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Explore this digital exhibit about renewable energy sources and their uses

Explore the Museum’s history and its present with this app.

Visit Our Comprehensive Media Library

The Museum of Science has long been a leader in producing digital exhibits, videos, and audio presentations that align with our mission: to help transform the nation's relationship with science and technology. With this national reach in mind, we've made it easy for you to engage with the Museum wherever you are.

Learn about the Museum and its mission

Digital Exhibits

Visit the "QSTORM" digital exhibit

QSTORM

Follow the progress of our interdisciplinary research team as we attempt to use quantum dots and STORM microscopy to make movies inside living cells

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Visit the "Interfaces" digital exhibit

Interfaces

Explore the field of artificial intelligence in the form of Ada and Grace — virtual human twins who can talk to Museum visitors and respond to questions

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Visit the "Firefly Watch" digital exhibit

Firefly Watch

Help us learn about the geographic distribution of fireflies and their activity during the summer season by participating in this Citizen Science Project

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Visit the "Nanomedicine Explorer" digital exhibit

Nanomedicine Explorer

See how researchers are finding ways to use nanotechnology to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment. Videos, animation, games, and more.

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Visit the "Ancient Egypt" digital exhibit

Ancient Egypt

Uncover many of the mysteries of ancient Egypt as you learn about excavation, mummification, and more

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Visit the "Oceans Alive!" digital exhibit

Oceans Alive!

"The water planet" comes to life in this in-depth investigation of seven-tenths of the Earth's surface

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Visit the "Leonardo" digital exhibit

Leonardo

Discover the genius behind the world's most important Renaissance scientist, inventor, and artist — Leonardo da Vinci

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Visit the "Scanning Electron Microscope" digital exhibit

Scanning Electron Microscope

Get an up-close view of everyday objects like Velcro® or a dentist drill. See lichen magnified 1,000 times or examine various perspectives of the same mosquito.

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Play the "Merging Mind and Machine" audio

Merging Mind and Machine

Publication Date

February 2013
Dr. Jennifer Collinger, a biomedical engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, describes her research on brain-computer interfaces. One particular study looks at a paralyzed individual who can control a robotic arm through an electrode connected to her brain.
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Play the "A Tiny Way to Treat the Brain" audio

A Tiny Way to Treat the Brain

Publication Date

January 2013
The blood-brain barrier protects the brain, yet it also makes it difficult to treat in the event of disease. Learn how a nano-sized particle called a dendrimer may provide a pathway into the brain.
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Play the "Top 10 Science Stories of 2012" audio

Top 10 Science Stories of 2012

Publication Date

January 2013
From the discovery of the Higgs Boson to an exciting new Mars mission, the Current Science and Technology team has been keeping up with innovative research and late-breaking scientific news all year. In an annual tradition, the team will highlight their picks for the 10 most interesting and important science stories of 2012. Discover which stories made the cut, and which one sits atop them all as our number one science story of the year!
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Play the "Targeted Nanomedicine Cancer Treatment" audio

Targeted Nanomedicine Cancer Treatment

Publication Date

December 2012
Learn about a new nanomedicine particle that has the ability to target cancer cells, evade the immune system, and slowly release a chemotherapeutic.
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Play the "Meningitis Crisis" audio

Meningitis Crisis

Publication Date

December 2012
Local neurologist Dr. Don Marks talks about the recent meningitis outbreak, a story of great success and great failure. He describes the quick diagnosis of this rare disease and some of the reasons why this tragedy happened in the first place.
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Play the "Earth-Sized Planet Discovered!" audio

Earth-Sized Planet Discovered!

