Measuring the spread
The way things spread–whether a virus, a rumor, or a forest fire–is pretty much the same mathematically. We talk to Dr. Stuart Kauffman about the actual amount of social distancing it takes to halt the spread.
Testing is key: Attacking the virus with rapid response, robots and reliability
Reliable and fast testing is needed all over the U.S. to confront the spread of COVID-19. We talk with Dr. Joshua LaBaer about his lab’s robotic systems — and how to use and expand testing most effectively.
Conditions of contagion: The fears we face
In 18th-century England, viruses and bacteria were not understood — but the idea of contagion was part of the social fabric. We talk to Annika Mann, an ASU scholar of 18th-century and Romantic-era British literature and culture.
Time for caring: At home — and on the frontlines
In this time of coronavirus crisis, how do we best care for others and ourselves? And how do nurses in particular manage amid this pandemic?
Listen to “Time for Caring: At Home—and On The Frontlines” on Spreaker.
The Black Death: Pondering a past plague during today’s pandemic
In the 14th century, a virulent plague killed nearly half of Europe’s population. What can we learn from that time as we navigate COVID-19?
Doctors to the rescue
Andrew Lustig, founder and president of Global Outreach Doctors, talks about sending physicians and integrative medicine practitioners to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where gender violence and rape are pervasive.
Hemp: Growing into the future
The hemp plant is amazingly versatile and resilient, and it can be used to produce innumerable healthy products and services. So why was it made illegal, and what does the future hold? We talk to hemp farmers Ed Berg and Scott Perez.
Aliens: A world beyond
The notion of aliens from other planets often conjures images of flying saucers and little green men. But could they really exist?
How intelligent is artificial intelligence, anyway?
Are we rapidly approaching the day when artificial intelligence will be smarter than the people who invented it? What are the benefits of AI, and what are the dangers? We talk to computer scientist Melanie Mitchell about her new book.
How to deal with mental and physical challenges–on the farm and beyond
Dr. Robert Fetsch has for decades been helping farmers and ranchers deal with disabilities — from injuries brought on by hard work, to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and anger.