Podcasts Archive
What was the buzz in science two years ago? Four years ago? Museum presenters and guest researchers have been offering an in-depth look at the latest in science and technology since 2006.
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- Saving Sea Turtle Eggs From The Gulf Oil Spill (Podcast)
- Patricia Behnke from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and David Godfrey from the Sea Turtle Conservancy talk about steps being taken to move 70,000 sea turtle eggs away from the oil in the Gulf of Mexico and relocate them on the east coast of Florida. (details).
August 06, 2010
- New Images of the Sun | 10 Years With The Human Genome (Podcast)
- Dr. Ed DeLuca from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics talks about the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the amazing new pictures of the Sun. Also, Dr. Destin Heilman from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute discusses the Human Genome Project and what's happened in the 10 years since the genome has been sequenced ... (details).
July 30, 2010
- Wearable Electronic Fibers | Cool Vaccines (Podcast)
- Dr. Yoel Fink, a materials scientist at MIT, brings us into his lab to explain how he makes high-tech, small-sized acoustic fibers. Also, we will hear about preliminary work to create a cool new tuberculosis vaccine. (details).
July 23, 2010
- Marauding Chimpanzees | Artificial Lung Transplants (Podcast)
- On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Jane Goodall's first observations of chimpanzees in the wild, learn about new data that have led scientists to think about why chimpanzees fight and even kill. Then, hear about Massachusetts researchers who have been able to grow and transplant functioning lungs into rats ... (details).
July 16, 2010
- Bonehenge: Assembling A Sperm Whale Skeleton (Podcast)
- Join Keith Rittmaster, Natural Science Curator at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, as he tells the tale of assembling a 33 foot male sperm whale skeleton. (details).
July 08, 2010
- Nature's Beauty: Bubbles and Diamonds (Podcast)
- Bubbles and diamonds are not only beautiful, but they may also be important to scientists. The complex way that a bubble pops is now being studied, and diamonds may have use in nanotechnology. (details).
July 02, 2010
- Extremophiles: On Earth and On Titan? (Podcast)
- This week we will learn about extreme forms of life: a methane-eating, sulfate-breathing bacteria living in the Earth's Arctic Circle, and a hypothetical (yet improbable) methane-eating organism on Saturn's largest moon Titan. (details).
June 25, 2010
- The Museum's Wind Turbine Lab | World Oceans Day and Hermit Crabs (Podcast)
- Have you wondered what all those different wind turbines are doing on the roof of the Museum? The Museum's wind analyst Marian Tomusiak will talk all about the Museum's Wind Turbine Lab. Also, during World Oceans Day on June 8 the Museum focused on hermit crabs and some of their social behaviors. (details).
June 18, 2010
- Severe Summer Weather | Woolly Mammoth Evolution (Podcast)
- Hear about harbingers of summer that we don't usually look forward to: tornadoes and hurricanes! Also, learn how genetic research has revealed information about the evolution of an extinct animal. (details).
June 11, 2010
- Let's Play Ball! | Building a Cooler Transistor (Podcast)
- Physicist Dr. Alan Nathan from University of Illinois talks about some of the physics of baseball. We will also learn about a new nano-material that may keep computer transistors cooler. (details).
June 04, 2010
- Our Growing and Changing Family Tree (Podcast)
- New information is constantly being added to our human family tree. This week we will hear about a new addition, Australopithecus sediba, and about a new place for Neanderthals. (details).
May 28, 2010
- Model Systems: Worms and Walden Pond (Podcast)
- In this segment, two scientists describe their research using distinct model systems as a way of studying a bigger picture. Dr. Claire Benard from UMass Medical School details how biology of the worm, C. elegans, can provide understanding of human neural disease, and Dr. Charles Davis from Harvard University ... (details).
May 21, 2010
- Domestication of Chickens | Some Bacteria Linked to Obesity (Podcast)
- Is there a difference between wild chickens and domesticated chickens? Do wild chickens even exist anymore? Can bacteria in our bodies actually cause obesity? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this week's podcast. (details).
May 14, 2010
- Coral Reef Ecology | Birdology (Podcast)
- In this segment, find out how Dr. Randi Rotjan from the New England Aquarium is studying tropical coral reefs. Also, hear New Hampshire author Sy Montgomery discuss her new book detailing surprising characteristics of birds. (details).
May 06, 2010
- Firefly Scientists! (Podcast)
- Firefly season is almost here! Listen to firefly scientists Dr. Chris Cratsley and Dr. Kristian Demary talk about their research and about how the citizen science project Firefly Watch has helped them. (details).
April 30, 2010
- Disease Detection: Heart and Eye (Podcast)
- Hear Dr. Aaron Baggish from Massachusetts General Hospital describe his research on the effectiveness of electrocardiogram screening in young athletes. Then, find out about technologies on the horizon for glaucoma detection and treatment. (details).
April 23, 2010
- It's A Small World: Nano Landscaping and Micro Robotics (Podcast)
- Hear how Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, a physicist at Harvard University, is able to landscape on the nanoscale by moving around individual atoms. Then Harvard graduate students Ben Finio and Rebecca Kramer talk about how they are using small biological organisms to inspire the design of small robots. (details).
April 16, 2010
- Preventing Prematurity | Beautiful Butterflies (Podcast)
- Dr. Jon Davis, Chief of Newborn Medicine at Tufts Medical Center and part of the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, talks about causes of newborn prematurity and some ways to prevent it. Then we'll hear about how a beautiful butterfly can be used to study human evolutionary genetics ... (details).
April 09, 2010
- Guests from NanoDays! (Podcast)
- Across the country this March, NanoDays celebrated all things tiny. Today's guests include Dr. George Whitesides from Harvard University talking about developing simple medical diagnostics and Dr. Don Ingber from Harvard University explaining how to manipulate cells on the nanoscale. (details).
