Lunar Insomnia
The full moon affects people's sleep cycles, even if they can't see it.
Ape Memory
Like humans, chimpanzees and orangutans can remember events that took place years in the past.
Dino Tooth Replacement
The world's largest dinosaurs had to replace their teeth constantly to keep up with all their eating.
Podcast for 19 July 2013
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?
Refreshing Blood
Replenishing stored blood's nitric oxide may make transfusions more effective and less risky.
Listening to Environmental Change
Automated nature recordings track the effects of climate change and habitat disturbance.
Evolution of the Fastball
Human anatomy is uniquely evolved to throw spears - and baseballs.
Podcast for 12 July 2013
AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS - Male lyrebirds groove to their own music. Young fairywrens learn who their enemies are by watching their parents. Robotic seals help improve the quality of life of dementia patients. Also, could rats could help people keep their voices strong in old age?
Climate Change & Soil Microbes
Soil microbes are affected by climate change, which could be a big deal.
Podcast for 28 June 2013
BRAINS & BEHAVIOR - When apes take a gamble. The value of precision in negotiations. And a new approach to targeting drug addiction in the brain. Also: what above-ground nuclear tests in the mid-20th century can tell scientists about the brain.
Medieval Leprosy
Researchers have reconstructed the entire genome of Medieval-era leprosy bacteria.
The Lyrebird’s Dance
The superb lyrebird of Australia combines its songs with specific dance moves to create an elaborate courtship ritual.
Bombs & Brain Cells
Nuclear testing in the mid 20th century is helping scientists understand how the brain makes new neurons.
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.
Toucans & Trees
When large animals like toucans are removed from tropical rainforests, the trees suffer.
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.
Re-Awakened Plants
Plants that were frozen in glaciers 400 years ago are growing again as those glaciers melt away.
Turtle Shell Evolution
A 260 million-year-old fossil could be the ancestor of turtles.
Unusual Species Roundup
Rare species can have a surprising impact on ecosystems.
Chemotherapy & Infertility
Researchers discover why chemotherapy makes women infertile – and hopefully, how to stop it.
Obesity & Gut Bacteria
Obese and diabetic mice have less of a certain gut bacteria, and replenishing the bacteria helps them lose weight.