x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Pulse

Go on an adventure into unexpected corners of the health and science world each week with award-winning host Maiken Scott. The Pulse takes 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.

science

All Episodes

35:48

When Organ Donation Goes Wrong

The Pulse ·

2025/07/30

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

en-us

49:34

Untangling Shame and Its Effects On Our Health

The Pulse ·

2025/07/24

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

en-us

49:34

The Inner Workings of the Oceans

The Pulse ·

2025/07/17

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.

en-us

49:34

Finding Your Body’s Sleep Rhythm

The Pulse ·

2025/07/10

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.

en-us

49:29

The Big Chill and the Future of Refrigeration

The Pulse ·

2025/07/03

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.

en-us

49:34

Inside the Dramatic Race to Decode the Human Genome

The Pulse ·

2025/06/26

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.

en-us

49:34

Why Friends Are Good for Your Brain

The Pulse ·

2025/06/19

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

en-us

49:34

Why We’re Hardwired for Revenge

The Pulse ·

2025/06/12

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

en-us

49:10

Exploring the Secrets of Human Creativity

The Pulse ·

2025/06/05

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.

en-us

48:54

Sharks — From Fear to Fascination

The Pulse ·

2025/05/29

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

en-us

49:14

What It Takes to Prove the Truth

The Pulse ·

2025/05/22

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

en-us

54:26

Cybercrime and How Hackers Prey on Human Nature

The Pulse ·

2025/05/15

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

en-us

48:52

Lightening the Load of Motherhood

The Pulse ·

2025/05/08

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

en-us

51:39

The Life-Changing Power of Lifting Weights

The Pulse ·

2025/05/01

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

en-us

49:03

50 Years Later: The Lasting Impact of the Vietnam War

The Pulse ·

2025/04/24

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

en-us

34:57

Finding Strength and Beauty in Muscles

The Pulse ·

2025/04/23

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

en-us

50:00

Loneliness and How to Rekindle Social Connection

The Pulse ·

2025/04/17

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:

en-us

48:34

The Rise of YouTube and How It's Changed Our Lives

The Pulse ·

2025/04/10

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

en-us

48:43

In Search of Work-Life Balance

The Pulse ·

2025/04/03

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

en-us

48:51

Biomimicry: What Nature Can Teach us about...

The Pulse ·

2025/03/27

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

en-us

185 results

Similar Podcasts

Classic Radio Science Fiction

solgoodmedia.com

Mission to Mars

Inception Point Ai

The 365 Days of Astronomy

365DaysOfAstronomy.org

Creek Devil

william Jevning

UFO Chronicles Podcast

Nik Hunter