April 02, 2010
- Fingers: 40,000 year old DNA Identification and Bacterial Fingerprinting (Podcast)
- DNA from a small 40,000 year old finger may lead to the discovery of another ancient human relative. Physical fingerprints and human DNA might not be the only unique clues at a crime scene once our own bacterial fingerprints are determined. (details).
March 26, 2010
- Da Vinci Surgical Robot | Electric Bacteria (Podcast)
- Find out how a robot is assisting surgeons with their work and improving outcomes for patients. Also, learn about electricity-producing, ocean-dwelling bacteria that could provide us with new battery solutions. Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute. (details).
March 19, 2010
- Illuminating Human Diversity and Light Bulb Technologies (Podcast)
- Learn about the incredible genetic diversity maintained in African people who are members of the oldest lineages of humans. Then, hear a comparison of established and new lighting technologies -- it could help you plan future reductions in your own energy consumption! (details).
March 12, 2010
- New Owl Research and Improved Magnetic Technology (Podcast)
- Guest researcher Angela Beltrani discusses her work with New England owls and a rare juvenile disease that she is studying. We will also hear about an improved type of magnetic imaging technology. (details).
March 05, 2010
- Making Movie Magic | Fighting Huntington's Disease (Podcast)
- Special effects Academy Award winner Dr. Doug Roble describes some of the work he has done on movies like The Day After Tomorrow and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Also, scientists have found a possible way to correct for the extra long gene that causes Huntington's disease. (details).
February 26, 2010
- New England Earthquakes | Exploring Arabia (Podcast)
- Hear Dr. John Ebel discuss his research into New England earthquakes at the Weston Observatory of Boston College. Also, Saudi Arabian filmmaker Hamzah Jamjoom talks about his experience with the new IMAX® movie Arabia. (details).
February 19, 2010
- The Color of Dinosaurs | Nanoburrs to Help Your Heart (Podcast)
- Fossil evidence has finally been found to paint a pretty picture of dinosaurs, literally. Also, nanotechnology may be used to help fight heart disease. (details).
February 12, 2010
- Purifying Pollutants | Running With Or Without Shoes? (Podcast)
- Is it possible to use glass to remove oil from water? Is it better to run with or without running shoes? Find out here, the answers may surprise you. (details).
February 05, 2010
- A Promising Pancreas and CO2 Storage (Podcast)
- Discover how an artificial pancreas may benefit Type I diabetes patients. Also, while many scientists are trying to reduce carbon emissions, learn how other groups are searching for places to store the carbon dioxide that will be emitted. (details).
January 29, 2010
- Spitting Cobras: Fast and Accurate (Podcast)
- Anatomist Bruce Young from the University of Massachusetts Lowell talks about his research with spitting cobras. Not only are they deadly, but they are incredibly fast and accurate with their venom. (details).
January 22, 2010
- Migratory Monarchs (Podcast)
- Hear Dr. Steven Reppert from the University of Massachusetts Medical School discuss his studies of monarch butterflies and learn surprising information about the biology of the insects and their annual migration. (details).
January 15, 2010
- Fuel On The Moon | Adaptive Bacteria (Podcast)
- Find out how we may be able to refuel our space rockets on the moon and learn how well bacterial disinfectants work. (details).
January 08, 2010
- Top 10 Science Stories of 2009 (Podcast)
- Hear Susan Heilman's picks for the year's best science news, including stories about space exploration, anthropology, health initiatives, and a giant snake! (details).
January 01, 2010
- Warm-Blooded VS Cold-Blooded | De-Ice VS Anti-Ice (Podcast)
- Hear new evidence in the debate about whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded versus cold-blooded. Also, learn an easier way of getting rid of ice- never have any in the first place. (details).
December 25, 2009
- Robots That Climb Or Act Human (Podcast)
- New technologies are constantly being developed to improve the function of robots. This week's episode focuses on two different types of robots: biologically inspired climbing robots and a pair of virtual humans. Both are on display at the Museum of Science, Boston in Cahner's ComputerPlace. (details).
December 18, 2009
- Canning BPA and Tracking Neurons (Podcast)
- BPA is not just in water bottles; it is also in many canned foods. Find out how the exposure limits for the intake of BPA are devised. Then learn about a new method for imaging a mouse's nerve cells as it grows new connections. (details).
December 11, 2009
- Obesity: You and Your Pet (Podcast)
- Dr. Lisa Freeman from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University discusses the burgeoning problem of pet obesity. She describes steps we can take to reduce the risk of obesity-related disease in our household friends. Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute ... (details).
December 04, 2009
- Why Should I Vaccinate? | Building A Better Hand (Podcast)
- Listen to Dr. Anita Loughlin from the Boston University Center for Vaccine Research as she answers vaccination questions and dispels vaccine myths. Also, learn how researchers are building a better prosthetic hand by connecting them to nerve cells. (details).
November 27, 2009
- Heart Health | Combination Scalpel (Podcast)
- Hear Dr. Aaron Baggish from Massachusetts General Hospital discuss his studies on the effect of exercise on athletes. Also, learn about a new way to excise tumors by connecting current technologies. (details).
November 20, 2009
- A New Relative And A Nano Nose (Podcast)
- Anthropologist Jeremy DeSilva from Boston University talks about Ardi, our 4.4 million year old ancestor. Also, a new device uses nanotechnology to detect harmful chemical toxins. (details).
November 13, 2009
- Studying the Sun and Spooky Spiders (Podcast)
- Solar physicist Dr. Gemma Attrill talks about the new mission to study the atmosphere of the sun. Also, Halloween time brings us some spooky information on a new giant spider species. (details).
November 06, 2009
- Helpful Bee Stings | Prehistoric Primates (Podcast)
- Although bee stings can be painful and possibly harmful, discover how the toxin may also be able to help kill cancer cells. Then, find out if ancient primates Ida and Afradapis are our cousins or our ancestors. (details).
