Jon Hamilton

Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent who covers neuroscience and health, clears up persistent myths about autism. He tackles claims about who can have autism, prenatal Tylenol links, and proposed vitamin fixes. He also outlines diagnostic behaviors, genetic and environmental research, and how brain studies may point to biological subtypes.

Join Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent with a focus on health and science, as he sheds light on the lingering effects of COVID-19 on brain health. He discusses how many survivors experience cognitive decline and memory issues even after hospitalization. The conversation reveals the troubling phenomenon of anosmia, linking loss of smell to wider neurological damage. With ongoing research uncovering potential long-term disabilities and serious impairments, Hamilton emphasizes the urgent need to understand the virus's lasting impact.

NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton, an expert on sleep's impact on health, joins the discussion on the surprising connection between sleep and Alzheimer's disease. He reveals new research showing how poor sleep may accelerate brain changes linked to Alzheimer's. The podcast delves into the glymphatic system's role in brain health, highlighting how deep sleep helps clear toxins like beta amyloid. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of sleep quality for cognitive health, presenting a compelling case for better sleep hygiene as a shield against cognitive decline.

Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent, shares the inspirational journey of Connor Curran, a 9-year-old boy battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The discussion highlights groundbreaking gene therapy that has enabled Connor to run again, offering hope for thousands of children. Hamilton dives into the use of adeno-associated viruses to replace faulty genes and the challenges scientists overcame on this path. The emotional transition from animal trials to human therapy exemplifies the dedication behind this transformative medical breakthrough.

John Hamilton, NPR science correspondent who reports on parenting and shifting vaccine beliefs, and Daniel Pink, author who condenses behavioral research into quick studies. They explore why parents sometimes bend rules for their children. Short segments highlight how social context, cultural patterns, and parental modeling shape honesty and risk.