Publication Date

November 2012
What do scientists look for while searching for an earth-like planet? Similar mass and volume, similar star to orbit around, suitable orbit to have liquid water? Scientists recently announced a planet in the nearby Alpha Centauri star system with the first two of these three criteria.
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Play the "My Other Body is a Robot" audio

My Other Body is a Robot

Publication Date

November 2012
Graduate student Kate Tsui from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, describes some of the benefits of telepresence robots. She also discusses her research into improving these remote devices.
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Play the "Science on the International Space Station" audio

Science on the International Space Station

Publication Date

October 2012
NASA scientist Dr. Liz Warren talks about the amazing engineering feat of the International Space Station. Also, learn about just a few of the many varied science experiments being conducted there right now, and how you can get involved.
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Play the "Gut Bacteria and Our Immune System" audio

Gut Bacteria and Our Immune System

Publication Date

October 2012
Dr. Esi Lamouse, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Boston Children's Hospital, outlines the link between our gut bacteria and the development of our immune system. Understanding this connection may lead to treatments for a variety of immune-related diseases like allergies, asthma, and diabetes.
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Play the "Nanocanary: Sensing Small Things With Small Things" audio

Nanocanary: Sensing Small Things With Small Things

Publication Date

October 2012
Physicist Dr. Joel Therrien from the Nanomanufacturing Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, describes his research into creating a "nano-canary." This sensing system can detect tiny cellular changes caused by various toxins or diseases.
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Play the "Curious About Mars!" audio

Curious About Mars!

Publication Date

September 2012
The Mars Science Laboratory Mission rover, named Curiosity, has begun its two year mission on our closest planetary neighbor. Curiosity's primary mission is to determine the past habitability of Mars by looking for evidence of liquid water and other building blocks of life.
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Play the "The Hunt for the Higgs Boson" audio

The Hunt for the Higgs Boson

Publication Date

September 2012

Nathaniel Reden, a theoretical physicist at Brandeis University, explains the basics of particle physics and the discovery of the Higgs boson with experiments that smashed particles with the highest energies yet achieved. Find out why this discovery excites so many, and how it fits into our current understanding of the universe.

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Play the "QSTORM: Looking Inside Nerve Cells" audio

QSTORM: Looking Inside Nerve Cells

Publication Date

August 2012

Our nerve cells contain thread-like molecular-scale transport systems that ferry essential materials from cell bodies to the tips of their axons and back. Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's seem to be associated with traffic jams on these sub-cellular highways. Hear how Carnegie Mellon researcher Ge Yang and the QSTORM biological imaging team are working to achieve super-resolution views of traffic flow beyond the traditional limits of microscopy.

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Play the "HPV Vaccine is Working" audio

HPV Vaccine is Working

Publication Date

July 2012

A new study shows that the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women receiving the HPV vaccine Gardasil has significantly decreased. There is also a decrease amongst women who have not had the vaccine, because of their protection through herd immunity.

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Play the "MIT's Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2012" audio

MIT's Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2012

Publication Date

July 2012

Brian Bergstein, deputy editor of MIT's Technology Review, discusses a few of the top 10 emerging technologies of 2012. From Facebook to DNA sequencing to solar panels, these technologies cover a wide range of fields and have a variety of societal impacts.

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Play the "Is That Fair?" audio

Is That Fair?

Publication Date

June 2012

Dr. Peter Blake from Boston University, is studying fairness and equality in children. Using game theory with candy and stickers, he observes children's behavior in a variety of "fair" and "unfair" situations.

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Play the "Breathalyzer for Disease" audio

Breathalyzer for Disease

Publication Date

June 2012

Researchers are developing ways to detect diseases using a breathalyzer. Many disorders- diabetes, cancer, kidney failure- cause the release of certain chemicals into the blood stream. These molecules eventually make their way into our exhaled breath, where very sensitive, specially designed nanotechnologies can detect them for disease diagnosis.

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Play the "Large Feathered Dinosaurs" audio

Large Feathered Dinosaurs

Publication Date

May 2012

Even though dinosaurs and birds are closely related, a large feathered carnivore is hard to imagine. Until now. Researchers in China have found a new species called Yutyrannis huali, which is 27 feet long and covered in long, filamentous feathers.

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Play the "Connecting Astronomy and Medicine" audio

Connecting Astronomy and Medicine

Publication Date

May 2012

Graduate student Michelle Borkin from Harvard University describes her work connecting astronomy with medicine. Hear how 3 dimensional imaging bridges the gap between these two seemingly disparate sciences.

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Play the "New Numbers For Autism" audio

New Numbers For Autism

Publication Date

May 2012

The CDC recently released new information describing the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in certain areas of the United States. Find out what these numbers mean and why they are increasing.