October 30, 2009
- The Ocean and Ice Sheets | Flu Information (Podcast)
- Hear how guest researcher Dr. Fiamma Straneo studies the interaction between the ocean and Greenland's glaciers. Also, get the latest information about swine flu, seasonal flu, and vaccinations. (details).
October 23, 2009
- Water on the Moon? Oranges in Tires? (Podcast)
- Hear Boston University graduate student Tony Case talk about his part in the latest missions to the moon. Also, find out how orange oil can be used to make tires. (details).
October 16, 2009
- Archaeology Without Digging (Podcast)
- Geophysicist Dr. Meg Watters from Time Team America teaches us how to see beneath the soil without actually digging. (details).
October 09, 2009
- Measures of Melting | Green Batteries (Podcast)
- The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are constantly changing. In the first part of this podcast, find out how this happens and how scientists are measuring these changes. Then, learn about a type of algae that could significantly improve our current battery technology. (details).
October 02, 2009
- Space, The Final Frontier: Lunar Water and Black Holes (Podcast)
- On October 9, the LCROSS satellite will crash into the Moon in the search for lunar water. Our guest Andrew Chaikin gives a guided tour of the Moon. Also, astrophysicist Dan Evans talks about a galaxy-destroying black hole. (details).
September 25, 2009
- Blight and Blindness (Podcast)
- Tomato plants are dying all over New England. Find out why in this week's segment. Also, learn how gene therapy can be used to cure color blindness. (details).
September 18, 2009
- The Appendix and The Adhesive (Podcast)
- The appendix is an organ that has been around for millions of years - it has a function in other animals, but is it useful in humans? Find out more in this segment. Also, learn about a medical adhesive that mimics the natural glue produced by sandcastle worms. (details).
September 11, 2009
- Stem Cell Targeting | Genetics of Sleep (Podcast)
- Discover how scientists can use nanomagnets to direct stem cells to injured locations in the body. Then learn how genetics can play a role in how we sleep. (details).
September 04, 2009
- The Secret Life of Robotic Bees (Podcast)
- Spying, exploring, pollinating. These are just some of the many uses for robotic bees. Hear how a wide range of scientists and engineers at Harvard University are designing a mechanical form of this social insect. (details).
August 28, 2009
- The Benefits of Blueberries and the Bitterness of Broccoli (Podcast)
- Blueberries are a well-known healthy food, but blueberry leaves may now play a beneficial role in treating Hepatitis C. DNA sequencing of the Neanderthal genome suggests that our extinct cousins would have been able to taste the bitterness of broccoli in a way similar to humans. (details).
August 21, 2009
- Jellyfish Mix the Ocean | Monkeys Can Eat Less and Live Longer (Podcast)
- What do jellyfish have to do with climate change? Can primates (like monkeys and humans) live longer if they eat less? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this week's segment. (details).
August 14, 2009
- Skate Like a Snake | Cancer Vaccines (Podcast)
- Discover how scientists have been studying snake motion. Also, learn how testes proteins could provide an effective means of treating breast cancers. (details).
August 07, 2009
- Science of Sharing (Podcast)
- Learn about a research study conducted in the Museum of Science's Living Laboratory, by Harvard graduate students Peter Blake and David Rand, that teases out at what age children are willing to share. (details).
July 31, 2009
- Fighting Cancer with Salmonella | Tracking Wastewater with Sweeteners (Podcast)
- Find out how Salmonella cells may be able to fight cancer in a unique two wave attack. Also, learn how artificial sweeteners can be used to track the migration of wastewater after release into the environment. (details).
July 24, 2009
- Total Eclipse of the Sun (Podcast)
- On July 22, 2009 there will be a six minute interval where the moon will completely block out the Sun, creating a total solar eclipse. Scientists are flocking to the Eastern Hemisphere to study the Sun's corona during this impressive event. (details).
July 17, 2009
- Regenerating Salamander Limbs | Genetics of Schizophrenia (Podcast)
- Discover how scientists are using fluorescent salamanders to determine the mechanism of limb regeneration. Also, hear about massive new studies into the genetics of schizophrenia. (details).
July 10, 2009
- Wild Cancers and Robotic Ferrets (Podcast)
- This week we will learn how wild animals can develop cancer and what that means for conservation efforts. Then we will find out about a technology that could one day "ferret out" the contents of large shipping containers. (details).
July 03, 2009
- Water on the Moon? Dental Plasma? (Podcast)
- Learn how the recent unmanned mission to the moon will prepare us for humans' return to the lunar surface. Also, find out how plasma, the fourth state of matter, may be used to kill bacteria in a root canal. (details).
June 26, 2009
- 5D DVD | 17 Genes of TB (Podcast)
- Discover how you may one day be able to store all of your movies and all of your books (and all of the library's books) together on one disk. Also, learn what researchers have found out about how tuberculosis attacks our body. (details).
June 19, 2009
- Two Different Jungles: Ugandan and Epidermal (Podcast)
- This week will be exploring two different types of jungles. Hear Dr. Jeremy DeSilva describe how studying chimpanzees in a Ugandan jungle can tell us more about locomotion in human ancestors. Also, learn about our own epidermal jungle, including all the bacteria that live on our skin. (details).
June 12, 2009
- Little Green Monkeys and Little Green Men (Podcast)
- Sorry, but there is no science fiction in this week's episode, just real science. We will learn how and why scientists are making green, glowing marmosets. Also, we will find out if liquid water exists on Mars and what that means for the possibility of life on our planetary neighbor. (details).
June 05, 2009
- Primates and Plastics (Podcast)
- In this segment, find out what scientists have learned from the oldest complete primate fossil ever unearthed. Then hear how yet another type of plastic is raising questions about adverse human health effects. (details).
