Obesity & Gut Bacteria
Obese and diabetic mice have less of a certain gut bacteria, and replenishing the bacteria helps them lose weight.
Malaria Parasite Defense
Researchers have found a gene that gives the malaria parasite safe harbor in mosquitoes.
Medicine from Animals Roundup
Some of the most useful medicines come from dangerous toxins found in nature.
Itch Molecule
Researchers have identified a molecule that's essential for itching.
Preventing Progeria
Scientists have identified an enzyme that could be responsible for one of the rarest childhood diseases of all.
Irish Potato Famine Origins
Scientists have identified the genetic variant of the fungus-like organism responsible for setting off the Irish Potato Famine.
Podcast for 17 May 2013
VISION SCIENCE - A camera modeled after the compound eyes of insects. How the brain compensates for worsening color vision as we age. And, could electrical simulation to the brain improve math performance? Also: Young people are still flocking to tanning booths, despite the risk of developing life-threatening melanoma.
Indoor Tanning
Despite the serious risk of melanoma, indoor tanning remains alarmingly popular, especially among young women.
Ancient Lead Pollution
Humans were polluting the air with lead as far back as 3,900 years ago.
Insect-Inspired Camera
The compound eyes of insects have inspired the design of a new camera.
Podcast for 10 May 2013
EYES, EARS & THE BRAIN - How short-term hearing loss protects the ears. The brain's number hotspot. And: could lasers wipe out cocaine addiction? Also: A nanosponge that soaks up toxins in the body.
Protective Hearing Loss
Temporary hearing loss protects the ear against long-term damage.
Cryo Roundup
Researchers are using extremely cold temperatures to treat pain and cancer.
Parasite-Inspired Adhesives
A marine parasite has inspired new surgical adhesives.
Nanosponges
“Nanosponges” in the bloodstream could mop up toxins from bacteria, bees, or snakes.
Fantastic Voyage Roundup
Researchers have developed medical implants that dissolve after they've done their job.
Zapping Cocaine Addiction
Lasers can eliminate cocaine addiction in rats, pointing to new therapies for humans.
Sound & Memory
Playing soundwaves synchronized with a person's own deep sleep rhythms may improve short-term memory.
Fruit Fly Roundup
Fruit flies are providing researchers with insights into wound healing and Parkinson’s disease.
Energy Drinks & Heart Disease
Energy drinks and red meat contain carnitine, a substance that promotes heart disease with the help of gut bacteria.
Podcast for 12 April 2013
ATHLETES & ROBOTS - Elite athletes are far from dumb jocks. A common ingredient in energy drinks could promote heart disease. Also: Robots that learn by watching us, and robots that can walk on sand.
Cholesterol Roundup
Despite its reputation, cholesterol may be useful for treating several medical conditions.