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Play the "Messenger Mission Studies Mysterious Mercury" audio

Messenger Mission Studies Mysterious Mercury

Publication Date

May 2012

Dr. Steven Hauck, a planetary geologist at Case Western Reserve University, discusses some of the recent data collected by the Messenger mission as it orbits around Mercury.

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Play the "NanoDays 2012: Nano Policy Possibilities" audio

NanoDays 2012: Nano Policy Possibilities

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Christopher Bosso, a political scientist from the School of Public Policy at Northeastern University, explores some of the future policy questions that may arise from the use of nanotechnology.

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Play the "NanoDays 2012: A Nano Toolbox" audio

NanoDays 2012: A Nano Toolbox

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Nicola Ferralis, from the Materials Science and Engineering Department at MIT, discusses the usefulness of nanomaterials in general and about his specific research using carbon nanotubes in energy and heat storage.

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Play the "Detecting and Tracking Asteroids" audio

Detecting and Tracking Asteroids

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Tim Spahr, the director of the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, talks about detecting and tracking asteroids and other near earth objects, including a few recent misses.

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Play the "Cassini Mission of Saturn" audio

Cassini Mission of Saturn

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Linda Spilker from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory talks about NASA's Cassini satellite mission studying the planet Saturn. The project is now in its second extension and has made amazing discoveries about the planet, its rings, and its moons Titan and Enceladus.

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Play the "The Search for Extraterrestrial Life" audio

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Publication Date

March 2012

Discover how two space exploration programs are partnering together in the search for extraterrestrial life. Also, hear how you can be a part of the search.

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Play the "Stem Cell Trials in Humans | Sugary Drinks and Diabetes" audio

Stem Cell Trials in Humans | Sugary Drinks and Diabetes

Publication Date

March 2012

Dr. Robert Lanza from Advanced Cell Technology gives us an update on the human embryonic stem cell clinical trial for macular degeneration. Then, Dr. Vasanti Malik talks about her research looking at the link between sugary drinks and type II diabetes.

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Play the "Studying Butterflies, Studying Water" audio

Studying Butterflies, Studying Water

Publication Date

March 2012

Elena Strekalova, a BU graduate student and Museum of Science Interpreter, gives us a special look at what goes on inside the Museum's Butterfly Garden. She also talks about studying the abnormalities of water with computational physics.

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Play the "Sugar: Sweet But Deadly? | Zero-Gravity Maneuvers" audio

Sugar: Sweet But Deadly? | Zero-Gravity Maneuvers

Publication Date

March 2012

The way our bodies process sugar and store energy was critical to our ancestors' survival, but is strained by today's sugar-rich diet. Then Phillip Cunio from MIT and Todd Sheerin from Harvard discuss the challenges of designing and testing software to let a spacecraft navigate near an asteroid.

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Play the "Gecko-Inspired Bio-Bandage" audio

Gecko-Inspired Bio-Bandage

Publication Date

March 2012

What do geckos have to do with medical bandages? Hear how Dr. Jeff Karp, a bioengineer who works in both Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, was inspired by gecko toepads to create medical tape for internal organs.

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Play the "Shape Shifting Proteins | New Bio-Bandage" audio

Shape Shifting Proteins | New Bio-Bandage

Publication Date

February 2012

Dr. Jeremy England from MIT talks about his work understanding how proteins change their shape. Then Dr. Paula Hammond from MIT describes her lab's bio-bandage, a quick and effective way to stop bleeding on a battlefield.

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Play the "3D Printing Revolution" audio

3D Printing Revolution

Publication Date

February 2012

Entrepreneur Marina Hatsopoulos, founder of ZCorporation one of the first 3D printing companies, talks about the past, present, and future of 3 dimensional printing. Then David Cranor, founder of Formlabs a new 3D printing company, talks about the importance that 3D printing could have in our every day lives.

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Play the "Tombs and Trash of Pompeii | Studying Malaria" audio

Tombs and Trash of Pompeii | Studying Malaria

Publication Date

February 2012

Graduate student Allison Emmerson discusses her study of Pompeii life through tombs and trash. Also, graduate student Bridget Wall talks about the difficulties in studying the malaria parasite.