May 29, 2009
- Monitoring HIV and Regenerating Nerves (Podcast)
- Learn how a local Massachusetts company is helping treat HIV by devising a new piece of monitoring equipment. Also, hear how scientists can actually help nerve cells regenerate. (details).
May 22, 2009
- Forces That Change Us: Aging and Bacteria (Podcast)
- This week we will hear from two guest researchers from our Forces That Change Us series. Dr. Heidi Tissenbaum will describe her research into aging. Dr. David Schauer will discuss why the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori can cause peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, but not always! (details).
May 19, 2009
- Small Molecule Microarrays | Hippos and Hobbits (Podcast)
- Hear Dr. Angela Koehler from the Broad Institute describe her work with small molecule microarrays. Then find out about new research indicating why Homo floresiensis is called the human hobbit. (details).
May 15, 2009
- Green Pharmacy | Flying Animals (Podcast)
- What is Green Pharmacy and how can we implement it? Do a moth, a bat, and a bird all fly the same way? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this week's podcast. (details).
May 12, 2009
- Spring Is In The Air | DNA Alphabet (Podcast)
- Learn about current floral research at Walden Pond aided by the historical naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Also, hear about two more letters added to the four letter DNA alphabet. (details).
May 08, 2009
- Clearing Corneas | Fixing the Ozone Layer (Podcast)
- Learn how scientists can use human stem cells to clear damaged corneas in mice. Also, find out if the ozone layer has improved since CFCs were banned over 20 years ago. (details).
May 01, 2009
- Robot Scientist | Nano Muscles (Podcast)
- In this week's segment we will learn about experiments that are being performed by a robot scientist. We will also find out about new and improved artificial muscles. (details).
April 24, 2009
- Life From Meteorites? | Bacteria That Love Metal (Podcast)
- Find out how meteorites may have helped life develop on Earth. Also, learn how bacteria may one day reduce our nuclear waste. (details).
April 17, 2009
- Satellites and Space Debris | Infection-Induced Anemia (Podcast)
- Dr. David Wright from the Union of Concerned Scientists talks about space debris and its repercussions. We will also learn how and why infections can cause anemia. (details).
April 10, 2009
- The Very Small and the Very Old (Podcast)
- The small world of nanotechnology is making a big splash this summer with water repellent swimsuits. Also, our human ancestor Peking Man finds out he is much older than we thought. (details).
April 03, 2009
- Technology Old and New: Silk Production and Paper Diagnostics (Podcast)
- Hear how China may not have held the ancient patent on silk production technology. Also, discover future ways that paper technology can help diagnose patients, even outside of medical facilities. (details).
March 27, 2009
- Why Go Gray? | Not So Rose Wine (Podcast)
- Hear about new research detailing how hair cells turn gray. Then find out why red wine is not always beneficial to your health. (details).
March 20, 2009
- Talking About Taste (Podcast)
- In this week's episode, Dr. Dennis Drayna from the National Institutes of Health describes how our five senses of taste have played a role in improving human survival and fitness. (details).
March 13, 2009
- Coffee and Sunbathing? | Urine Test for Prostate Cancer (Podcast)
- Learn how caffeine might be useful in preventing skin cancer. Also, find out about a new urine test that might be better than a blood test in prostate cancer detection. (details).
March 06, 2009
- Sunshine and MS | The Beauty and Science of Volcanic Lightning (Podcast)
- Find out what the relationship is between sunshine and the risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). Also, hear about a way to study and learn from the beautiful phenomenon of volcanic lightning. (details).
February 27, 2009
- Water: To Drink and To Store (Podcast)
- This week's episode focuses on the importance of water. We will hear new research on how to filter and purify drinking water. We will also learn how phytoplankton in our oceans can remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (details).
February 20, 2009
- Two Sides of the Same Nanoparticle | Tasmanian Tiger Genome (Podcast)
- This week we will discuss potential health benefits and environmental concerns of nanoparticles. We will also find out about the implications of studying the genetics of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger. (details).
February 13, 2009
- Cleaning Coal and Removing Lead (Podcast)
- Guest researcher Ashleigh Hildebrand talks about her work on implementing carbon capture systems at coal-fired power plants. Also, a new technique using nanoparticles may be able to remove lead from human blood. (details).
February 06, 2009
- NASA Sees Cataract Proteins | The Chances of Warm Climate (Podcast)
- This week we will learn how NASA technology can help determine if someone will develop cataracts. Also, find out what the odds are that global warming is a phenomenon happening by chance. (details).
January 30, 2009
- Exploring Mars (Podcast)
- Dr. Steve Squyres, principal investigator for the mission behind the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, talks about the journey of this Mars project. This comes at the 5 year anniversary of the Mars rover mission that was only scheduled to last 90 days. (details).
January 23, 2009
- Sleep, Light and Space | 2008 Science Breakthrough (Podcast)
- Hear Dr. Laura Barger from Harvard Medical School describe how light affects our sleep habits. Also, learn about new advances in cellular reprogramming, Science magazine's breakthrough of the year. (details).
January 16, 2009
- Top 10 of 2008: Bones, Mammoths, and Mars, Oh My! (Podcast)
- The museum's Susan Heilman discusses her list of the top 10 science stories of 2008. See what stories were most important and interesting, including the scientific side of the election and the Olympics. (details).
January 09, 2009
- New Electric Trucks in Maui (Podcast)
- Electric vehicles are becoming more and more prominent, however the long recharging time is often a drawback. Today we will learn how the new lithium titanate battery in the Phoenix Motorcar can be recharged in less than ten minutes. (details).
January 02, 2009
- Technology Talk: Breast Imaging (Podcast)
- This holiday segment features Dr. Elaine Iuanow from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who describes different medical technologies that are currently and potentially useful for detecting breast cancers. (details).
