<p>In 1952, polio was everywhere: killing or paralyzing roughly half a million people annually. Yet just 10 years later, paralytic polio cases in the US dropped by 96% and we were on track to get rid of polio for good. But in recent years, the virus started striking back. So, what’s behind these recent spikes? Explore the dangers of poliovirus and the possibility of eradicating this deadly disease. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].</p><br><p>After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Grace Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician and the former Chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, to cover how vaccine decisions get made and the ripple effects it has on communities.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="https://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>All year long, researchers at hospitals around the world collect samples from flu patients and send them to top virology experts with one goal: to design the vaccine for the next flu season. But why do we need a new one every year? Vaccines for diseases like mumps and rubella offer a lifetime of protection with two shots early in life; what’s so special about the flu? Melvin Sanicas explains. [Directed by Andrew Foerster, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Devin Polaski].</p><br><p>After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist, to discuss the issues surrounding global public health and why science matters.

For more of Dr. Michael Osterholm, check out his podcast Osterholm Update.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="https://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Ethan Lindenberger never got vaccinated as a kid. So one day, he went on Reddit and asked a simple question: "Where do I go to get vaccinated?" The post went viral, landing Lindenberger in the middle of a heated debate about vaccination and, ultimately, in front of a US Senate committee. Less than a year later, the high school senior reports back on his unexpected time in the spotlight and a new movement he's leading to fight misinformation and advocate for scientific truth.</p><br><p>After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Jennifer Reich, a sociologist, and asks the question, “Where has vaccine mistrust come from?” -- and how transparency in clinical trials and federal advisory boards are key in gaining community trust.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>TED Fellow and chemosensory researcher Paule Joseph unveils the hidden power of a sense that's too often overlooked: smell. She delves into the science behind smell — from how it evokes memory and emotion to its potential for early disease detection — and advocates for the creation of a baseline test for taste and smell that could open the door to more comprehensive health care.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>“My lens around style doesn’t have anything to do with style anymore — it’s about physicality,” says stylist and fashion consultant Stacy London. “What do I want to be able to do? How do I keep myself strong?” </p><br><p>Stacy’s message has resonated for many women, and for this episode, she joins Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, host of TED Health, at TED2025 for a special live conversation about why women are so embarrassed to talk about aging. For Stacy, aging became a chance to reassess her relationship to her body, and her experience with menopause and spinal surgery shifted her focus to health and wellbeing. Her best advice on what you can do to feel good in your skin? Throw away the most painful pair of shoes you own.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Are you actually bored, or is something else going on? Educator Kevin H. Gary shares three practical takeaways to deal with the doldrums, so you can take control of your attention, figure out which feelings to trust and name the real problem. After the talk, join Shoshana for a sweeping conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Harstad on the relationship between boredom and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.</p><br><p>This episode originally aired on February 27, 2024.</p><br><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>A century after its discovery, insulin remain essential in treating diabetes, and has a relatively low production cost, with a vial generally costing less than $6 to make. But those in the US pay on average 10 times more than those in other countries— leading some patients to take less than prescribed. Kiah Williams takes a look at the US supply chain to explore why medications are so expensive. [Directed by Tolga Yıldız, Serin İnan, Kozmonot Animation Studio, narrated by Christina Greer, music by Tolga Yıldız].</p><br><p>After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Hussain Lalani on his research into improving access to affordable prescription drugs.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In the 1600s, Isaac Newton conducted a series of experiments to better understand the lights and colors that sometimes appear when your eyes are closed. If you’ve ever sat around an evening campfire or unintentionally glanced at the Sun, you may have noticed illuminated patterns briefly dance along your vision. So how do these visual illusions form? Paul Taylor explores the science of afterimages. [Directed by Sofia Pashaei, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Cem Misirlioglu, WORKPLAYWORK].</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Do you ever feel like time slows down when you’re bored but flies when you’re having fun? Cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova explores the ways your brain and heart shape your perception of time, revealing how your heartbeat doesn’t just keep you alive — it also influences whether moments feel fleeting or stretched.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In 1954, Joseph Murray attempted a type of kidney swap that no doctor had tried before. The surgery was a success, and the patient would go on to live with the transplanted organ thanks to one key factor: it came from his identical twin. 70 years later, nearly 100,000 kidneys are transplanted annually in the US alone. So how does this surgery work today? Alexander H. Toledo explains the procedure. [Directed by Biljana Labović, narrated by Addison Anderson].</p><br><p>Extended content: After the talk, Shoshana speaks with <strong>Leilani Graham</strong>, a writer and healthcare consultant, who survived four cardiac arrests and <em>then</em> a heart transplant about her personal trials and the realm of organ transplants.</p><p>Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our <a href="https://bit.ly/tedpodcastssurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>!</p><br><p>Become a TED Member today at <a href="http://ted.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ted.com/join</a></p><hr><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>