The Pulse

It seems like we’re all constantly striving to be more productive — to find the right hacks or systems or habits that will allow us to squeeze more from our days. But is maximum productivity really desirable, or are we missing the bigger picture while running on that treadmill? On this episode, we look at productivity — what works, what doesn’t, and how we can redefine it in a changing world.

It’s back-to-school time, which, for millions of families across the country, means a return to bedtimes, shopping for school supplies, and frantic efforts by kids to finish their summer reading. On this episode, we explore how our fast-changing world is transforming learning and life inside the classroom, from the lingering effects of the pandemic, to the impact of generative AI tools, to the pressures of “Ivy League fever.”Interviews with host Maiken Scott:When COVID-19 hit the U.S. in March 2020, schools across the country closed down — and stayed closed — as part of an effort to stem the pandemic’s spread. At the time, it seemed like the right move for public health — but according to investigative reporter David Zweig, the basis for those closures was a lot shakier than the public knew, the benefits less clear, and the impact on kids more profound than we imagined. He joins us to discuss his new book, “An Abundance of Caution: American Schools, the Virus and a Story of Bad Decisions.”We talk with education reporter Holly Korbey about how the adoption of new technologies — from Smartboards, to laptops, to ChatGPT — are transforming the classroom, and what science has to say about whether those changes are good or bad for learning. Korbey writes The Bell Ringer, a newsletter on the science of learning.

In the summer of 1976, when 2,000 people came to Philadelphia for a national convention of the American Legion, a strange illness gripped hundreds of attendees, and more than 30 people died. Symptoms included cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Was it a virus, bacteria, some sort of toxin? A major investigation was launched by the CDC — and the gathering in Philadelphia became forever tied to one of the greatest medical mysteries of our time. Almost 50 years later, reports of Legionnaires' Disease are in the news again. Reporter Elana Gordon tells the story of how scientists — with some serious shoe-leather detective work and a scientific breakthrough — tracked down the origin of this mysterious airborne illness. On this episode, we listen back to her reporting from 2016: Audio Time Capsule: The discovery of Legionnaires’ disease.

Farming is a tough gig — physically, and mentally. And it’s only gotten harder in recent years, with the impact of climate change and a shifting political and economic landscape. On this episode, we explore the connection between farming and health, and how these new challenges are affecting the well-being of the people who produce our food.

We live in a noisy world — from the din of busy restaurants, to the roar of traffic, to the clamor of partying neighbors. We’ll explore what researchers are learning about the connections between noise, hearing loss and our well-being.

On this episode, we explore the stories of people who survived extraordinary trials, from life-threatening illnesses to assault, and ask what came after survival. We’ll hear what it’s like to survive — and come back from — locked-in syndrome, explore the emotional roller coaster of being a young cancer survivor, and find out how one writer created guide to intimacy after sexual assault.

More than a hundred thousand people in the U.S. are on the national transplant list waiting for a life-saving organ. Hospitals across the country transplant more than 45,000 organs each year and there are rules and protocols about how it is supposed to go. But what happens when the process fails?The New York Times investigative reporter Brian Rosenthal joins us to discuss some recent cases where doctors discovered that patients were still alive and conscious when the donation process was underway. He talks with host Maiken Scott about a relatively new method of procuring organs, called circulatory death donation, and new pressures on procurement organizations that could be jeopardizing safety.Rosenthal and his colleague Julie Tate recently published an investigation in The New York Times called, “A Push for More Organ Transplants Is Putting Donors at Risk.”

Shame has a way of making us feel alone — like we’re the only ones in the world struggling with something. It can make us withdraw or feel depressed, out of control, and helpless. In the worst cases, it can destroy our self-esteem and even lead to self harm. But shame can also be a force for positive change, from enforcing social norms, to pushing us to improve our behaviors and circumstances. On this episode, we untangle why we feel it, where shame comes from, and how it affects our behavior and health. Lots of us have hangups about what we look like in swimsuits — but wait until you hear about what “kind of attire” used to be acceptable at pools. We’ll explore the evolutionary roots of shame, how one woman discovered what was behind her monthly meltdowns, and how shame figures into treatment approaches in the opioid epidemic.