December 26, 2008
- Flying Car | CO2 In Our Oceans (Podcast)
- This week we will learn about how a flying car may become a reality with the Transition. Also, we will find out how CO2 is affecting not just our air but our oceans and the organisms that live in them. (details).
December 19, 2008
- Treating Obesity | Importance of Molybdenum (Podcast)
- Our guest Dr. Sasha Stiles from the Tufts Obesity Clinic discusses the background of and some treatments for obesity. Also, we will hear about the role that molybdenum plays in nitrogen fixation, and the effect it can have on climate change. (details).
December 12, 2008
- Brains, Birth, and Bipedalism (Podcast)
- Guest Dr. Jeremy DeSilva from Worcester State College talks about an exciting new fossil discovery. A female Homo erectus pelvis found in Ethiopia answers questions about the biology of birth in our ancestors 1.2 million years ago. (details).
December 05, 2008
- Shaping Our Heart | Future of Speakers (Podcast)
- Guest Dr. Aaron Baggish from Massachusetts General Hospital will tell us how exercise can help reshape our body's most important muscle . . . our heart. We will also learn about new nanotechnology that may be used to create new (and better) audio speakers. (details).
November 28, 2008
- Potential for Pencils and Electric Eels (Podcast)
- This week we will discover a new way to peel the layers away from a pencil on the nanoscale and then use the remaining graphene sheets for many varied applications. We will also learn how an electric eel generates electricity and about some interesting applications for that knowledge. (details).
November 21, 2008
- Journey Towards the Center of the Earth | Breathing in Boston (Podcast)
- Extreme life has been found all over the planet, but researchers have recently discovered a very unique form of extreme life deep inside the earth. Also, guest researcher Dr. Doug Brugge talks about his studies of asthma in various Boston populations. Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute ... (details).
November 14, 2008
- An Atomic Pen | The Color Purple (Podcast)
- This week we will learn how to write letters on the atomic scale. We will also find out how to make a purple tomato and what benefits that has for us. (details).
November 07, 2008
- Two Ways to Study Disease: GFP and Epigenetics (Podcast)
- Today we will hear about two different ways to study disease. The first is using GFP, for which the discovery and use of won the 2008 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Then we will learn about how epigenetics, the study of gene expression, is used in cancer research. (details).
October 31, 2008
- Of Parasites and Paralysis (Podcast)
- In this segment we will hear about newly sequenced malarial parasite genomes and find out how controlling even one cell can provide motion to once-paralyzed muscles. (details).
October 24, 2008
- Elevator to Space | Photographing Lightning (Podcast)
- This week we will be looking to the sky. First, we will hear about new efforts to build a space elevator. Then we will learn about how existing high-speed photography helps us discover new information about lightning. (details).
October 17, 2008
- Diabetes and Gut Bacteria | Red Fish, Blue Fish (Podcast)
- Today we will hear about the newly discovered relationship between our intestinal bacteria and type I diabetes. We will also learn about the way fish are evolving in Lake Victoria. (details).
October 10, 2008
- Inventing the Movies (Podcast)
- Movies are not just an art form but a platform for scientific invention and innovation. Journalist Scott Kirsner discusses the history of movies and the scientific advances that have made them what they are today. (details).
October 03, 2008
- Using Geology and Archaeology Together (Podcast)
- Geologist Dr. Allen Gontz talks about how he uses geology together with archaeology to uncover parts of Boston's history. He describes two of his projects: one on Rainsford Island in Boston Harbor, and the other at the Blake House in Dorchester. (details).
September 26, 2008
- Who Dunnit? (Podcast)
- Fingerprints are an important part of solving crimes and catching criminals. Today we will learn about two new techniques that will help to detect some difficult to see fingerprints. (details).
September 19, 2008
- Model Organisms: Fire Ants and Baker's Yeast (Podcast)
- This segment will focus on model organisms in biology. We will learn how genetics can influence colonies of fire ants and hear how baker's yeast may one day be a source of pharmaceuticals. (details).
September 12, 2008
- Part of the Group (Podcast)
- Researcher Andrew Baron describes a study that focuses on children's perceptions of their "own" group. Hear what influences their preferences and how young they can occur. (details).
September 05, 2008
- The MBTA Hack | It's Alive!? (Podcast)
- On this episode we will learn about some of the technology behind the MBTA Charlie Card hack. Also, new evidence once again questions whether or not viruses may actually be alive. (details).
August 29, 2008
- China's Smog Experiment | Bending Light . . . Backwards (Podcast)
- This week we will learn more about two popular news stories. First, China's emission reductions during the Olympic Games has afforded the perfect opportunity to study atmospheric smog. Also, new materials to bend visible light backwards could lead to some interesting new inventions. (details).
August 22, 2008
- I'm Sorry | Storing Solar Energy (Podcast)
- Guest researcher Craig Smith talks about his project studying apology, and the accompanying emotions, in children. Also, we will hear about a new way of storing solar energy- by using a more efficient method to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. (details).
August 15, 2008
- Recognizing Faces | New Step To HIV Vaccine (Podcast)
- Dr. Meg Moulson describes her experiment studying how children are able to recognize faces. Also, we will hear about the latest research on the HIV envelope protein, which could lead to a vaccine. (details).
August 08, 2008
- Infant Facial Recognition | Fish Communication (Podcast)
- In this week's episode we will learn about two very different studies concerning the brain. First we will hear about a study of facial recognition in babies. Then we will discuss the evolutionary significance of fish vocalization. (details).
July 31, 2008
- Stopping Cancer with Nanoparticles | Antibacterial Honey (Podcast)
- This week we will hear about two potential new ways to fight disease. First, nanoparticles may be used with traditional chemotherapeutics to selectively target and kill cancer cells. Also, honey is not just for eating but may be used to kill many types of bacteria. (details).
July 25, 2008
- Live from Greenland! (Podcast)
- Live via satellite phone from the Greenland ice sheet, we will hear from glaciologist Sarah Das of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She will talk about life on the ice and her current research involving melt water lakes and their impact on the ice sheet. (details).
