Robot Gripper
Researchers have engineered a robotic gripper out of balloons and sand that is capable of picking up many kinds of objects.
Podcast
A genetic explanation for why some people with the HIV virus never develop symptoms, how the shape of the genome influences how genes work, and a religious practice that's shaping the evolution of a Mexican fish. Also: cloud seeding gets a failing grade, and why replacing native plants with crops accelerates climate change.
Social Smarts Roundup
Friendly conversations can boost performance on cognitive tasks.
Body Networks Roundup
Your body could one day act as a cell phone antenna.
Brain Clutter
An inability to clean up cellular waste may contribute to Parkinson's disease.
Chinese Census
Like the United States, China is conducting a population census this year.
Hand Choice
Magnetically stimulating one part of the brain affects which hand people use for a task.
Asparagus Odor
Genetics influences whether you smell a distinctive odor in your urine after eating asparagus.
Fast Antidepressant
Researchers have discovered how a fast-acting antidepressant works so quickly.
Podcast
PSYCHOLOGY: Why listening to half of a cell phone conversation is so distracting, how we choose which hand to use, why we'll pay more if we can touch a product, and the mechanisms behind a fast-acting antidepressant.
Teamwork Roundup
Just because a group has the smartest people doesn't mean it makes the smartest decisions.
ADHD Genetics
Researchers have identified several genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Touchy-Feely Buyers
We're willing to shell out more money for items we can touch.
Psychology Roundup
We can easily be fooled into thinking we've done something that we haven't, according to a new study.
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?
Smoking & Gene Expression
Smoking alters the expression of over 300 genes.
Cold Heart Attacks
The risk of a heart attack increases as temperatures go down.
Sunscreen Timing
A listener asks: how long should you wait after applying sunscreen before going outside?
Cancer & Fructose
Cancer cells selectively use fructose to divide and proliferate.
Shady Supplements
Over-the-counter weight loss supplements work no better than a placebo.
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.