Beer Science Roundup
Brewing beer is an art, but a new beer analysis project could make it more of a science.
Mad Cow Eyes
It may be possible to detect mad cow disease by shining light into an animal's eyes.
Podcast
ANIMALS: How dolphins breathe, sea snails that hide their gender, the genetics and epigenetics of ant colonies, and looking mad-cow disease in the eye.
Pain-Killing Snails
A compound from cone snail saliva may be an extremely efficient painkiller.
Mica Life Hypothesis
A new hypothesis suggests that life began between ultra-thin sheets of minerals.
Water Quality Roundup
Salt used to de-ice snowy streets causes damage to both roadways and waterways.
Moons of Jupiter
Designing instruments for planned missions to explore Jupiter's many moons requires a combination of scientific acumen and engineering skill.
Ovarian Cancer Test
Researchers are developing a highly accurate screening test for ovarian cancer.
Podcast
ANIMALS: A new way to sample dolphin DNA, pain-relief from sea snail venom, beetles born with bifocals, and why pigeons bob their heads when they walk.
Sunscreen Timing
A listener asks: how long should you wait after applying sunscreen before going outside?
Tibetan Adaptation
Tibetans have a unique genetic adaptation that allows them to survive high altitude, low oxygen conditions.
Octopus Venom
Scientists think venom from Antarctic octopi may have pain-killing properties.
Cancer & Fructose
Cancer cells selectively use fructose to divide and proliferate.
Changing Oceans
The effect of climate change on the world's oceans may have dire consequences for humans.
Podcast
SUNSCREEN & SUPPLEMENTS: Sunscreens from ivy, why tanning oil speeds up skin damage, and when to apply sunscreen. Also: the link between fructose and pancreatic cancer, and over-the-counter weight-loss supplements fail the grade.
Ivy Sunscreen
English ivy produces natural nano-sized particles that could improve sunscreens.
Bacterial Goldilocks
Bacteria find thawed arctic soils really yummy. That might be good for the bacteria, but it could be bad for the planet.
Podcast
CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATE: The potential effects of climate change on the world's oceans, how global warming could influence carbon dioxide levels in the Arctic, and the search for more efficient air conditioners.
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HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT: Cutting down the Amazon rainforest leads to increased rates of malaria, tracking plastic debris in the Atlantic Ocean, choosing between "organic" and synthetic pesticides, and more.
Podcast
Researchers test a smoking vaccine, the relationship between schizophrenia and creativity, and post-partum depression in men.
Cell Phone Air Sensors
Installing chemical sensors in cell phones could create a worldwide system for identifying dangerous airborne toxins.
Artificial Pancreas
A prototype artificial pancreas automatically regulates blood sugar in diabetic patients.