Plague

The bodies of thousands of Londoners, including plague victims, lie in the Bedlam Burial Ground.

Uncovering the plague pit beneath London’s streets

Health

For centuries, the bones of London’s Great Plague victims have lain undisturbed at the Bedlam Burial Ground. Now a new construction project is letting archaeologists uncover their world for a few precious months.

13 Skeletons Unearthed in London Could Shed Light on the Plague

Arts, Culture & Media

Little-Known Disease Rinderpest is Eliminated

Hunting for the Next Pandemic

Flu Preparedness

Ecodemics

Memories of West Nile Virus, Mad Cow Disease and SARS are still fresh, even after reports of the initial outbreaks have long faded. Author Mark Jerome Walters believes we should look to our own actions for the origins of these diseases. Host Steve Curwood talks with Walters about his new book, “Six Modern Plagues and […]

The World

Native Virus

It’s long been assumed that Europeans were the bearers of the massive plagues that devastated Mexico in the 16th century. But now some scientists say the diseases may have been native to Mexico. And as Ingrid Lobet reports, drought, not colonialists, may have been the crucial factor in their spread.

The Living on Earth Almanac

This week, facts about Rocky Mountain Locusts. One hundred twenty-five summers ago, a plague of locusts chewed its way across the American West.

The World

Don’t Worry, It’s Just the Plague

Environment

An outbreak of pneumonic plague, a bacterial infection similar to the infamous bubonic plague, has killed two men in China. The Takeaway goes for a check-up with Hugh Pennington, a bacteriologist at Aberdeen University.

The World

David Hadju

Arts, Culture & Media

Faith talks to author David Hajdu about his new book The Ten Cent Plague: The Great Comic Book Scare and How It Changed America.