Nanotube Muscles
Improved artificial muscle fibers can twist at high speeds while carrying heavy loads.
Anti-Magnets
Scientists have designed a theoretical anti-magnet. If it works in practice, it could have profound effects on both medicine and industry.
Aquarium Fish Aggression
Bigger tanks and richer environments reduce aggression in popular pet fish.
Woolly Mammoth Blood
A replica of woolly mammoth blood protein may lead to treatments for hypothermia and improvements in surgery.
Tooth Regeneration
A new technique can reverse early tooth decay without drilling.
Slick Pitcher Plants
The specialized leaves of carnivorous pitcher plants are inspiring the next generation of super-slick materials.
Electronic Skin
Engineers have packed medical electronics into a thin, stretchy temporary tattoo.
Podcast for 26 August 2011
FEAR, LIES & SHRINKING BRAINS - Why our brains shrink, but chimps' don't, why computers are better at spotting lies than we are, and an enzyme for fear. Also, medical electronics that resemble tattoos, and how organic chicken farms could be a boon to public health.
Rainbow Polymer
Color-shifting polymers could make money and other documents harder to copy.
Beetle Technology Roundup
Beetles are inspiring new design technologies.
Anti-Explosive Spray
An inky spray changes color when explosives are detected.
Toxin Filters Roundup
In the event of a nuclear accident, a new filter made of natural materials could treat water contaminated with radioactive iodine.
Animal Strength
Mother of pearl gets its strength from the combination of two very different kinds of materials.
Similar Snowflakes
A listener asks: Why do snowflakes appear so similar to each other?
Podcast for 20 February 2011
ANNUAL MEETING SPECIAL: The new science of aeroecology, deconstructing taste preferences, new ways to store energy, and 3-D printers that could one day produce replacement organs.
Sea Urchin Teeth
The sea urchin's super-sharp could inspire new nano-materials.
Podcast
NATURE OF INVENTION: Sea urchin teeth could inspire new nano-materials, and hornet stripes could lead to better solar technology. Also: automatic transmissions could revolutionize electric wheelchairs, and there's new research on the genetics of hair color and male pattern baldness.
E-Book Roundup
Electronic paper could bring video to newspapers and magazines.
Speedy Diodes
A new processor technology may potentially supplant the silicon chip.
Mica Life Hypothesis
A new hypothesis suggests that life began between ultra-thin sheets of minerals.
Moons of Jupiter
Designing instruments for planned missions to explore Jupiter's many moons requires a combination of scientific acumen and engineering skill.
Podcast
FLU SEASON: Can exercise help stave off illness? Changes to the seasonal flu vaccine, bacterial surprises, and better ways to purify water in developing countries. Also: did life originate between mica sheets?