Atlantic magazine
Staff writer for The Atlantic where he covers science; former writer of the National Geographic's Not Exactly Rocket Science blog
PROFILE
Ed Yong
Guest
FROM Ed Yong
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
How the 40 trillion microbes in and on us shape our lives We have about 40 trillion microbes living in and on us. In other words: a lot of germs. Until recently, we thought they were the enemy. Now we know they keep us alive. They are, as science writer Ed Yong says, the unsung heroes of human existence. Yong wrote about the promise and limitations of our microbiome in his new book titled, “I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life.”
To the Point
A New Species of Ancient Humans Bones of a previously unknown species of humans have been discovered in South Africa. "Six tiny cavers, 15 odd skeletons and one amazing new species of ancient human." London-based Ed Yong, who writes about science for the Atlantic , tells us how it all happened and what may be learned.
To the Point
Meet Your Microbes, They Could Save Your Life They're in your stomach, your bloodstream, up your nose. They're all over your body and they're one of hottest topics in scientific research now. The trillions of microbes and bacteria that live on, and in and around us, go by the name of the microbiome – and each of us carries our own individual boutique blend of bacteria -- as traceable as fingerprints. Scientists are just now beginning to understand how they affect our immune system, and the role they play in such diseases as diabetes, obesity, Crohn's disease and allergies. Meanwhile, a multi-billion-dollar probiotics industry has built its empire on the research into the microbiome, and promises to correct our faulty gut bacteria and restore our health. Is there truth in the hype? What do we really know about our individual microbial signatures? We separate the facts from the fads.
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To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.