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Play the "Engineering For Our Changing Climate" audio

Engineering For Our Changing Climate

Publication Date

February 2012

The Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report was recently released. Hear about what this means for the state from local experts including the Chief of Environment and Energy for the City of Boston, architects for the new Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and employees of Environmental services at MASSDOT Highway Division.

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Play the "Early Bow And Arrow Use | Making A Better Grid Battery" audio

Early Bow And Arrow Use | Making A Better Grid Battery

Publication Date

January 2012

Archaeologist Justin Pargeter describes current evidence for the first bows and arrows believed to have been used in South Africa over 60,000 years ago. Also, find out how we can improve our electrical power grid with storage batteries made with new nanomaterial technology.

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Play the "Diamonds and Light" audio

Diamonds and Light

Publication Date

January 2012

Dr. Marko Loncar and two of his graduate students talk about using diamonds to create optics based computers that are smaller, faster, and 'cooler' than our current computational machines.

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Play the "Earth-like Planets | Better Prosthetic Limbs" audio

Earth-like Planets | Better Prosthetic Limbs

Publication Date

January 2012

In the search for Earth-like planets, NASA's Kepler Telescope has recently discovered several planets either similar in size to Earth or a similar distance from its star as Earth is from the sun, but not both. Also, Arthur Petron from the MIT Biomechatronics Group talks about his research with developing better prosthetic limbs.

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Play the "Playing Soccer For Energy | Emotions and Perception" audio

Playing Soccer For Energy | Emotions and Perception

Publication Date

January 2012

Hear how Soccket co-inventor Julia Silverman is solving energy problems all over the world with the energy harnessing soccer ball. Also, Jolie Baumann from Northeastern University discusses her research into the effects of emotions on our perception of objects.

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Play the "Our Museum Bees | Forensic DNA Fingerprinting" audio

Our Museum Bees | Forensic DNA Fingerprinting

Publication Date

December 2011

Listen to the museum's very own bee keeper Bill Coleman talk about our bee hive exhibit and the missing bees from the summer. Also, find out about forensic DNA fingerprinting and the controversy behind familial DNA testing.

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Play the "Top 10 Science Stories of 2011" audio

Top 10 Science Stories of 2011

Publication Date

December 2011

From cutting edge technologies to natural disasters, the Current Science and Technology team has been keeping up with innovative research and the latest in breaking scientific news all year. We chose the 10 most interesting and important of those stories to present to you in this podcast.

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Play the "The New Madrid Earthquakes, 200 Years Later" audio

The New Madrid Earthquakes, 200 Years Later

Publication Date

December 2011

To recognize the bicentennial of the New Madrid earthquakes that started in the central U.S. on December 16, 1811, three earthquake experts -- John Ebel from Boston College, Jim Kaklamanos from Tufts University, and Paul Morey from FEMA -- share their views on earthquake science and preparedness, and compare the seismic history of New Madrid to that of New England.

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Play the "The Fuss About Fracking" audio

The Fuss About Fracking

Publication Date

December 2011

Dr. Rob Jackson from Duke University describes a controversial method for extracting natural gas from deep rock layers and discusses his research investigating possible effects of gas drilling on drinking water in the Marcellus Shale in the northeastern US.

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Play the "Curiosity Heads for Mars | Mind-reading Technology" audio

Curiosity Heads for Mars | Mind-reading Technology

Publication Date

December 2011

As the Mars Science Laboratory mission starts its 8-month journey, learn about its sophisticated rover Curiosity. Also, discover technology that's taking the first step toward turning a person's thoughts into movies.

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Play the "Python Hearts | Safety of Nanotechnology" audio

Python Hearts | Safety of Nanotechnology

Publication Date

November 2011

After a python eats a very large meal, its heart can grow significantly larger. Find out how we may be able to use that information to help human hearts. Also, while nanotechnology is quickly growing in importance, many researchers are determining ways to make it as safe yet effective as possible.

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Play the "Antarctic Expedition" audio

Antarctic Expedition

Publication Date

November 2011

Penguins, underwater robots, and strange microorganisms star in this podcast about a recent oceanographic expedition to Antarctica. Several researchers describe some surprising discoveries and the importance of studying long-term ecological change.

