Has America turned its back on science?

Has America turned its back on science?

Author: The Times September 23, 2025 Duration: 34:23

President Trump has publicly linked the use of Tylenol, or paracetamol, during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism, despite experts saying the connection is unproven. The extraordinary announcement came after months of dramatic changes at US public health bodies, spearheaded by the health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr. So, how did health become politicised in America? And could the same thing happen in the UK? 


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guests: David Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times, Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times.

Host: Rosie Wright. 

Producers: Micaela Arneson and Shabnam Grewal. 

Read more: Trump to claim taking Tylenol in pregnancy is linked to autism

Further listening: The momfluencers embracing ‘Make America Healthy Again

Clips: Forbes Breaking News, NBC News, WHAS11, PBS Newshour,New York Post, Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Fridman, Club Random with Bill Maher, MSNBC, ABC News, ITV News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com   

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Back to the Commons or no going back? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
The Government has U-turned on its controversial plans to end remote voting in Parliament, following a backlash from MPs, who feared this would be discriminatory against vulnerable and elderly Members. Today we ask: if t…
Smartphones and the virus: an experiment on the Isle of Wight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:01
We are now entering the 'test and trace' phase of fighting the pandemic where we could use our smartphones to keep us all safe from a second spike. One UK population has been chosen as guinea pigs for the rest of us to s…
George Floyd protests: 'I can't breathe' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:39
Protests and riots have been sparked across the US by the killing of George Floyd. Floyd, an unarmed black man, was filmed dying as a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was handcuffed…
Back to School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:13
As Primary Schools across the country begin to reopen today we examine the moral dilemma parents and teachers face.Guests: Sian Griffiths, Education and Families Editor at The Sunday Times.Host:Manveen Rana.Clips:BBCThis…
The mind (and blogs) of Dominic Cummings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
What can we learn about the Prime Minister's chief adviser from his own words?Guests: Ian Leslie, writer and journalist.Steven Swinford, The Times' Deputy Political Editor.Hosts:Manveen Rana and David Aaronovitch.Clips:…
A mayor in Prague and a Russian poison plot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:26
A local mayor in Prague is in police hiding following reports that agents from Russia plotted to have him assassinated. It’s an international incident that began when the mayor removed a statue honouring a Russian World…
Coronavirus: Becoming a vaccine guinea-pig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:07
We’re almost six months into the pandemic. But how close are we to developing the cure we all so desperately want? We meet a participant in one of the hundreds of trials happening around the world. This podcast was broug…
Murder in Stockholm: who killed Olof Palme? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:07
More than three decades on from the assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, new evidence has been brought to light that may reveal the identity of his killer. But after 34 years and thousands of theories, wil…
Insight investigation: why was the UK so slow to lockdown? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
Britain has the worst coronavirus death toll in Europe despite the government insisting they followed the best scientific advice. The Sunday Times Insight team brings you the inside story into what went wrong for the UK.…
Murder in the Kingdom in the Sky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:05
The Prime Minister of Lesotho has resigned amid accusations that he was involved in the murder of his estranged wife. His third wife is also set to stand trial over her alleged involvement in the murder plot. We dive int…