Modern Bloodletting
Giving blood regularly may have cardiovascular benefits for people with metabolic syndrome.
Overcoming Arachnophobia
Peoples’ brain activity changes permanently when they overcome a phobia.
Podcast for 8 June 2012
The link between touch and hearing. And, why bilinguals hear better in noisy environments. Also: new brain research could illuminate why we’re willing to share so much personal information on social networking sites. And, how much money would it take for you to give someone an electric shock? The answer may surprise you.
Inheriting Anxiety
The great-grandchildren of rats given a fungicide were more stressed-out and anxious than other rats.
Psychopaths’ Brains
Specific brain abnormalities distinguish true psychopaths from other violent criminals.
Psychology Roundup
Viewing photos of men and women upside down affects our ability to recognize what’s in the picture.
Bilingual Hearing
Does speaking a second language change the way your brain works?
Yeast on Zoloft
The antidepressant Zoloft affects cell membranes in yeast, which lack the brain chemical the drug targets.
Self-Disclosure
How the brain's reward system makes sharing personal information on social media so compelling.
Podcast for 25 May 2012
FARM SCIENCE - Does exposure to farms and forests stave off asthma and allergies? How to combat viruses with pigs. And why milk goes sour faster than other beverages.
Lizard Spit Roundup
A chemical in Gila monster venom suppresses appetite in rats.
Raven Relationships
Ravens remember other ravens as friendly or adversarial, even years later.
Sizing Up Weapons
People think others are larger and stronger if they’re holding a weapon in their hands.
Podcast for 11 May 2012
BIRDS & DINOSAURS - Scientists discover T. Rex's feathered cousin, did dino gas warm the ancient earth? And giant fleas that may have pestered the prehistoric giants. Also: why the amorous pursuits of an Australian bird has turned it into a horticulturalist, and how ravens keep track of friend and foe.
Chilly Relationships Roundup
Social anxiety can affect how you sense temperature.
Baboon Words
Baboons can learn to distinguish English words from nonsense letter sequences.
Podcast for 20 April 2012
SOUND SCIENCE - Can sounds influence dreams? Emotional similarities between music and speech. Does a deeper voice lead people to vote for a political candidate? Baboons that recognize words. And baby goats with accents.
Emotional Music
Music and speech use the same tonal qualities to evoke happy and sad emotions.
Internet Symptom Checkers
People draw different conclusions from online symptom checkers, depending on how the symptoms are listed.
Deep-Voiced Politicians
Politicians with deep voices may garner more respect – and votes.
Podcast for 6 April 2012
MEDICINE - A promising new drug that could work on all types of cancer. New evidence linking antibiotic use to asthma. Also, a test that takes the guesswork out of choosing the right antibiotic when one is needed. And, how your biological clock affects your health.