Wednesday, March 27, 2024

NPR News: Here's what to know about dengue, as Puerto Rico declares a public health emergency

Here's what to know about dengue, as Puerto Rico declares a public health emergency
Most people with dengue will show no signs of infection or experience only mild symptoms, but in rare cases infections can become severe and potentially fatal.

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NPR News: Want to stop needle phobia in adults? Make shots less painful for kids

Want to stop needle phobia in adults? Make shots less painful for kids
According to the CDC, about one in four adults has a fear of needles. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. For some people, the fear of needles is strong enough that they avoid getting important treatments, vaccines or tests. That poses a serious problem for public health. Researchers have helped develop a five step plan to help prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. Guest host Tom Dreisbach talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a team to implement the plan at his own hospital. Friedrichsdorf told us some of the most important research on eliminating pain has come from researchers in Canada. Learn more about their work here. This episode was inspired by the reporting of our colleague April Dembosky, a journalist at member station KQED and KFF Health News. Read her digital story here. Got another question for a doctor? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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Monday, March 25, 2024

NPR News: In the solar eclipse's shadow, hundreds of students will launch balloons for NASA

In the solar eclipse's shadow, hundreds of students will launch balloons for NASA
The eclipse on April 8 provides a unique opportunity for students across the country to conduct science. NASA is backing a nationwide project to collect data with research balloons.

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NPR News: On eclipse day, hundreds of students will send up balloons for science

On eclipse day, hundreds of students will send up balloons for science
The NASA-backed Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project puts students in charge of a bold scientific endeavor to study the April 8 total solar eclipse.

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NPR News: How an Indianapolis teacher is using the solar eclipse to inspire her students

How an Indianapolis teacher is using the solar eclipse to inspire her students
Indianapolis is one of several U.S. cities in the path of totality. For many students there, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness – and be inspired by – a total solar eclipse.

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NPR News: What's it like to live in space? One astronaut says it changes her dreams

What's it like to live in space? One astronaut says it changes her dreams
Few humans have had the opportunity to see Earth from space, much less live in space. We got to talk to one of these lucky people — NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara. She will soon conclude her nearly seven month stay on the International Space Station. Transmitting from space to your ears, Loral talks to host Regina G. Barber about her dreams in microgravity, and her research on the ISS: 3D-printing human heart tissue, how the human brain and body adapt to microgravity, and how space changes the immune systems of plants. Have questions you want us to send to outers pace? Email us at shortwave@npr.org!

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Saturday, March 23, 2024

NPR News: California wants to protect indoor workers from heat. That goal is now in limbo

California wants to protect indoor workers from heat. That goal is now in limbo
The state was on the cusp of making new rules to protect people who work in places like warehouses from dangerous heat. A last-minute shake-up leaves workers wondering if they'll be safe come summer.

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