July 18, 2008
- Mercury Cleanup | Poisonous Bismuth (Podcast)
- This week's episode is very elemental. We will hear about a new way to clean up mercury. We will also learn about how our own bodies may be making poisonous bismuth compounds. (details).
July 11, 2008
- Green Communities Act | Better Cassava (Podcast)
- Hear details about the landmark piece of "green" legislation recently signed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Also, learn what scientists have done to make the cassava root into a better meal. (details).
July 04, 2008
- Fighting the MRSA Superbug | New Mosquito Repellents (Podcast)
- Hear how scientists are treating the MRSA superbug with bacteriophage, a naturally occurring virus that has evolved to specifically kill bacteria. Researchers have also found several chemicals with potential for use as mosquito repellents. (details).
June 13, 2008
- Human-Robot Interaction | The Unique Platypus (Podcast)
- Guest researcher Mikey Siegel describes personal robots and tells us about his interest in the human-robot interaction. We'll also hear about the uniqueness of the platypus- part mammal, part bird, part reptile. (details).
June 06, 2008
- From Astronaut to Artist (Podcast)
- Captain Alan Bean was the lunar module pilot for Apollo 12 and the fourth man to walk on the moon. He describes how his experiences as an astronaut inspire him as an artist. (details).
May 30, 2008
- Human Monkeypox | Extreme Skydiving (Podcast)
- This week, infectious disease expert, Dr. Kate Rubins, discusses her work on human monkeypox. Also, learn about an astounding skydiving attempt by Frenchman Michel Fournier. (details).
May 23, 2008
- The Past, Present, and Future of Nuclear Energy (Podcast)
- For Earth Month, we have nuclear scientist Dr. Andrew Kadak talking about one of the most widely used forms of alternative energy: nuclear power. He will discuss the benefits and risks involved and where the future of nuclear power is going. (details).
April 18, 2008
- Multi-drug Resistant Fungus | Climate Change Models (Podcast)
- This week, we'll learn about multi-drug resistance in fungi. Also, in honor of Earth Day on April 22, we'll discuss how well computer models of climate change actually work. (details).
April 11, 2008
- Gecko-Inspired Surgical Tape | Antarctic Sea Monsters (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn about gecko-inspired surgical tape and giant antarctic sea creatures. (details).
April 04, 2008
- GPS for Stem Cells | Poisonous Newts (Podcast)
- This week, we'll talk to a scientist who is able to "steer" stem cells to alleviate osteoporosis. We'll also hear how some snakes are able to eat very poisonous newts. (details).
March 28, 2008
- World Water Week | Self-cleaning Clothing (Podcast)
- This week, we'll hear about World Water Week and the International Sanitation Year. We'll also hear about how nanotechnology is being used to create clothing that can clean itself. (details).
March 21, 2008
- Nanotech "Future Phone" | Stem Cells Cure Diabetes in Mice (Podcast)
- This week, we'll talk about art as an inspiration for nanotechnology, and learn how scientists are using stem cells to cure diabetes in mice. (details).
March 07, 2008
- Complex Carbon Footprints | Preservatives for Radiation Protection (Podcast)
- This week, we'll take a big-picture look at the concept of a carbon footprint, and we'll learn how an ingredient in potato chips could save you from an atomic bomb. (details).
February 29, 2008
- The Next Mars Rover | Testing Probiotics (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll take another trip to the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting to learn about the next Mars rover, and we'll learn about putting an antibiotic antidote to the test. (details).
February 22, 2008
- DNA-Powered Dating Service | Implanting Artificial Eyes (Podcast)
- This week, we'll celebrate Valentine's Day with a look a a new dating service that matches users based on their DNA, and I'll go on location to hear about a new implantable artificial retina. (details).
February 15, 2008
- Programming Robots With Blocks | The Secret Behind Blue Eyes (Podcast)
- This week we'll talk to a scientist who programs robots using wooden blocks and learn about the complex genetics behind blue eyes. (details).
February 08, 2008
- Storing Hydrogen in Nanotubes | Talking to a Computer for Better Health (Podcast)
- Today we'll learn about using carbon nanotubes to store hydrogen in a car's gas tank, and hear from a scientist who is designing computer helpers you can talk to. (details).
January 25, 2008
- Carbon Dioxide Could Be Deadly | Seeking Synthetic Spider Silk (Podcast)
- Today we'll hear about a new study that may cause a re-think at the Environmental Protection Agency. We'll also talk about the path to a pair of spider silk socks. (details).
January 18, 2008
- Improving Biodegradable Plastics | New Clues About the Cause of Autism (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn how nanotechnologists are improving biodegradable plastics. We'll also hear about new research into the link between autism and a chemical called thimerosal. (details).
January 11, 2008
- Electricity and Hydrogen from Bacteria (Podcast)
- We'll kick off 2008 by talking to a researcher who hopes to one day produce hydrogen and electricity from wastewater. (details).
January 05, 2008
- Top Ten Science Stories of 2007 (Podcast)
- Susan Heilman and Tim Miller, education associates at the Museum, share their personal top ten science stories of 2007. (details).
December 28, 2007
- Stem Cell Therapy for Sickle-Cell Anemia | Maggot Therapy Goes Mainstream (Podcast)
- Today, we'll talk about using stem cells to cure sickle-cell anemia, and using maggots to clear up infection. (details).
December 14, 2007
- Poking Cells to Detect Cancer (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn about a new way to detect the spread of cancer based on the squishiness of cancer cells. (details).
December 07, 2007
- Advances in Epilepsy Research (Podcast)
- This week, we'll talk to an epilepsy researcher about the latest advances in that disease. (details).