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Play the "Bomb Detecting Nanosensors | Listeria Outbreak" audio

Bomb Detecting Nanosensors | Listeria Outbreak

Publication Date

November 2011

Dr. Daniel Heller from MIT describes how he uses nanosensors and bee venom to detect explosives. PhD candidate Kyle Perry from Harvard gives the facts about the recent Listeria outbreak connected to cantaloupes.

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Play the "Violent Volcanoes: Vesuvius and Beyond" audio

Violent Volcanoes: Vesuvius and Beyond

Publication Date

November 2011

Volcanologist Dr. Steve Carey from the University of Rhode Island discusses the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius and the impacts a similarly violent eruption would have on modern society. He also describes his current research on explosive underwater volcanoes.

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Play the "Better Hurricane Forecasting" audio

Better Hurricane Forecasting

Publication Date

October 2011

Dr. Richard Yablonsky from the University of Rhode Island talks about shortfalls of current hurricane forecast models and how different approaches to hurricane modeling could improve forecasts in the future.

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Play the "Wrinkly Fingers | World's Smallest Motor" audio

Wrinkly Fingers | World's Smallest Motor

Publication Date

October 2011

Find out why our fingers get wrinkly in water. Also, Dr. Charles Sykes from Tufts University describes the world's smallest motor.

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Play the "Curing the Common Cold | La Nina Is Back" audio

Curing the Common Cold | La Nina Is Back

Publication Date

October 2011

Dr. Todd Rider from MIT's Lincoln Lab describes a potentially revolutionary new antiviral drug. La Nina is back, so find out what that means for our coming winter.

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Play the "Puzzle of the Bones" audio

Puzzle of the Bones

Publication Date

October 2011

Researchers in South Africa are unearthing remarkably complete skeletons of human ancestors that are 2 million years old. Anthropologist Dr. Jeremy DeSilva from Boston University discusses some of the surprising findings.

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Play the "Body Liquefaction | Searching for New Earths" audio

Body Liquefaction | Searching for New Earths

Publication Date

September 2011

Learn why body liquefaction is a more environmentally friendly alternative to burial or cremation. Also, hear about the discovery of the latest earth-like planets orbiting other stars . . . and whether they can support life.

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Play the "Sleeping in Space | New Nano Flame Retardent" audio

Sleeping in Space | New Nano Flame Retardent

Publication Date

September 2011

Caroline Lowenthal from the Man Vehicle Lab at MIT talks about the importance of sleep on the International Space Station. Also, learn about a potential new flame retardant for clothing using nanotechnology.

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Play the "Regenerating Human Organs" audio

Regenerating Human Organs

Publication Date

September 2011

Dr. Anthony Atala, Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, describes the types of human organs his group has been able to grow and details the technology involved in these efforts.

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Play the "In Space: Antimatter and Astronauts" audio

In Space: Antimatter and Astronauts

Publication Date

September 2011

Jim Bickford from Draper Laboratory discusses antimatter and how it might be captured for human use. Then, learn about the relationship of the Russian Soyuz program to astronauts on the International Space Station.

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Play the "Earthquakes in New England | Nano Sized Medicine" audio

Earthquakes in New England | Nano Sized Medicine

Publication Date

September 2011

Learn about the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia that was felt all the way up in Boston. Also, Dr. Jim Wilking from Harvard University talks about his research into developing very tiny pharmaceuticals.

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Play the "Sequencing Cancer Genomes | Watching Bacteria Build" audio

Sequencing Cancer Genomes | Watching Bacteria Build

Publication Date

August 2011

Dr. Franziska Michor, a computational biologist from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, discusses her work with analyzing cancer genomes. Naveen Sinha then talks about how he is using applied physics to study bacterial biofilm formation.

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Play the "Is It Functional: A Tattoo or a Stegosaurus Tail?" audio

Is It Functional: A Tattoo or a Stegosaurus Tail?

Publication Date

August 2011

Heather Clark from Northeastern University talks about her lab's work using a nanosensor tatoo and an iPhone to check glucose levels in the blood. Also, discover how dangerous that spiky Stegosaurus tail actually was.

