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
Are we ready for the next global plague? Four years ago, there was worldwide panic after an Ebola outbreak. More than 11,000 people died before it was brought under control. But Ebola didn’t go away. Recently, there was a smaller outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Twenty-eight people died in months. The World Health Organization announced a few weeks ago that the outbreak has been “largely contained.” So what did we learn from the last major outbreak? And what will happen when another infectious disease outbreak goes global?
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.
Recommended
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.
The Treatment
Jordan Peele: Get Out Comedian Jordan Peele joins Elvis Mitchell to discuss his directorial debut Get Out. (REPEAT)
Design and Architecture
Farewell LA freeways, Peter Shire is back Angelenos don't want more freeways but we seem not to want mass transit either. Metro has killed the 710 freeway extension, and bus and train ridership is down across the region. What's the future of getting around in LA? And, Peter Shire is having a comeback. What attracts a new generation to his playful ceramics and furniture?