December 01, 2007
- Silicon Chip Recovery |The Great American Smokeout (Podcast)
- Discover how IBM is saving valuable silicon chips that were once thrown out, saving money in the process. We'll also hear from Dr. Howard Koh, associate dean at the Harvard School of Public Health, about the Great American Smokeout held on November 15. (details).
November 16, 2007
- On the Path to a Pill for Diabetes (Podcast)
- This week, we'll talk to a researcher who is looking at the inner workings of the cells that produce insulin in our bodies -- the same cells that cause diabetes if they aren't working properly. (details).
November 09, 2007
- Stem Cells and Lung Cancer | Better Solar Panels Through the Study of Bugs (Podcast)
- This week we'll talk to a scientist who is examining the role of stem cells in lung cancer, and we'll hear about how researchers are taking a cue from insects to keep solar panels clean. (details).
November 02, 2007
- Screening for Cancer with DNA | Nanotechnology and the Nobel Prize (Podcast)
- On this week's episode, we'll hear about an advance in cervical cancer screening and about how this year's Nobel Prize for physics influenced the device you're using to read this. (details).
October 27, 2007
- Record-Breaking Astronaut | Treating Cancer with RADAR (Podcast)
- We're back after a week away with two big guests. First up is record-breaking astronaut Sunita Williams, and then MIT researcher Alan Fenn, who is using RADAR to treat breast Cancer. (details).
October 19, 2007
- Local Conversations About the Environment | AltWheels Festival (Podcast)
- The last nine years have made the list of the 25 hottest on record, and arctic sea ice is at a record low. To address what can be done about climate change, we're taking a look at two different events that happened in the past week. (details).
October 05, 2007
- Genographic Project | Velociraptor or Turkey? (Podcast)
- This week, we'll talk to a researcher who is taking DNA samples from over 100,000 people to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We'll also learn some surprising news about the infamous velociraptor. (details).
September 28, 2007
- A New Stem-Cell Treatment for Heart Disease (Podcast)
- Today we'll hear about a promising treatment for heart disease using stem cells. (details).
September 21, 2007
- Nano-Magnetic Sponges for Art Restoration (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll hear how nano-magnetic sponges are being used to clean precious artwork. (details).
September 14, 2007
- Eating With an Extra Set of Jaws | Congress Boosts Science Research (Podcast)
- Today we'll hear about how moray eels eat with two sets of jaws, and learn about a law that will change the face of science over the next five years. (details).
September 07, 2007
- A Nano-Sized Solution for Getting Rid of Salt | Exploring an Underwater Unknown (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn how nanoparticles could lead to inexpensive and safe fresh water supplies, and we'll hear about an expedition to an unexplored spot right here on Earth. (details).
September 01, 2007
- New Anthrax Vaccine | More Primate Confusion (Podcast)
- This week, we'll look at what it takes to engineer a new vaccine for anthrax, and we'll hear about new confusion in the study of ancient primates. (details).
August 24, 2007
- Cancer-Killing Viruses | Bones and Blood Sugar (Podcast)
- Today we'll talk to a researcher who is using viruses to fight cancer, and hear about a surprising role your skeleton plays in diabetes. (details).
August 17, 2007
- Fossils Force Human Evolution Re-think | California Gets Tough on Carbon (Podcast)
- On this week's show, we'll hear about the discovery of two fossils that are causing a bit of a shakeup in human evolution circles, and we'll talk about a push for a big reduction in CO2 emissions being proposed by the state of California. (details).
August 10, 2007
- Eavesdropping on Dolphins | Treating Lung Cancer With Talc (Podcast)
- This week, we'll talk to a scientist who swims around eavesdropping on dolphin communications, and look at a surprising idea to treat lung cancer using talcum powder. (details).
July 28, 2007
- A Pill to Prevent Cholera | Studying Biodiversity (Podcast)
- Today we'll look at promising research into a new type of vaccine that could give us a pill to prevent cholera - and maybe a number of other diseases. We'll also look at the concept of biodiversity: how important is it to have a variety of species in an ecosystem? (details).
July 20, 2007
- 100th Episode: The Next Mission to Mars (Podcast)
- We're celebrating our 100th weekly episode this week with a special guest: a scientist in charge of a major piece of NASA's next mission to Mars. (details).
July 13, 2007
- DNA-Filled JELLO as a Cancer Therapy (Podcast)
- This week we'll talk to a researcher who's developing a novel cancer treatment that uses DNA encased in gelatin. (details).
July 06, 2007
- Silicon Slips Into Biology | Listening to Your Genes (Podcast)
- Today we'll talk to two scientists who are taking a bit of a different look at biology: one is using silicon to make molecules that are impossible in nature, and the other is using music to better understand DNA. (details).
June 22, 2007
- Studying Chimpanzees (Podcast)
- This week, we're devoting the whole show to an interview with chimpanzee researcher Jerry De Silva. (details).
June 15, 2007
- Using the Fight Against Spam to Digitize Books | Missing Bees Mystery (Podcast)
- This week, we'll hear about how one of those little annoyances of life on the Internet has been modified to digitize libraries while also fighting spam. We'll also look into the mystery of America's missing bees. (details).
June 01, 2007
- Antibiotics and Asthma | Help From Our Bacterial Friends (Podcast)
- This episode is all about the 90% of you that isn't really you: the 100 trillion bacteria that live inside your body. (details).
May 25, 2007
- A MUSE Award Retrospective (Podcast)
- I was away this week to accept an award for the podcast, so we're running a little retrospective of some of the cool segments we've done this year. (details).
May 19, 2007
- Millions for Stem Cell Research | Your Bacteria-Fighting Skin (Podcast)
- This week, we'll examine a new proposal to spend $1 billion on stem cell research and other biotechnologies, and learn about a study that shows that your skin is doing a lot more for you than you thought. (details).
