Science Breakthroughs of 2014: Beta Cells
2014 Science Breakthroughs of the Year: Fighting diabetes with stem cells.
Storm Detecting Birds
Some birds may use their excellent hearing to detect approaching storms.
Birdsong & Language Genes
Birds and humans share remarkable similarities in the expression of genes involved in vocal communication in the brain.
Re-Wilding Crops
Can genetic engineering help “re-wild” our grains, fruits and vegetables?
Penguin Genomes
Scientists have sequenced the genomes of two penguin species, revealing much about how they’ve adapted to inhospitable environments.
Ocean Chemicals
The U.S. has banned some fire retardants because of their toxicity. But the same chemicals are also produced naturally by marine life.
Urban Dolphins
California's coastal bottlenose dolphins harbor contaminants in their blubber.
Rhinos & Sound
Researchers are studying how the sounds in their environment may affect the well-being of captive rhinos, which have extremely sensitive hearing.
Lactose Intolerance Genes
Central Europeans developed a dairying culture at least 4,000 years before they evolved the ability to digest milk.
Kangaroos in Trees
Tree kangaroos hop up trees instead of swinging through them like monkeys.
Ancient Kangaroos
The largest kangaroos once walked - instead of hopped - across ancient Australia.
Monarch Genetics
Scientists have identified the genetic underpinnings of monarch butterfly migration.
Gut-Powered Biofuels
Human gut microbes could break down grasses into sugars for biofuel production.
Changing Foliage
Climate change may affect fall foliage in many different ways.
American Bird Report
Even common birds are showing declines in this year’s State of the Birds report.
Circadian Colds
Why do the symptoms of common respiratory infections often worsen at night?
Sniffing Out Reefs
Saving degraded coral reefs may be difficult, because juvenile corals and fish won't return to them.
Elderly Sleep
Insomnia in older adults is due to a failure in brain circuitry.
Anti-Cancer Venom
Researchers are developing a technique to attack cancer cells with animal venoms.
Feeding Neurons
Scientists have accidentally stumbled upon specific brain cells that turn feeding behavior on and off in mice.
Podcast for 1 August 2014
LESSONS FROM THE DEAD (Encore Presentation) - Scientists attempt to bring back an extinct frog. Mummies showing signs of heart disease make researchers rethink assumptions about lifestyle and diet. The mysterious death zone within African "fairy circles" explained. Also: a miniature laboratory under the skin monitors blood chemistry.
See-Through Organisms
Scientists have developed a technique to make tissues see-through.
