The podcast episode from Scrolls & Leaves discusses the historical context of travel restrictions during pandemics, tracing back to the 19th century cholera pandemic and the British Raj's increased surveillance of Indians. It highlights the limited effectiveness and potential negative consequences of travel bans, such as stigma, restricted movement of healthcare supplies, and discouragement from disclosing illness. The episode, featuring surveillance expert Martin French from Concordia University, critiques the use of travel bans and suggests that investments may be better allocated to public health needs.

The Neelakurinji flower, native to Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, India, and blooming only once every 12 years, faces threats from agriculture, eucalyptus and acacia plantations, and tourism. The flower's habitat in the Western Ghats has significantly diminished, with a study showing a 66 percent reduction in grasslands over 40 years. Conservationists like G. Rajkumar from the Save Kurinji Campaign Council and academics like Jomy Augustine are raising awareness and calling for action to preserve this unique species and its environment.

The article announces the closure of Mosaic, Wellcome's digital platform dedicated to long-form journalism about science and health, which was active from 2014 to 2019. The author expresses gratitude to the readers and contributors, including writers, editors, artists, photographers, and fact-checkers. While Mosaic has ceased operations, the article informs readers that some of its content remains accessible through the Internet Archive. Additionally, it directs readers to the news and reports section of the Wellcome website for ongoing stories and insights related to the organization's interests and funded research.

Selena Gomez reflects on the pressures of her career and the need for personal time away from the spotlight. Despite her success from a young age, she seeks privacy and understanding from the public as she evolves beyond her Disney persona. Her recent trip to Nepal as a UNICEF Ambassador provided her with a new perspective, contrasting her life in the entertainment industry with the realities of those living in developing countries. Gomez is currently focusing on her career and has started piano lessons to improve her musical skills.

Nancy Silverton, an award-winning Los Angeles-based chef, was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as this year's Outstanding Chef in the United States, becoming the first West Coast chef to win since 1998 and only the fourth woman. Silverton, who was a pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and co-founded La Brea Bakery, is known for her simple, fresh, and inventive cooking. Her culinary empire includes several restaurants named Mozza in California and Singapore. Silverton emphasizes the importance of both pizza crust and toppings, and she enjoys cooking for enthusiastic eaters, although she admits feeling nervous when fellow chefs dine at her restaurants.

Al Jaffee, a cartoonist for MAD Magazine, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his iconic fold-in feature. He began his career working with Stan Lee at the company that became Marvel Comics. Jaffee's childhood in Lithuania, marked by hardship, influenced his creative work. Despite being well past retirement age, he continues to work, finding pleasure in creating and knowing his work brings joy to readers.

Rick Rosas and Brad Oltmanns, accountants at PricewaterhouseCoopers, are the only two individuals who know the winners of the Academy Awards before the official announcement. They have been responsible for counting the ballots, a task PwC has performed for 79 years. The process involves high security and secrecy, with the final tallies sometimes being decided by a single vote. Rosas and Oltmanns have their own rituals and experiences with celebrities during the event, and they are the only ones who know the almost-winners of each category.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed the 'Storm of the Century', has caused a rising death toll, catastrophic flooding, destruction of neighborhoods, and billions in property damage in the United States and the Caribbean. Extreme weather events like floods, droughts, heat waves, and storms are expected to worsen globally, with every region facing deadlier and costlier disasters. This year, severe weather has impacted Africa with droughts and floods, the United States with the worst drought in 25 years, and Southeast Asia with Typhoon Son-Tinh. The IPCC attributes these events to human-caused global warming, population shifts, and poverty. Despite political debates, a majority of Americans now acknowledge the science behind climate change. Christiane speaks with Michael Oppenheimer, a Princeton professor and IPCC report author, about these weather extremes.

Officer Thomas Dye of the airport police has been organizing honor guards for fallen soldiers at Los Angeles International Airport since 2004. The ceremony, which is unique to most airports, ensures that every flag-draped casket arriving at the airport is met with respect. The initiative began after a fallen soldier's remains were returned without dignity, and was further inspired by the death of LAX police officer Tommy Scott. Dye, with 28 years of experience in the U.S. Navy and Army Corps of Engineers, trained his fellow officers in ceremonial and escort duties. The honor guard includes TSA officers, Army soldiers, airport police, LAPD officers, and FBI agents. Southwest Airlines and other airlines have become more vigilant in notifying Dye when transporting fallen soldiers' remains.