May 11, 2007
- MIT Examines the Planet | Taking the Earth's Temperature (Podcast)
- Today we'll take a look at an MIT effort to examine the components of Earth from the very smallest to the very largest, and at research that used earthquakes to take the Earth's temperature. (details).
May 04, 2007
- Polar Update | A Trans Fat Primer (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll get a North Pole update and take a look at the science behind trans fat. (details).
April 27, 2007
- Unwelcome Giants in Australia (Podcast)
- Today we'll meet a monstrous specimen of an invasive species in Australia. (details).
April 20, 2007
- The Power of Sound | Smoking and Your Heart (Podcast)
- This week we'll look at a new way to generate electricity using sounds, and hear about a study that reveals some specific ways smoking is bad for your heart. (details).
April 14, 2007
- Engineering Body Parts | Understanding Potato Blight (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll talk to a researcher whose work on a 150-year-old potato disease is helping to keep our food safe today. We'll also speak to a scientist who designs scaffolding that's used to build body parts. (details).
April 06, 2007
- Using the "E word" | Talking Gloves for the Deaf (Podcast)
- Today we've got a look at how use of the word "evolution" in science impacts the way the general public thinks about the concept of evolving organisms. We'll also talk to an engineer who has developed a glove that can convert sign language into speech. (details).
March 31, 2007
- Faster Bacterial Detection | Viagra for Your Heart (Podcast)
- This week, we'll learn about using nanoparticles to speed up bacterial detection, and at a study that gave Viagra to rabbits to help treat heart attacks. (details).
March 24, 2007
- Amazing "Birdbrains" | Waterbirds and Wetlands (Podcast)
- We'll focus on birds today with a reason why calling someone a "birdbrain" may not be such an insult, and by looking at bird population numbers and what they can tell us about the environment. (details).
March 16, 2007
- Pollution-Fueled Storms | Hydrogen Fuel From the Sun (Podcast)
- Today we'll hear about a study showing that pollution from Asia is changing the weather as far away as Alaska, as well as a new way to make hydrogen for fuel using only water and sunlight. (details).
March 09, 2007
- Going Solar at the Department of Energy | Regulating Nano in Our Backyard (Podcast)
- Today we'll examine a step toward solar power being taken by the US government, as well as questions of "nano" safety right in the Boston area. (details).
February 23, 2007
- Deep Sea Rumblings | Understanding Migration Through Bacteria (Podcast)
- We've got underwater sound recordings for you this week, along with news about human migration gleaned from the study of stomach bacteria. (details).
February 16, 2007
- Fighting Fever in South America | Measuring Microbial Motion (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn about a breakthrough in the fight against hemorrhagic fevers, and talk to a scientist who studies the travels of the oceans' smallest residents. (details).
February 09, 2007
- Molecular Condoms to Stop the Spread of HIV (Podcast)
- Today we'll hear about a new way to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS. (details).
February 02, 2007
- Microwave Disinfecting | Stretchy and Strong With Help From Spiders (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn how to clean the kitchen with help from the microwave, and about how spider-webs are teaching us to make futuristic materials. (details).
January 26, 2007
- Understanding the 1918 Flu | Corn or Cardboard in Our Gas Tanks? (Podcast)
- Today we'll get the latest on a 90-year-old flu, and examine whether corn should be going into our gas tanks. (details).
January 19, 2007
- Looking Back at 2006 (Podcast)
- As 2006 winds down, we thought it would be fun to look back at a few of our favorite segments from the last year, and ask you to tell us yours. (details).
December 29, 2006
- Nanotech Toolkits for Cancer | Plugging in Your Car (Podcast)
- On this episode, we'll learn about a nano Swiss army knife of sorts for brain cancer. We will also get some good news for the future of cars that plug into the wall. (details).
December 15, 2006
- Diagnosis-On-a-Chip and Flowing Water on Mars (Podcast)
- We've got two pretty exciting stories this week: a device the size of a stick of gum that has the potential to diagnose any infectious disease, and a phone interview with a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab about new evidence for flowing water on Mars. (details).
December 08, 2006
- Regulating "Nano" and Unlocking the Secrets of Red Wine (Podcast)
- Today we'll look at the first environmental regulations on consumer nanotechnology, and we'll hear about a new understanding of the benefits of dry red wines. (details).
December 01, 2006
- Death by Jet Lag (Podcast)
- We've got a travel-related show this week, with a look at jet lag and its potentially dangerous results. (details).
November 24, 2006
- Help From Chocolate Cheaters and Gas on the Moon (Podcast)
- Adam is back from vacation with a story of a few study participants whose weakness for chocolate gave the scientists an unexpected surprise. We'll also look at an unusual feature on the Moon that may be caused by escaping gas. (details).
November 18, 2006
- Bad News for Nits and Targeted Tiny Test Tubes (Podcast)
- Discover how problems with lice research in Utah and problems with lice at home added up to a new way to dislodge these pests that torment over 9 million children in the United States every year. Also, hear how a group of scientists at the University of Florida is putting corks in tiny test tubes that ... (details).
November 10, 2006
- Breaking the Knock Barrier with Ethanol (Podcast)
- One of the primary factors limiting the power output of internal combustion engines is pre-ignition. Called "knock," pre-ignition happens when the fuel and air mixture ignites before the ideal time for power output due to heat created in the course of compression. A group of scientists at the Massachusetts ... (details).
November 03, 2006
- The Brain's Role in Feeling Full and Shaking Breasts to Detect Cancer (Podcast)
- This week, we'll look at how your brain might be having a similar reaction to food that it would have to addictive drugs, and we'll hear about how vibrations could be used to detect breast cancer. (details).
October 27, 2006
- Toxic Injections to Prevent Scars and the Sound of Cancer (Podcast)
- We've got a biology show for you this week, with a reason why you might want to be given a deadly toxin after a car accident. We'll also hear all about why doctors may one day be listening for skin cancer as well as looking for it. (details).
October 20, 2006