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Play the "Visiting An Asteroid | Reading A Brain" audio

Visiting An Asteroid | Reading A Brain

Publication Date

August 2011

Space exploration continues with the Dawn spacecraft currently in orbit around the large asteroid Vesta. Also, a new technology may be able to help teach the brain how to control the body in accident or stroke victims.

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Play the "Massachusetts Tornadoes | Dating Rocks on Earth and Mars" audio

Massachusetts Tornadoes | Dating Rocks on Earth and Mars

Publication Date

August 2011

First, Eleanor Vallier-Talbot from the National Weather Service in Taunton, Massachusetts talks about the recent tornadoes that swept through central Massachusetts on June 1. Then, Dr. Ben Weiss from MIT explains how to use magnetism to date dinosaurs and planets.

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Play the "Cognitive Radios | Taking Dinosaur Temperatures" audio

Cognitive Radios | Taking Dinosaur Temperatures

Publication Date

July 2011

Dr. Kaushik Chowdhury from Northeastern University discusses radios that can think, learn and adapt. Then, learn how scientists can measure the body temperatures, and even metabolism, of long extinct dinosaurs.

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Play the "Engineering Cancer Drug Delivery" audio

Engineering Cancer Drug Delivery

Publication Date

July 2011

Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia from MIT describes how her team has improved delivery of chemotherapeutics to tumors by linking nanoparticles to our body's own blood clotting system.

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Play the "Sending Humans To Space | Detecting Disease Faster" audio

Sending Humans To Space | Detecting Disease Faster

Publication Date

July 2011

Dr. Ryan Kobrick from the Man Vehicle Lab at MIT talks about some of the lab's projects to help prepare humans for long distance space travel. Also, hear about a new device that uses nanoparticles to detect harmful diseases faster than before.

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Play the "Mummy Studies | Closer To Invisibility" audio

Mummy Studies | Closer To Invisibility

Publication Date

July 2011

Hear how scientists are using modern technology to study Otzi the Iceman. Also, learn about engineered materials that can guide light around objects.

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Play the "How Do Bats Fly? How Do People Sleep?" audio

How Do Bats Fly? How Do People Sleep?

Publication Date

June 2011

Learn new information about why bats are such amazing aerial acrobats. Also, find out how sleep affects baseball players, college students, and married couples.

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Play the "Exploring Asteroids and Sexy Necks in Dinosaurs" audio

Exploring Asteroids and Sexy Necks in Dinosaurs

Publication Date

June 2011

Students from MIT present their theoretical mission to retrieve an asteroid and bring it closer to earth for study. Also, find out why some dinosaurs had really long necks. Was it sexy?

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Play the "Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2011" audio

Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2011

Publication Date

June 2011

Stephen Cass, special projects editor for the MIT publication Technology Review, discusses several of the top 10 technologies that could have the largest impact on the world, the country, or the individual. For the complete list, see the website below.

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Play the "What Is A Dinosaur? | How To Mend A Heart" audio

What Is A Dinosaur? | How To Mend A Heart

Publication Date

June 2011

Everyone has a favorite dinosaur, but what is a dinosaur? Is it a reptile? Is it a bird? Dinosaur paleontologist David Varricchio discusses these extinct animals. Also, learn how we may one day be able to mend a broken heart . . . after a heart attack.

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Play the "Buck-Toothed Demon Lizard | How To Confuse A Mosquito" audio

Buck-Toothed Demon Lizard | How To Confuse A Mosquito

Publication Date

June 2011

Dr. Hans Sues from the National Museum of Natural History discusses the new T. rex relation he recently identified. Also, learn how we might avoid mosquitoes by confusing their ability to hone in on us.

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Play the "3D Transistors | Planets Without Stars" audio

3D Transistors | Planets Without Stars

Publication Date

May 2011

Michael Mayberry, Director of Components Research at Intel, describes their new and innovative 3 dimensional transistor that will be released later this year. Astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger comments on the hypothesis that there are planets in the galaxy without their own star.

