Innovation Hub

Latest Episodes:

What Lurks In Our Pipes Mar 03, 2017

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Marc Edwards was one of the first scientists to confirm lead poisoning in Flint. But it’s the second time he found himself battling the EPA. He tells us why our country’s lead crisis will only get worse.

Time for a New Time? Mar 03, 2017

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North Korea invented its own time zone. Arizona and Hawaii refuse to participate in daylight savings. Steve Hanke thinks it’s time to overhaul, well, time.

Full Show: The Network Effect Feb 24, 2017

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Violence is usually seen as some sort of moral failing. Gary Slutkin says we should instead treat it like a disease. As anyone who’s left a Hershey’s bar too long in their pocket can tell you… chocolate melts pretty easily. A scientist has uncovered the gene that could change that. The shape and form of the book hasn’t changed all that much since the Middle Ages. But it has definitely changed us.

Making A More Versatile Chocolate Feb 24, 2017

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Chocolate’s melting point makes it one of the most fickle sweets in the world. It also prevents manufacturers from transporting it to large swaths of the globe. But the discovery of one of its most important genes could make a big difference.

Treating Violence Like a Disease Feb 24, 2017

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What if the spread of violence was treated like the spread of a disease? University of Illinois at Chicago’s Gary Slutkin tells us why we need to take a public health approach to preventing violence in America.

Paging Through History Feb 24, 2017

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From illuminated manuscripts to your dog-eared copy of The Hobbit, the book has had a tremendously important place in human history. Keith Houston talks about how books changed the world.

How Reading Helps You Live Longer Feb 24, 2017

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This just in: reading just might help you live longer. Bookworms everywhere celebrate by going to the library.

The Birth of a Chocolate Empire Feb 24, 2017

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One man’s life turns around because, of all things, nougat. We recount the surprising rise of a giant in the world of candy.

Full Show: Our Bodies, Our Selves Feb 17, 2017

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Winter can be the hardest time of the year to stay in shape. But now that the holidays have passed, many Americans are looking to lose a few pounds in preparation for beach weather. It's a perfect time to focus in on our country’s growing obesity problem -- what’s caused it and what we can do about it.

The Birth of PR Feb 10, 2017

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Spin may have been a part of American life since the beginning, but PR began in the early 20th century.