Melatonin and Jet Lag
A listener asks: Can melatonin really help decrease jet lag?
Podcast
The gecko's phantom tail, the social lives of fruit flies, stem cells from fat, fall color secrets, ancient cave discoveries.
Reading in Dim Light
In this episode our new series Reality Check: Does reading in dim light ruin your eyes?
Micro-needle Patch
A new vaccine skin patch could change how we get our shots.
Public Health Roundup
Public health officials are re-assessing who is most likely to spread the flu in an effort to keep it from reaching the most vulnerable members of society.
Itch Neurons
Scientists have identified nerve cells dedicated to the itch sensation.
Podcast
HEALTH REPORT: A new micro-needle patch could bring vaccines to millions, we really do walk in circles when we're lost, and a robot that outperforms humans at tumor surgery. Also: does melatonin cure jet lag, and will reading in dim light really ruin your eyes?
Rising Health Costs
Rising health care costs have slowed the growth of companies that subsidize employees' insurance.
Placebo Effect Genes
The placebo effect only works for certain people – could this be genetic?
Podcast
AMAZING ORGANISMS: Assessing the developmental level of canines, the origin of malaria, powerful bacteria, and more.
Guinea Pigs
A listener asks why guinea pigs aren't often used as laboratory animals anymore.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency in children has become extremely widespread.
Nano-Diamond Therapy
Nano-sized diamonds can help deliver targeted doses of insulin to heal burns.
Podcast
HEALTH UPDATE - The genetics of the placebo effect, nano-diamond wound therapy, the rise of vitamin D deficiency, and more.
Wastewater Drug Mapping
Testing wastewater for drugs may help scientists track regional changes in drug abuse.
Early Life & Chronic Disease
People who were poor early in life have a biological tendency towards inflammation – which could contribute to chronic diseases.
Podcast
Why mosquitoes prefer some people over others, the genetics of fine touch, how early poverty can haunt your health and the science behind aromatherapy.
Mosquito Preferences
A listener asks: Why do mosquitoes find some people tastier than others?
Immune Microparticles
A new approach to regulating the immune response may make organ transplants safer.
HPV Vaccine
Vaccines against the viruses that cause cervical cancer are proving to be extremely effective at preventing the disease.
Podcast
Fighting Alzheimer's with coffee, oral health, sugar, and heart disease, cervical cancer's nemesis, and more.
Cardiac Roundup
Consuming sugar can damage the heart by causing arteries to expand too fast.