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Play the "Renewable Energy Fair Guests" audio

Renewable Energy Fair Guests

Publication Date

May 2011

The museum hosted dozens of guest researchers at its Renewable Energy Fair. Hear about the latest in wind power, solar power, lithium ion batteries, and more from many of the event's participants.

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Play the "Bacteria-Busting Nanoparticles | Tornado Outbreak" audio

Bacteria-Busting Nanoparticles | Tornado Outbreak

Publication Date

May 2011

Learn how a new approach to combating bacteria could lower the incidence of antibiotic-resistance and then hear about the devastating twisters of April 2011.

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Play the "Billion-Dollar Bats" audio

Billion-Dollar Bats

Publication Date

May 2011

Dr. Thomas Kunz from Boston University, aka Bat Man, discusses the economic and ecological benefits of bats, and warns of current threats to their survival.

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Play the "Earth Month Guests: A Giant Earthquake and Mercury in the Atmosphere" audio

Earth Month Guests: A Giant Earthquake and Mercury in the Atmosphere

Publication Date

May 2011

April is Earth Month, and we had many guests here at the museum to present various earth related topics. Dr. Alan Kafka talks about the recent Japan earthquake and earthquakes in general. Then, Dr. Noelle Selin discusses her work on studying mercury in the atmosphere.

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Play the "Harvard's Forest Laboratory | Fighting Fire With Electricity" audio

Harvard's Forest Laboratory | Fighting Fire With Electricity

Publication Date

April 2011

Ecologists from Harvard Forest describe some of the research that is done in the 3500 acre forest in Western Massachusetts. Also, we will learn how electricity may be used to blow out a fire.

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Play the "Addicted to Chocolate?" audio

Addicted to Chocolate?

Publication Date

April 2011

I love chocolate, but am I addicted to it? Harvard graduate student Naveen Sinha talks about the science of chocolate. Also, Dr. Ashley Gearhardt discusses the new issue of food addiction.

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Play the "Welcome to NanoDays: Nanotubes, Quantum Dots, Nanobiology" audio

Welcome to NanoDays: Nanotubes, Quantum Dots, Nanobiology

Publication Date

April 2011

Once again NanoDays introduced us to dozens of researchers studying the very small. We learned about nanotubes in space, the "magic" of quantum dots, and nano-biotechnology.

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Play the "RACE: The Boston Marathon and Human Classification" audio

RACE: The Boston Marathon and Human Classification

Publication Date

April 2011

Coach Rick Muhr talks about training the Museum of Science Marathon Team for the 2011 Boston Marathon on Monday April 18. Also, Dr. Michael Carson discusses the other definition of race and whether or not there is a genetic basis for the human classifications.

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Play the "Meet Two MIT Innovators" audio

Meet Two MIT Innovators

Publication Date

March 2011

Two distinguished MIT scientists discuss their inventions in this podcast. Dr. Alice Chen, this year's Lemelson-MIT student prize winner, discusses the medical uses for her humanized mice. Then, Dr. Boris Katz describes how his natural language question-answer system enabled the development of a Jeopardy! champion.

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Play the "Violent Weather: From Tornadoes to the Sun" audio

Violent Weather: From Tornadoes to the Sun

Publication Date

March 2011

Dr. Joshua Wurman from Storm Chasers describes his latest tornado chasing with the VORTEX 2 project. Also, Dr. Nicholas Gross talks about space weather and new ways that scientists can predict how the sun will affect the earth.

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Play the "Turmoil In The Pacific: Tsunamis and Volcanoes" audio

Turmoil In The Pacific: Tsunamis and Volcanoes

Publication Date

March 2011

This week we will hear from two experts in Hawaii looking at some of the natural phenomenon occurring in the Pacific. Dr. Nathan Becker will talk about the tsunami created by the recent Japan earthquake and Dr. Matthew Patrick will describe the recent eruptions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii.

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Play the "Glowing Nanotubes and Making Diamonds" audio

Glowing Nanotubes and Making Diamonds

Publication Date

March 2011

Dr. Daniel Heller from MIT explains how glowing carbon nanotubes may be used to detect a number of different molecules and even cancer. Dr. Gary Harris from Howard University describes how to make synthetic diamonds . . . for electrical engineering purposes.

