Podcast
How Monarch butterflies navigate their way to Mexico, do honeybees really die when they sting you, why apologies are better than cash, and brain scans that reconstruct what you were just looking at.
Social Insects Roundup
Fruit flies and humans share some of the same genes for learning; and one ant species lacks males entirely.
Podcast
An ancient hominid skeleton revises human evolution, the MESSENGER spacecraft makes its final flyby of the planet Mercury, facial contrasts and the use of cosmetics, and why your shower isn't as clean as you thought.
Podcast
Torture gets a failing grade from neuroscience, a new benthic rover explores the ocean floor, how surrealism makes you smarter, and putting full moon folklore to the test.
Nostril Rivalry
Our two nostrils may constantly take turns sending different information to our brain.
Fall Color Differences
A new hypothesis explains why fall colors differ in the U.S. and northern Europe.
Melatonin and Jet Lag
A listener asks: Can melatonin really help decrease jet lag?
Podcast
The gecko's phantom tail, the social lives of fruit flies, stem cells from fat, fall color secrets, ancient cave discoveries.
Itch Neurons
Scientists have identified nerve cells dedicated to the itch sensation.
Podcast
HEALTH REPORT: A new micro-needle patch could bring vaccines to millions, we really do walk in circles when we're lost, and a robot that outperforms humans at tumor surgery. Also: does melatonin cure jet lag, and will reading in dim light really ruin your eyes?
Whale Sharks
Marine scientists use digital photographs to identify and help conserve the world's largest sharks.
Podcast
CENTRAL AMERICAN CONSERVATION: Saving the Caribbean coral reef, conserving the world's largest sharks, and ancient Mayan forest conservation.
Placebo Effect Genes
The placebo effect only works for certain people – could this be genetic?
Podcast
AMAZING ORGANISMS: Assessing the developmental level of canines, the origin of malaria, powerful bacteria, and more.
Plant Roundup
Plant geneticists are developing crops that can thrive in salty soils.
Guinea Pigs
A listener asks why guinea pigs aren't often used as laboratory animals anymore.
Podcast
HEALTH UPDATE - The genetics of the placebo effect, nano-diamond wound therapy, the rise of vitamin D deficiency, and more.