What comes to mind when you think of the ocean? Maybe a day at the beach — swimming in the waves, snorkeling through coral reefs, fishing, surfing, and sunsets that kiss the blue horizon. But Earth’s oceans are more than that; they’re our planet’s defining feature, its largest ecosystem, and the original source of all life. On this encore episode, we explore the engine that powers our planet.

We often think of sleep as the gas that keeps us running. We refuel at night — or whenever we can — run around all day until our tanks are empty, and then do it all over again the next day. But some sleep scientists would like us to think about sleep less as fuel, and more as a biological rhythm — one that’s as essential to our overall health as our heartbeat. On this episode, we’ll explore how finding your body’s unique sleep rhythm can help you get better rest.

We’ve only been able to harness the cold for our benefit for a little over 100 years, but innovations like refrigeration and air conditioning have completely transformed the way we live and eat. But it all comes at a cost — and not just financially. On this encore episode, how advances in cold technology have shaped our lives and changed the world.

Twenty-five years ago, President Bill Clinton announced a historic achievement: The completion of the first-ever survey of the human genome. The ceremony focused on the power of unity and collaboration — but, behind the scenes, the journey to this generational discovery had been marked by a bitter, cut-throat competition. We look back at the race to decode the human genome — and who really won.

Friends make us laugh, they have our back, we share memories and stories. Beyond that, scientists are learning that friendships are key in keeping us healthy and thriving. On this episode, we explore why researchers say our brains are wired for connection, and why making our friendships a priority is one of the key pillars of longevity. We’ll get some research-backed advice on making new friends as adults and hear from two friends who love spending time with each other, though they usually can’t remember their adventures.

When someone wrongs us, getting revenge can feel like the only right move — the only way for us to balance the scales, to set the world right again. But the consequences can be disastrous, especially when payback becomes an all-consuming obsession. On this episode, we talk with lawyer-turned-researcher James Kimmel about his new book, "The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction — and How to Overcome It." We discuss the evolutionary roots of revenge, the neuroscience behind why it feels so good, and how Kimmel eventually traded vengeance for forgiveness. We also find out what caused a murder of crows to target an unsuspecting woman, and what was behind their years-long grudge.

Creativity plays a role in every facet of our lives, from childhood education, to everyday problem-solving, to the artistic works we enjoy and the innovations shaping our future. We explore what human creativity is, how it works, and some of the unexpected ways it’s remaking our world.

