Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine & public policy.
Around a half million people are homeless in the US on any given night, but the street homeless who are most visible often incorrectly influence our assumptions about the homeless. A noted researcher discusses myths and truths about their addictions, employment, residences, and more, and why people often become homeless.
Wild animals carry out “criminal acts” with amazing frequency, ranging from simple breaking and entering to theft to manslaughter. Wildlife managers spend much of their time trying to prevent these acts or clean up after them. Noted science writer Mary Roach discusses animal criminals and how human behavior is encroaching on wildlife habitat, forcing them …
Entertainer Britney Spears claims in court that her conservator father won’t let her remove birth control. It’s merely the most celebrated recent case of something most people find surprising: forced sterilization still exists in the US, usually in cases of guardianship. Experts explain its legality, history & use.
Many patients arrive in the emergency room as a result of violence or car crashes—events in which police have an investigative interest. Sometimes, police needs clash with trauma care, and priorities are hashed out case by case. Experts discuss which priorities come first and when, and the procedures needed to smooth out sometimes contentious interaction.
The number of cars on the road has been dramatically lower during the pandemic, yet the number of crash deaths has actually increased. That means the number of crashes and traffic deaths per mile driven have skyrocketed. Experts discuss this unprecedented scenario and what we can do about it.
Some Americans say there is no way they’ll get a Covid-19 vaccine, yet some may have no choice if they want to keep their jobs.
Cars will soon be able to provide data as well as receive it. Experts explain how cars can talk with roads, traffic signals and central computers, and how roads themselves may collect data on the cars they carry. In the future, autonomous cars may use these links to greatly speed travel and make it much safer.
Just about anyone can report a parent to a child abuse hotline. It’s meant to protect children, but often, parents are reported when no abuse or neglect exists in order to retaliate for a divorce or some other grievance. Some parents are reported for merely letting children play outside or walk to school without an adult in attendance, what was once thought …
Experts and a former inmate running a new program for moms in prison discuss barriers and ways to overcome them.
With thousands of people demonstrating in the streets after the death of George Floyd, health experts are concerned that the crowds, shouting, and lack of masks may contribute to a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Rich people receive deference that the rest of us don’t, but do wealthy kids grow up knowing they can get away with what others can’t? Research finds that all children apparently know this. Experts discuss.
