60-Second Health

Scientific American•www.scientificamerican.com

Science

Scientific American reporter Dina Fine Maron gives a weekly one-minute report on the latest health and medical news

Last refreshed: January 3rd, 2026 at 4:41 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Docs Think We Get Too Much Doctoring

Many U.S. physicians think that their patients and their patient's purses could get by with less medical care. Katherine Harmon reports

Sep 28, 2011•2 min

Eternal Vigilance Fingers the Flu

The influenza virus is hiding and changing in animal populations. Virologist Ab Osterhaus explains how that could make it more lethal and how we have to keep a constant eye on its development. Katherine Harmon reports

Sep 20, 2011•2 min

Five Factors Cut Diabetes Risk

Dealing with any one of five key lifestyle risk factors can lower the risk of developing diabetes by about a third. Katherine Harmon reports

Sep 13, 2011•2 min

Yellowing Eyes May Keep Seniors Awake

Yellowing of the eye lenses changes the array of incoming light wavelengths, which can affect circadian rhythms, including sleep patterns. Katherine Harmon reports

Sep 06, 2011•2 min

Best Acne Treatment Remains Elusive

For picking off pimples, few reliable studies exist to show clear benefits of one treatment over another. Katherine Harmon reports

Aug 30, 2011•2 min

Being Married Affects Heart and Waist

Married women gain weight but survive bypass surgery better than unmarried people do. Katherine Harmon reports on two studies

Aug 23, 2011•2 min

Pre-Bed Booze May Bust Rest

A nightcap may force the body to work harder at repair during sleep, making for a less restful night. Katherine Harmon reports

Aug 16, 2011•2 min

Beat Gluttony with Gullibility

Eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink offers tips on fooling yourself into eating less. Katherine Harmon reports

Aug 09, 2011•2 min

Study Says Avoid Colon Cleanses

The alternative therapy of colon cleansing typically does little good, and may cause significant harm. Katherine Harmon reports

Aug 03, 2011•2 min

Hospitals Try to Become Mickey Mouse Institutions

Hospitals are hiring Disney to help them create environments that patients prefer. Katherine Harmon reports

Jul 26, 2011•2 min

Health Literacy Affects Individuals' Health

People who have trouble understanding health and medical information are more likely to get hospitalized. Katherine Harmon reports

Jul 19, 2011•2 min

Sodium and Potassium Together Determine Risk for Heart Disease Death

A new study says high sodium and low potassium intake are the twin culprits in many cardiovascular syndromes. Katherine Harmon reports

Jul 12, 2011•2 min

Women's Study: Exercise, Good Diet and Non-Smoking Greatly Reduce Sudden Heart Death Risk

The Nurses' Health Study finds that the risk of death from sudden cardiac arrest in white women can be lowered by 92 percent through lifestyle maintenance alone. Katherine Harmon reports

Jul 05, 2011•2 min

Cleaner Water Worldwide But Still Out of Reach for Millions

In the last decade, more than a billion people have seen improved water safety and sanitation. But 800 million are still at risk of water-borne disease. Katherine Harmon reports

Jun 28, 2011•2 min

Accurate Blood Pressure Needs Multiple Measurements

Many blood pressure assessments rely on too few measurements in an intimidating environment. Katherine Harmon reports

Jun 21, 2011•2 min

Infant Exposure to Pets May Lower Risk of Later Allergies

Having pets in the house during a baby's first year was associated with a lower risk for allergies through the child's teens. Katherine Harmon reports

Jun 14, 2011•2 min

Mouse Study: Yo-Yo Dieting Beats Not Dieting at All

Mice fed an alternating high-fat and low-fat diet lived almost as long as mice on a constant low-fat diet--and longer than mice on a constant high-fat diet. Katherine Harmon reports

Jun 07, 2011•2 min

Cell Phones in Hospitals May Be Covered with Germs

A study in a hospital in Turkey found that three quarters of cell phones belonging to patients and visitors carried staph bacteria. Katherine Harmon reports

May 31, 2011•2 min

Future Cars Could Count Miles per Heartbeat

On the drawing board are cars that would monitor the health markers of its passengers. Katherine Harmon reports

May 24, 2011•2 min

← Prev

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android