Synthetic Biology: Friend or Foe?
Researchers believe “SynBio” may eventually help address hunger, pollution, and other modern problems. Yet in the wrong hands, synthetic biology could unleash terrible biological weapons. Experts discuss.
War and Veterans Sub-categories:
Ending Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease has become one of the fastest growing diseases and causes of disability in the world. Evidence shows that environmental toxins such as pesticides play a role. Experts discuss what we know about Parkinson’s and how we could curtail its rise, saving lives and restoring quality of life.
The Surprising Origins of Chemotherapy in World War II
Chemotherapy has saved millions of lives, but its origins date to the chemical warfare agent mustard gas.
Planning for the Next Pandemic
The next pandemic is only a matter of “When and what,” according to health security experts, who here discuss what’s needed to be ready for a variety of possible pandemics and infectious threats, both natural and terror.
Medical Notes: Week of March 29, 2020
A treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy could be much more effective for colorectal cancer. Then, scientists have discovered that a World War One helmet is actually better when it comes to protecting its wearers from shock waves. And finally, doctors can tell whether you’re rich or poor through urinalysis.
Medical Notes: Week of August 4, 2019
A kid's picky eating could be a sign of autism. Then, medication dispensing limits are supposed to save money, but that may not be the case for birth control pills. Finally, shrinking screens could be distorting your view of the news.
Medical Notes: Week of June 16, 2019
A study showing the dangers of car seats. Kids are eating less fish than ever. How do VA benefits differ by gender? Is antibiotic use for acne a mistake? And finally, it's beneficial to base your workout routine on your personality.
The “Other” Side of Military Science
Most people think of military science in terms of defeating the other side. But it also involves keeping our troops sheltered, clothed, fed, and protected from adversaries like exhaustion, infection, heat and noise. A noted investigative journalist explains the less well known side of military research.
Evaluating Veterans’ Healthcare
An expert discusses her contention that the care the VA provides is much better than its perception.
The Technology of Warfare
A noted investigative journalist explains the less well known side of military research.
Your Brain With Tinnitus
Scientists have discovered that tinnitus, or "ringing in the ears," involves many more areas of the brain than just those involved with hearing. Experts explain why the findings mean it will be difficult to develop treatments for tinnitus, and what sufferers can do now.
Moral Injury
The military is beginning to recognize a new category of emotional and spiritual injury in war--moral injury, a result of committing or witnessing an event such as an atrocity that violate deeply held ethical beliefs. Experts discuss evolution of the concept, how moral injury occurs, and what psychologists are doing to prevent and treat it when it occurs.