Parrot Learning ›
In this episode, hear from a researcher who believes parrots may develop language-like communication and other abilities in ways similar to humans.
All Species Inventory ›
This Science Update looks at the field of taxonomy, one of the oldest practices in biology, and how a group of scientists and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs is trying to bring it into the twenty-first century.
Modern Leeching ›
In this Science Update, hear why leeches are still used in hospitals today.
Billiard Break ›
The early 20th century comedian W.C. Fields used to have an old Vaudeville routine where he'd set up to play a game of pool, and he'd hit all the balls in with one shot. It turns out that the balls had strings attached to them, and an accomplice hiding under the table simply pulled the balls into the pockets. In this Science Update, you'll find out if there's a legitimate way to do what W.C. Fields did, without needing special effects.
Low-Flush Toilets ›
A study shows that low-flush toilets can develop problems due to aging.
Emotion Perception ›
Children who have been physically abused often develop social problems, and a researcher studies why this happens.
High Pressure ›
Learn how models help scientists study difficult environments like the earth's interior.
Talking Lights ›
Fluorescent lights could be used for more than illumination if their flickering patterns turned into code.
Visual Math ›
In this Science Update, hear how people may rely on a type of mental map to understand relationships between numbers.
Killifish and Pollution ›
Hear about how certain small fish are managing to survive in highly toxic waters.
Mars Hotel ›
Hear about research to try to make long distance space travel more comfortable for astronauts.
Clocking T. rex ›
Special effects can make moviegoers feel like they’re in another world—perhaps exploring another planet, swimming the ocean depths, or facing down a dinosaur. Those effects are meant to be entertaining, but not necessarily scientifically accurate. In this Science Update, you’ll hear how one of the most popular movies in history managed to achieve both—by accident.
Tree Torture ›
In this Science Update, hear about the effects of groundwater pumping on the health of riverbank ecosystems.
Monogamous Voles ›
Learn why two different species of rodents, called voles, have very different strategies for post-mating relationships.
Proteome ›
In this Science Update, you’ll hear about a group that’s working to unravel the mystery of how human genes generate such a large number of proteins.
Nematodes ›
In this Science Update, you’ll hear how genetically engineered tomatoes may be able to resist parasitic worms without the use of toxic pesticides.
Eye Tracking ›
In this Science Update, you’ll hear how scientists can measure the way we process language by observing people’s eye movements.
Solar Blind ›
We’ve always been warned not to look at the sun, for fear of burning out the cells in our retinas. It turns out that even photodetectors—devices specially designed to measure light—can’t look at the sun either, but for a different reason: they’re rendered useless when flooded with the sun’s intense rays. In this Science Update, you’ll hear about a new photodetector that’s not afraid to stare the sun straight in the eye.
Diagnostic Microchip ›
Many diseases don't develop noticeable symptoms until they've already done considerable damage. That's why doctors would like to get a closer look at the first signs of disease: tiny changes in the way our cells communicate with each other. In this Science Update, you’ll hear about an innovative plan to get closer to those early distress signals.
Hamsters ›
Researchers are using hamsters to understand the roots of aggression.
