 202515m 6s

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Show Notes

Headaches are among the most common human experiences—yet science still struggles to explain them. Journalist Tom Zeller, Jr., joins host Rachel Feltman to explore the cultural, gender-related and scientific blind spots that have stalled research into migraine, cluster and tension-type headaches.


Recommended Reading

Tom Zeller, Jr’s website

The Headache: The Science of a Most Confounding Affliction––And a Search for Relief, by Tom Zeller, Jr. Mariner Books, 2025


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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check the show. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.

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