Rob Stein, NPR's health correspondent, shares the groundbreaking story of Tawana Looney, the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney. Tawana, a resilient grandmother from Alabama, had been on dialysis for years before this pioneering transplant. Stein was present in the operating room, providing an exclusive look at the procedure. They discuss the ethical controversies surrounding animal organ transplants and the potential for this innovation to address the severe shortage of human donors. Tawana's inspiring recovery highlights hope in this medical frontier.

Rob Stein, a reporter from NPR specializing in health and science, dives into the fascinating world of genetic engineering. He discusses how Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences is creating woolly mice, which serve as a stepping stone to potentially reviving the woolly mammoth. The conversation explores the innovative techniques used, the ethical dilemmas of de-extinction, and how such efforts could aid in ecological restoration. Stein raises crucial questions about the balance between reviving extinct species and conserving those currently at risk.

Rob Stein, NPR's science correspondent, discusses the significant shift of COVID-19 becoming an endemic disease. He explains what this means for public health strategies and why vigilance remains crucial, especially for vulnerable populations. The conversation addresses the ongoing risks of long COVID and the necessity of continuing vaccination efforts. Stein also touches on the potential for combined vaccines for COVID and the flu, highlighting the evolving landscape of health management in this new phase.

President Biden told 60 Minutes that the pandemic is basically over. Hundreds of Americans are still dying every day, but most Americans are essentially living their lives as they were before the pandemic started. So how are public health experts reacting to the president's remarks? And what's the president's messaging goal?This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, science correspondent Rob Stein, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.Learn more about upcoming live shows of The NPR Politics Podcast at nprpresents.org.Support the show and unlock sponsor-free listening with a subscription to The NPR Politics Podcast Plus. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Biden administration announced that the U.S. will admit vaccinated foreign travelers beginning November 8th. Also: the latest on vaccination boosters and availability for kids.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national political corrsepondent Mara Liasson, and science editor and correspondent Rob Stein.Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy