Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: The real reason polio is so dangerous | Dan Kwartler

Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: The real reason polio is so dangerous | Dan Kwartler

Author: TED June 17, 2025 Duration: 34:45

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].


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.

Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Curiosity about our own bodies and minds often starts with a simple, surprising question. TED Health, hosted by physician Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, turns those questions into a compelling exploration. This isn't just a summary of health tips; it's a deep dive into the ideas reshaping our understanding of well-being. You'll hear from leading TED speakers who are doctors, researchers, and thinkers, unpacking everything from the profound neurological effects of a daily walk to the emerging potential of psychedelic therapy for mental illness. Each episode is built on a foundation of rigorous science and accessible storytelling, moving beyond headlines to the nuanced realities of medical breakthroughs and everyday habits. The conversations in this podcast challenge assumptions and connect disparate fields, offering perspectives on longevity, mental fitness, and preventative care that you likely haven't encountered before. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the 'why' and the 'how' behind living a healthier life, providing not just answers but better frameworks for thinking about your own health. The discussions are grounded yet forward-looking, always aiming to translate complex concepts into meaningful, actionable understanding. Listening feels like having a direct line to the cutting edge of medical and wellness research, all filtered through Dr. Ungerleider's insightful and thoughtful guidance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

TED Health
Podcast Episodes
How I make vegan food sexy | from TED Talks Daily [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
At the plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole is flipping the script on vegan food with bold style. In conversation with host of "TED Radio Hour" Manoush Zomorodi, she shares the highs and lows of her entrepre…
How to make anxiety your friend | David H. Rosmarin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:42
When anxiety rears its head, we often just want it to go away. Clinical psychologist David H. Rosmarin asks us to consider instead the positive role anxiety can play in our lives, sharing four practical steps to transfor…
Why do some bodies respond differently to disease? | Erika Moore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:42
TED Fellow and equity bioengineer Erika Moore investigates how cells controlling inflammation behave differently depending on a patient's background. By focusing on the "who" behind the disease, Moore is uncovering why c…
What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix (re-release) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:19
Have we lost the practical wisdom of what happens as people die? With lessons from a career witnessing thousands of people's final breaths, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix urges us to demystify the experience of de…
Why smell matters more than you think | Paule Joseph [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:56
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 potentia…