Stress & Death
The presence of a predator can lead to an insect’s early death from causes other than predation.
Podcast for 11 November 2011
ANIMALS & HEALTH - Why one insect's mating habits could lead to its downfall, why predators are literally scaring dragonflies to death, and pythons reveal the benefits of having a big heart. Also: why animals swimming in the ocean may be affecting the global climate.
Infection Roundup
New research suggests that fevers may boost the immune system.
Outdoor Vision
The incidence of nearsightedness has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Researchers think a lack of outdoor activity could be partially responsible.
Anti-Aphrodisiac
A chemical that repels the opposite sex could be used to help control a common crop pest without the use of pesticides.
Neanderthal Legs
Scientists have figured out how Neanderthals got by with short legs.
Podcast for 4 November 2011
THE SCIENCE OF LIGHT & VISION - A pacemaker that restarts the heart with light, and a secret code made from fluorescent bacteria. And, could a lack of outdoor activity be making kids more nearsighted? Also: new research suggests that IQ might not be as stable as once thought.
Ocean Bacteria Communication
Changes in chemical signaling among ocean bacteria may be impacting the global climate.
Nanotube Muscles
Improved artificial muscle fibers can twist at high speeds while carrying heavy loads.
Podcast for 28 October 2011
SCIENCE UNDERWATER - Why the seas of the future may belong to jellyfish, why fish tanks can be breeding grounds for aggression, how chatter between ocean bacteria contributes to climate change, and good news about sea turtles. Also, scientists unveil the first underwater cloaking device.
Pre-Empting Allergies
A new treatment may block specific allergies without disrupting other immune functions.
The E. Coli Code
Scientists have created a secret fluorescent code by inserting jellyfish genes into E. coli bacteria.
Breath Toxin Detector
Advances in technology have made it possible to develop a hand-held breath test for a wide range of toxic chemicals.
Podcast for 21 October 2011
PREVENTIVE HEALTH - Vitamin D and ethnicity, a breath test for toxins, drinking and the immune system, measuring pain in the brain, and a new weapon to combat allergic reactions.
Slick Pitcher Plants
The specialized leaves of carnivorous pitcher plants are inspiring the next generation of super-slick materials.
Vitamin D & Ethnicity
African-American men living in high latitudes are often deficient in Vitamin D.
Podcast for 30 September 2011
HORMONES & BEHAVIOR - Testosterone and fatherhood, the genetics of oxytocin and depression, gender and spatial reasoning revisited, where taste is found in the brain, and more.
Endangered Stem Cells
Stem cell research could help bring drill monkeys and northern white rhinos back from the brink of extinction.
Oxytocin & Optimism
A gene variant may influence a person’s outlook on life.
Podcast for 23 September 2011
PLANETS & PATHOGENS - Gardening for Mars, the darkest planet, a parasite that turns rats against themselves, telling the viruses from the bacteria, and the link between caffeine and skin cancer prevention.
Caffeine & Skin Cancer
Caffeine may protect against skin cancer by inhibiting an enzyme that cancer cells need.
Six Butterflies in One
One species of butterfly mimics six different species to avoid predators.
Vaccine Roundup
Misinformation about vaccine safety may be contributing to a surge in measles infections.
Podcast for 9 September 2011
MARVELS OF EVOLUTION - A prehistoric pregnancy clears up a Mesozoic mystery. The economics of plant-fungi cooperation. How to get six butterflies in one. Counting up the species on earth. And how your stress could be bad news for your mate if you're a finch.