Brain Cell Barcodes
Encoding cellular proteins on a barcode could help researchers learn more about mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Podcast for 3 November 2013
ANIMAL & HUMAN HEALTH - A special report on the relationship between animal and human health, from pet obesity to cancer in tigers. Also, why spiders have prompted a massive Toyota recall. And, a citizen science project that’s pretty batty.
Pet Obesity
The obesity epidemic extends to pets, but studying them could help us as well.
Zoobiquity
The Zoobiquity project teams up physicians with veterinarians to study diseases that affect humans and other animals.
Podcast for 18 October 2013
PSYCHOLOGY & MEDICINE - Can literary fiction influence social astuteness? Why some people still fall for email spam. And, how sluggers' eyes can track fastballs in time to hit them. Also, how cell phones are transforming rural medicine.
Smartphone Microscope
A new attachment turns a smartphone into a powerful microscope.
Cell Phone Medicine Update
Using mobile phones for medical purposes, a new frontier when we reported on it in 2008, has become a huge field.
Podcast for 4 October 2013
CHILD HEALTH - Why premature babies have advanced vision, and, do all babies have a condition called synesthesia? We'll answer questions about kids' cavities and toddlers' toys. And, we'll tackle the science behind the recent resurgence in measles cases.
Personal Experiments
A researcher is promoting “personal experiments” that make self-care more scientific.
Measles Resurgence
Measles cases in the U.S. are on track to be the worst since 1996.
Podcast for 27 September 2013
INSECTS & SPIDERS - Could spider venom be the next insecticide? Why mosquitoes smell you better at night. And debunking the myth of extracting dinosaur DNA from insects preserved in amber. Also, insect legs that bear an uncanny resemblance to modern machinery.
Germy Fabrics
Objects like blankets and stuffed animals can theoretically spread illnesses, but it's not a big concern.
Mosquito Smell Cycle
Researchers have discovered that mosquitoes have a better sense of smell at night.
Preemie Color Vision
Premature infants have better-developed color vision than full-term infants conceived at the same time.
Toxic Roundup
Scientists have figured out how to turn spider venom into an insecticide.
Vision Roundup
People who have their cataracts removed not only improve their vision—they may also extend their lives.
Gut Bacteria Transfer
Gut microbes may be crucial to maintaining a healthy weight. The latest evidence comes from a study that transplanted human gut bacteria into mice.
Baby Tooth Cavities
Baby teeth fall out eventually. But that doesn't mean cavities in baby teeth should be ignored.
Prehistoric Spice Roundup
Did prehistoric humans spice up their meals with mustard?
Gluten-Free Foods
Gluten-free diets are all the rage, but only a small portion of the population is truly sensitive to the wheat protein.
Yucky Medicines
Scientists are trying to learn how to make bitter medicines taste better, especially to kids.
Podcast for 23 August 2013
IN THE KITCHEN - Why grapefruit and some medications don't mix. Is going gluten-free a good idea? How overeating affects the brain. And, is food coloring safe?
Grapefruit & Medications
Grapefruit can interact in potentially dangerous ways with a variety of prescription medications.