Science Update
Sharing Science | Satisfying Curiosity | Debunking BS
ANCIENT ANATOMY - What dental records from the Mesozoic era can tell us about the lives of dinosaurs. How humans are uniquely adapted to throw baseballs. Also: an automated nature recording system that's monitoring environmental change. And, could vaccinating children protect the elderly as well?
Automated nature recordings track the effects of climate change and habitat disturbance.
Pollution in the Northern Hemisphere was largely responsible for deadly droughts in late 20th century Africa.
When large animals like toucans are removed from tropical rainforests, the trees suffer.
Plants that were frozen in glaciers 400 years ago are growing again as those glaciers melt away.
An invasive ladybird beetle kills off native species with microorganisms in its body.
Seabirds and their eggs help scientists track global pollution.
Humans were polluting the air with lead as far back as 3,900 years ago.
An invasive species could be an unexpected boon for salt marshes.
Climate change could make snowshoe hare camouflage less protective.
GIANT SNAILS & ANCIENT TREES - Giant aliens attack Florida, unsticking geckos, the worlds within carnivorous plants, and mapless migrant monarchs.
Giant East African land snails are wreaking havoc in South Florida.
Each carnivorous pitcher plant contains a unique food web, depending on what falls in.
Mysterious “fairy circles” on African plains are caused by termites, which destroy patches of grass but help the surrounding grass thrive.
Using frozen DNA, researchers have created early-stage embryos of an extinct frog.
Wild pollinators may contribute more to the world’s food supply than domesticated honeybees.
Scientists can assess the health of marine ecosystems by recording the coughing sounds made by scallops.
BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES & BEETLES - How radar helped solve a migration mystery, why malaria could be heading north, and how dung beetles cool themselves off. Also: a 21st century technology that's helping archaeologists crack an ancient code.
Scientists report that plant-like organisms called phytoplankton flee their predators just like animals do.
SOUNDS & SIGNALS: We revisit one of Science Update's most memorable podcasts about the science of communication, from 2009: Prairie dogs sound the alarm, turning bed bugs against themselves, bird songs vary by climate, and improving forensic voice comparison.
ENERGY & AGRICULTURE - New developments in wind power, a solar cell made from spinach, transparent soil clarifies plant research, extending the growing season, and how rainforests prevent drought in farmland.
Deforestation can lead to droughts hundreds of miles away.
