Lego Nerve Gas Detector
Chemists design a mobile, affordable nerve gas detector out of Lego bricks.
Crowdsourcing Artificial Intelligence
The U.S. Navy asks computer gamers to help brainstorm the challenge posed by super-intelligent machines.
Artificial Dog Nose
Researchers reverse engineer one of nature’s greatest sniffers.
Violence Perceptions
Why our perception of violence goes up, while actual violence goes down.
Phantom Limb Pain
After losing a limb to amputation, many people often feel severe pain emanating from the non-existent appendage anyway. A new treatment targeting nerves could turn off the pain signals.
Sleep Deprivation & False Confessions
Sleep deprivation may lead people to confess to things they haven’t done.
Cultural Terror Campaign
Satellite surveillance documents ISIS’s targeted destruction of sacred landmarks.
Cleaning Up TNT
Plants can help remove explosive toxins from land surrounding military sites and conflict zones.
Climate Change & Conflict
Earth’s changing climate may already be playing a role in today’s conflicts.
Forecasting Terrorism
A computer scientist finds predictable patterns in terrorist attacks.
Syrian Cultural Site Destruction
War in Syria is reducing much of the country’s cultural heritage to rubble.
Vicarious Trauma
Observing a single traumatic event can alter the brain of a mouse.
Ships to Reefs
Sinking old warships creates new habitats for marine species.
Podcast for 30 August 2013
PRE-HISTORIC SCIENCE - Is there a connection between hot weather and violence? And, were our ancestors really as warlike as we make them out to be? Also, did ancient Egyptians jewelry have extraterrestrial origins? And, were spices part of ancient European cuisine?
Human Hostility
Prehistoric, tribal humans may have been less warlike than we thought.
Climate & Conflict
Climate change may precipitate violence, according to a historical analysis.
Podcast for 28 June 2013
BRAINS & BEHAVIOR - When apes take a gamble. The value of precision in negotiations. And a new approach to targeting drug addiction in the brain. Also: what above-ground nuclear tests in the mid-20th century can tell scientists about the brain.
Bombs & Brain Cells
Nuclear testing in the mid 20th century is helping scientists understand how the brain makes new neurons.
Insect-Inspired Camera
The compound eyes of insects have inspired the design of a new camera.
Techno Animal Roundup
Researchers are breeding specialized fish that glow when exposed to industrial pollutants.
The E. Coli Code
Scientists have created a secret fluorescent code by inserting jellyfish genes into E. coli bacteria.
Safe Water Software
New software can quickly flag tainted water supplies.
Podcast for 19 August 2011
WATER EVERYWHERE - Astronomers have discovered the largest cache of water ever, and researchers are developing new software for detecting contamination of municipal water supplies. Also: Round robots to help safeguard nuclear power plants.