Before dinosaurs, before trees — even before Saturn had its rings – there were sharks. The fierce predators have been swimming in our oceans for hundreds of millions of years, standing the test of time as they survived all five of Earth's mass extinction events.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We all want the truth — but how exactly do we know when something's true? Often, the answer relates to evidence or proof, something capable of convincing us and easing our doubts. But whether or not different kinds of proof are accepted can vary widely by person and situation. On this episode, we explore proof and evidence, and how it affects our perception of what is true.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Cybercrime has been around for as long as computers have — but over the past 20 years, it's exploded into a global threat, with staggering financial, political, and even personal consequences. We hear about the virus that ushered in the age of social engineering attacks, the history of cybercrime, and what led one man to become a hacker.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We often hear about the joys of motherhood — the incomparable sense of love, the magic of watching your kids discover the world, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. But motherhood can also be a grind. On this encore episode, we take a look at the experience of modern motherhood — the challenges, the sometimes impossible standards, and the strategies that help moms thrive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For a long time, weightlifting was relegated to the realm of muscle heads — but today, it's popular among people of all ages and fitness levels. On this episode, we explore the history of weightlifting, some of its unexpected health and cognitive benefits, and why one woman says it changed her relationship with her body.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Vietnam War changed the world — and the lives of millions of people, who remain scarred by the traumas they experienced. On this episode, we mark the 50th anniversary of the war's end with stories that explore its lasting impact, from veterans struggling to reconcile the role they played in the deadly conflict, to Vietnamese refugees who are still working to put the pieces back together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As the doors of the Vatican were opening, Bonnie Tsui sprinted through the galleries to the Sistine Chapel. She wanted to experience Michelangelo's frescoes alone for 10 minutes. She laid on the floor, looked up and cried. It's just one of many stories she weaves through her new book, "On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why it Matters." On this episode, Tsui joins host Maiken Scott for a conversation about the importance of strength, muscles and being comfortable in one's own body, especially as we age.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Over the past few years, public health experts have been sounding the alarm over a growing and potentially deadly epidemic: loneliness. On this episode, we explore how and why loneliness is so detrimental to our health, who is most affected, and novel solutions, ranging from cuddle parties to robot buddies.- Short Feed Episode Description: Why researchers say we're facing a "loneliness epidemic ," and novel solutions to fostering social connectionLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On this episode, we mark the 20th anniversary of YouTube with an exploration of how the video-streaming platform has transformed everything from global pop culture, to social movements, to how we seek out and consume information. We hear about new research on how short-form videos affect our brains, how algorithms dictate culture, and what makes YouTube so helpful — and addictive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our jobs can provide us with a sense of identity, connection, and meaning — but they can also feel like a never-ending to-do list that gets in the way of actually living. On this episode, we explore work-life balance: When do we find meaning in our careers, and when do we not? And how do we set healthy boundaries between our jobs and our personal lives?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How does nature make durable materials like corals and seashells without a heat or a kiln? How do peacock feathers get their beautiful colors? Scientists are trying to understand these processes and to replicate them for sustainable human products and design. The field of biomimicry is growing. We'll explore its origins and hear about some of the latest innovations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Terri Schiavo's death. She was diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, but family members argued fiercely over her level of awareness, and whether to continue life support. We explore how the case shaped our views of consciousness, and what researchers are learning about hopes of recovery after brain damage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We all have digital footprints — unique trails of data based on our online activities that corporations use to predict our behavior and influence our choices. Sometimes, it can be helpful; other times, it can feel creepy and intrusive. On this episode, we talk with computational scientist Sandra Matz about what makes up our digital footprints, what they reveal about us, and how they're being used.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When we don't like how we look, or are hypercritical about our appearance, it can really do a number on our mental health. On this episode, we explore the connection between how we look and how we feel, from the unexpected emotional consequences of cosmetic surgery, to why dermatologists and psychologists have joined forces to form a new field.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For more than 15 years, bipolar disorder defined Abigail Kafka's life. Abigail was heavily medicated, unable to work, or have a social life. Then a therapy session introduced a startling question: What if this diagnosis was wrong? On this episode, we'll discuss what contributed to an explosion of bipolar diagnoses, and why experts disagree whether this disorder is over-or underdiagnosed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We trace the ripple effects of both scientific breakthroughs and public health disasters — understanding the long-term consequences of decisions and events — ranging from peanut allergies, to the invention of a life-changing new drug, to the lasting impact of intergenerational trauma.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether we're talking about something as small as our work habits, or as big as public health policy, change can be tough. It requires energy, courage and persistence, that, a lot of the time, can feel impossible to muster. On this episode, we explore what it is that motivates individuals to change — both themselves and the world around them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ahead of Valentine's Day, we explore the modern world of dating — and why so many people are frustrated with it. We talk with a behavioral scientist and dating coach Logan Ury about best practices for online dating, learn about researchers building a new dating app, and hear stories about successful and not-so-successful efforts to find love.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Every day, our bodies come in contact with all kinds of potentially harmful things that we can't always see or smell — but which can have real consequences for our environment and health. On this episode, we explore exposure from sunlight to black plastic to hazardous chemicals from the East Palestine train derailment, and ask how we can protect ourselves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In college, Olivia Walch was a self-described "sleep deprivation cowboy." She would go days with only 3 to 4 hours of sleep and then binge sleep at other times. But soon, it all caught up with her. Now, she's a sleep researcher at the University of Michigan with a simple message: Sleep regularity is key — as is darkness. She joins host Maiken Scott to discuss her new book "Sleep Groove: Why Your Body's Clock Is So Messed Up And What to Do About It."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

