Health
Cycling the World
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We’re trying to track down Somen Debnath in the Geo Quiz. He is traveling around the world on bicycle to raise awareness of AIDS and Indian culture. Somen grew up just outside of Kolkata, India. Back in 2004 he headed off on his bicycle. By his own count, he’s visited 60 countries – where is he now? Download MP3
Early HIV Treatment Slashes Odds of Transmission
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A landmark study released yesterday shows that early treatment of people with HIV dramatically reduces the odds that they will transmit the virus to a sexual partner. The World’s Marco Werman explores what the study means for combating AIDS in Africa. He speaks with Aditi Sharma, an AIDS activist with the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition. Download MP3
Cancer Deaths in Chernobyl, Brazil Invests in Science
A new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists provides new, higher numbers for radiation caused cancer deaths in the U.S. Brazil lures back Brazilian scientists working in the U.S. Court rulings may be influenced by whether or not judges are hungry, according to a new study. All in the latest World Science Podcast.
History of royal diseases
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The British royal family was once known for certain inherited disorders like hemophilia and porphyria. Anchor Marco Werman talks with medicine geneticist Alan Rushton about the history of Royal diseases. Rushton is the author of “Royal Maladies: Inherited Diseases in the Royal Houses of Europe.” Download MP3
Himalayan Viagra
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High in the Himalayas, a parasitic fungus attacking insects (cordyceps sinensis) is regionally believed to boost the immune system and help with sexual dysfunction. It can sell for a lot of money, in Bhutan, the government has been trying to regulate the hunt for the Himalayan aphrodisiac. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports from Bhutan’s capital, Thimpu. Download MP3BBC video: watch how the fungus attacks insects
Foreign-trained doctors kept out of practice in US
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As the baby boom generation in the US ages, demand for medical care will grow. One possible solution would be to allow more foreign-trained doctors to work in the US. Many are ready and willing to practice, but the US system for residency keeps them out of the running. Marina Giovannelli of WLRN-Miami has more. Download MP3
Hunger Affects Court Rulings?
Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Columbia Business School professor Jonathan Levav about his new study, “Extraneous Factors in Judicial Decisions,” which suggests that factors such as whether or not a judge is hungry affect court rulings.
Fukushima likely not as bad as Chernobyl, but what does that mean?
For four weeks now, the world has watched with a surreal combination of horror and helplessness as the Japanese have struggled to regain control of their crippled nuclear reactors in Fukushima, staunch the flow of radioactivity, and evaluate the long-term impact of the disaster on human health, the environment, and communities near and far [...]
Turkish aid efforts in Libya
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An envoy of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi is in Turkey for talks, in what’s being seen as an attempt to resolve the conflict in Libya. Turkey has maintained regular contact with both sides in the conflict although it’s also playing a role in the international military operation in Libya. The World’s Ben Gilbert reports on a Turkish aid ship that picked up wounded Libyans in the besieged city of Misrata. Download MP3Follow Ben Gilbert on Twitter
The tradition of chewing coca
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We’re headed to the Andes for the Geo Quiz. We’re looking for two countries on the South American continent where chewing coca leaves remains popular. It’s been a cultural tradition of indigenous people in Andean countries for centuries. Download MP3Slideshow: Coca products in Peru
China torn on smoking issue
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China’s government this week announced an expanded ban on indoor smoking in public spaces, but without clear penalties for those who break the rules. That may be because the government is unclear whether it really wants its people to kick the habit. Tobacco is China’s number one source of tax revenue, but it also prematurely kills more than a million Chinese a year. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports from Beijing. Download MP3
Japan’s contaminated groundwater
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Anchor Marco Werman gets the latest on Japan’s nuclear crisis from The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson. Extremely high levels of radiation were found today in groundwater under the plant. Download MP3
Contamination fears at Fukushima nuclear plant
Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson about news that the core of one of the damaged nuclear reactors in Fukushima, Japan may have been breached, resulting in a release of radioactive substances. Download MP3
Radiation in Japan affects food supply
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This month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan has killed more than 18-thousand people, according to police. But the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant is still ongoing, affecting the food supply. Anchor Lisa Mullins talks to the BBC’s Mark Worthington in Tokyo. Download MP3
Radiation health risks in Japan
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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Laurie Garrett, Senior Fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations, about the risks to human health from the unfolding nuclear crisis in Japan. Download MP3
Japan Should Be First In Line for Potassium Iodide Pills | Union of Concerned Scientists
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