Fault Line
San Francisco and Los Angeles are on different tectonic plates. One listener asked what consequences that has for the future of California.
Locust Swarm
A few million years ago, a swarm of locusts made an incredible journey.
Rewarding Faces
Looking at attractive people stimulates the brain's reward centers. Now new research shows the reward depends on sexual orientation.
Browsing Music
Scientists are coming up with new, more sophisticated ways to browse digital music.
Medical Roundup
Scientists have found an explosive new way to pack several weeks' worth of vaccines into a single shot.
Jupiter Moons
Jupiter's moons are like a miniature solar system of contrasting terrains. But how could moons that grew up together turn out so differently?
Disease and Diversity
It's well known that inbred animals are more likely to inherit genetic diseases. But did you know that they are also more susceptible to infectious …
Cloning Sickness
Many cloned animals have unusual health problems. One listener asked what goes wrong.
Munching Mates
Many fathers in the animal kingdom are deadbeat dads by human standards. But redback spider dads are just plain dead.
Vaccine Roundup
In an unusual twist, a bioengineered tobacco plant could save lives in the case of a bioterrorist attack.
Epigenome Project
Many genetic diseases don't kick in unless triggered. Now scientists are looking for those triggers in the chemicals attached to our DNA.
Spiral Arm
Astronomers have made new progress in the effort to map the Milky Way.
Particle Accelerator
The action in particle accelerators makes the fastest racecars look like slugs.
Addiction Blocker
A promising chemical may counteract the brain changes that go hand-in-hand with addiction.
Dental Roundup
A dental researcher seems to have honed in on the real use of the narwhal's mysterious tusk.
Noise and Hearts
A new study shows that even a little noise could have a big effect on heart health.
Body Image
People with anorexia and other eating disorders can become dangerously thin but still feel overweight. New research may point to a cause.
Air in Space
Even astronauts' waste water is put to work in the extreme environment of space.
Interactive Map
Most maps give facts and statistics. But a new mapping project is trying to capture something more elusive.
Evolution Roundup
Bob Hirshon reports on a discovery that links us to the fruitfly.
Exercise and Brains
Just in case you need another reason to work out, new research shows that exercise can help keep your brain fit, as well as your body.
Panda Raising
How is the National Zoo making sure its panda cub will grow into a healthy, happy adult?
Smallest Thing
Everyone's interested in world records. Bob Hirshon answers a listener's questions about the world's smallest living creature.
Air Guitar
Scientists in Finland have turned the fantasy of air guitar into a reality.