In the tug of war between faith and forensics, science has often had the privilege of proof. But in a reset match we’re losing to a novel opponent, there’s little to go on and no certainty in sight. At times there’s too much information, though none of it seems true, and the comfort of facts and figures is lost when they shout in opposition. The empirical and objective seem to need more time to surface, but time does not wait on our side and takes us down as it ticks on. And in labs, research centers, hospitals and conference calls around the world, the smartest and most capable minds try to figure out how to slow it down, stop it, and prevent the clock from turning back.

This week: an experiment on finding the truth.

“I Think I’m Okay”
by Ross Tuttle 
[02:48]

Weeks ago we heard from two NYPD officers – both sick and dismayed by the department’s initial management of the crisis. They cited lacking protection, and inefficient information. And by this week, one of them had finally gotten some answers.

“Sentinel Surveillance”
by Emily Boghossian  
[08:06]

In this week’s iteration of our language corner, we take a closer look at the definition behind an oft-touted method to fight against coronavirus.

“What is a Virus”
by Charlie Hoxie 
[11:00]

Columbia professor Vincent Racaniello eats, sleeps, and dreams viruses. Here he breaks down just what a virus is, and why, on the whole, we shouldn't fear them. See more of Vincent's work here. 

“Hello, Hello?”
by Ross Tuttle & Sachar Mathias
[23:47]

From the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, immunity was the distant beacon. Distant being the operable word. Vaccines, we were told by everyone but the president, was at least a year away. But there’s also been talk of another acquired immunity, this one by infection.  In this episode, producer Ross Tuttle turns to antibodies.

“Primordial Wisdom”
by Shirin Barghi
[37:40]

Ramadan is a sacred time of fasting and feasting, reflection and socializing for Muslim New Yorkers, but with mosques closed and families separated due to the coronavirus pandemic, many are experiencing the month in self-isolation and within the confines of their homes. In this episode, New York-based nurse Mariam Masri and scholar Danish Farooqi tell us how they’re coping with the pandemic, and how it’s changed their relationship with Ramadan. 

“And Now They’re Gone?”
by Fred Brown 
[45:05]

Healthcare is a huge operation, and a chain with many links. In the clamour of pots, pans, cheers and blue angels, we hadn’t heard much from the CNAs, or certified nursing assistants who do everything from feeding and washing patients and checking their vital signs, to keeping them comfortable and company, when no one else can. So this week, our producer Fred Brown, called one up to find out how his shift’s changed, during the pandemic. 

“Weekend Weather with Junior Meteorologist Giff City” was produced by Emily Boghossian, Taylor Cook, and Lauren Germain. Brooklyn USA’s “Messages From Over Here” are produced by Voltron.

If you have something to say and want us to share it, all you have to do is...

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See you on the other side, in Brooklyn, USA.

Brooklyn, USA is produced by Sachar Mathias, Emily Boghossian, Shirin Barghi, Khyriel Palmer, Mayumi Sato, Ross Tuttle and Charlie Hoxie, with help this week from Fred Brown.