DIY culture is all about teaching yourself new skills to do things on your own. But what happens when the DIY approach extends to something as complicated as medicine?We hear about a man who developed a cure for his persistent infection in his garage, find out why so many people are flocking to DIY medicine, and learn how one researcher carefully evaluates his patients' DIY approaches.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We often think of the future as some unknowable horizon, fueled by sudden discoveries and inventions — but in reality, the future is constantly being created, pushed forward little by little by an army of innovators and tinkerers. On this episode, we explore what it takes to create the future, and how we can shape our own destiny.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Great origin stories aren't only for superheroes or villains in movies and comic books, lots of fascinating tales shed light on how places or people got their start. Origin stories connect us to the past, and speak to what makes us unique, or shaped us. On this episode, we'll listen back to our favorite origin stories; everything from the beginnings of the ICU to Facebook and a famous conman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You've heard that music is the language of the soul — but could it also be a treatment for the body? On this reissued episode, we explore the latest science on the healing power of our favorite tunes, how they affect our brains, to why they improve our workouts, to the promise they show in treating illnesses like epilepsy and Parkinson's.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We turn to first responders for help during emergencies. We expect them to stay calm and cool, and to know exactly what to do. In scary, dangerous, or life-threatening situations, they're the ones tasked with saving us. But their work can have a major, negative impact on their mental and physical health. So who's looking out for them? On this episode: First responders, the toll the job takes — and what helps them cope.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When we're feeling morally outraged — over politics, global conflicts, or violence, like the recent murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson — what's at the root of this feeling? Psychologist Kurt Gray argues that moral outrage is tied to fear and perceived harm. He joins us to discuss his forthcoming book "Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For thousands of years, we've thought of language as one of the key features that makes humans unique. But with the rapid evolution of large language models, the line between human communication and AI is starting to blur. On this episode, we explore the possibilities and limits of AI-generated language, how it's changing the way we communicate, and the implications for what it means to be human.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What does it mean to be 'gifted'? Who qualifies and how should we teach and treat gifted children? And, where do the limits of their talents lie? On this encore episode, we hear stories about the challenges of growing up gifted, how musical prodigies are made — and identified, and what a chess wunderkind has to teach us about the value of raw talent vs. experience.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday — a time for food, family, and counting our blessings. But let's face it: The festivities don't always go as planned. On this episode, we explore the full range of holiday catastrophes, from travel hiccups to cooking disasters, and offer expert advice on how to avoid them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We not only love trees for their beauty — we need them for our survival. But around the world, some trees, and even entire forests, are facing numerous existential threats. On this episode, we explore why we need trees, the dangers they face, and new efforts to help them survive and thrive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How does nature make durable materials like corals and seashells without a heat or a kiln? How do peacock feathers get their beautiful colors? Scientists are trying to understand these processes and to replicate them for sustainable human products and design. The field of biomimicry is growing. We'll explore its origins and hear about some of the latest innovations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Circadian rhythms affect more than our sleep — they can shape all aspects of our health, and are in turn shaped by the rhythms of our lives. We explore the intricate mechanics of our internal clocks, and how they affect our health.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With a contested presidential election looming, we explore what's at stake for health and science, from fertility medicine to cyber security with voting machines, and efforts by scientists to protect themselves from political influence.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's that time of year when we celebrate something we usually hate: fear. We visit haunted houses and corn mazes or binge-watch the scariest horror movies. In its most primitive form, fear is about survival — so we can face or escape serious threats. In other settings — where there's no danger — fear can feel exhilarating or fun. On this episode, we explore our complicated relationship with fear.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy