Longevity Markers
Low birth weight, unhealthy aging, and chemical signatures in the blood may all be intertwined.
Cancer-Sniffing Scalpel
A new surgical knife can tell if it's cutting a tumor or healthy tissue.
Refreshing Blood
Replenishing stored blood's nitric oxide may make transfusions more effective and less risky.
Vegetable Rhythms
Keeping produce on a normal day/night schedule could improve its nutritional value.
Microbe Roundup
Microscopic organisms represent a vast, unexplored territory for biologists trying to understand the earth’s ecology—including the ecology inside our homes and even our bodies.
Podcast for 14 June 2013
WHEN SCIENCE MEETS HISTORY - Ocean temperature records from a 19th century research ship confirm global warming. Reviving plants hidden under glaciers for centuries. Tracing the genetic origins of the blight that started the Irish Potato Famine. And uncovering evidence of lead pollution in Spain from 4,000 years ago.
Unusual Species Roundup
Rare species can have a surprising impact on ecosystems.
Medicine from Animals Roundup
Some of the most useful medicines come from dangerous toxins found in nature.
Itch Molecule
Researchers have identified a molecule that's essential for itching.
A Beetle Battle
An invasive ladybird beetle kills off native species with microorganisms in its body.
Seabirds & Pollution
Seabirds and their eggs help scientists track global pollution.
Ancient Lead Pollution
Humans were polluting the air with lead as far back as 3,900 years ago.
Cryo Roundup
Researchers are using extremely cold temperatures to treat pain and cancer.
Fantastic Voyage Roundup
Researchers have developed medical implants that dissolve after they've done their job.
Zapping Cocaine Addiction
Lasers can eliminate cocaine addiction in rats, pointing to new therapies for humans.
Fruit Fly Roundup
Fruit flies are providing researchers with insights into wound healing and Parkinson’s disease.
Cholesterol Roundup
Despite its reputation, cholesterol may be useful for treating several medical conditions.
Remote Blood Testing
Researchers have developed an implantable blood testing sensor that can monitor blood glucose levels and chemotherapy drugs, among other things.
Newborn Vaccines
Researchers have identified a molecule that could help turn on newborn babies’ immune systems.
Podcast for 15 March 2013
An ancient pigment with futuristic applications, the hidden electricity between flowers and bees, and a new, improved anti-fog coating. Also: the unlikely history of camels.
Alcoholic Insects
Fruit flies sometimes marinate their young in alcohol to protect them from parasitic wasps.
Egyptian Blue
The world's oldest artificial pigment, Egyptian Blue, has previously unknown and potentially useful properties.