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Play the "Diabetes in Diverse Populations" audio

Diabetes in Diverse Populations

Publication Date

March 2011

Dr. William Hsu and Dr. Enrique Caballero from the Joslin Diabetes Center talk about the prevalence of diabetes in various ethnic populations. Also, find out why the incidence of type II diabetes is increasing in these populations in the United States and all over the world.

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Play the "How Great Is Your Good Cholesterol?" audio

How Great Is Your Good Cholesterol?

Publication Date

February 2011

Dr. Marina Cuchel from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine describes her studies of high density lipoprotein, aka HDL or good cholesterol, and discusses why measuring HDL level is not the best way to understand risk of heart disease.

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Play the "Giant Sauropod Dinosaurs | Dispersant Effects on the Gulf" audio

Giant Sauropod Dinosaurs | Dispersant Effects on the Gulf

Publication Date

February 2011

How did the largest of all land animals, the sauropod dinosaurs, get that huge and stay that huge? What are the long term effects of the chemical dispersant used in the Gulf oil spill?

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Play the "Inside the Kinect and a New Blast Detection Badge" audio

Inside the Kinect and a New Blast Detection Badge

Publication Date

February 2011

Guest Alfred Thompson from Microsoft describes how the new XBox Kinect works. Also, we will learn about a blast detector badge being developed for soldiers.

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Play the "Perspectives on Climate" audio

Perspectives on Climate

Publication Date

February 2011

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that 2010 was tied for the warmest year on record. Hear some perspectives on this information from researchers at the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change.

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Play the "Making More Stuff!" audio

Making More Stuff!

Publication Date

January 2011

Material scientist Dr. Zvonimir Dogic talks about using biology as inspiration for new synthetic materials. Also, producer Chris Schmidt from Nova's "Making Stuff" talks about the process of making the new series and even mentions some interesting research that was left out of the final cut.

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Play the "Race, Place, and Health Science" audio

Race, Place, and Health Science

Publication Date

January 2011

Researchers from the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute talk about their health studies in the Boston area. First, we will hear about potential health risks from living too close to highways in Somerville. Then we will hear about the state of parks in Lawrence and how that may affect obesity rates.

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Play the "Studded Tires Causing Health Problems | Parasitic Worms Alleviating Colitis" audio

Studded Tires Causing Health Problems | Parasitic Worms Alleviating Colitis

Publication Date

January 2011

Studded tires used in winter can prevent accidents, but grinding up the pavement can also cause negative health effects. Parasitic worms are being used and studied to alleviate bowel diseases like colitis.

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Play the "Advances in HIV Prevention and Treatment" audio

Advances in HIV Prevention and Treatment

Publication Date

January 2011

In 2010, there was much scientific progress in preventing and treating HIV infections. We devote this segment to exploring a number of advances in this field.

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Play the "Top Ten Science Stories of 2010" audio

Top Ten Science Stories of 2010

Publication Date

December 2010

From natural disasters to cutting edge technologies, the Current Science & Technology team at the Museum of Science has been keeping up with new research and innovations all year. Hear our choices for the Top 10 science stories of 2010 in this podcast.

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Play the "US Human Embryonic Stem Cell Clinical Trial" audio

US Human Embryonic Stem Cell Clinical Trial

Publication Date

December 2010

Dr. Robert Lanza, Chief Scientific Officer at Advanced Cell Technology, describes their human embryonic stem cell clinical trial to cure Stargardt macular degeneration in humans.

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Play the "Giant Flying Reptiles | 2010 Hurricane Season" audio

Giant Flying Reptiles | 2010 Hurricane Season

Publication Date

December 2010

How did a 40 foot pterosaur get off the ground to fly through the sky? Listen here to learn about its unique launch style. Also, find out why 2010 was such a busy hurricane, and why we did not feel many of the effects in the US.

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Play the "Energy Solutions: UMass Wet Lab and a Better Battery" audio

Energy Solutions: UMass Wet Lab and a Better Battery

Publication Date

December 2010

John Miller from the Marine Renewable Energy Center talks about the future University of Massachusetts wet lab to be used for wind, wave, and tidal energy research. Also, Dr. Donald Sadoway from MIT describes his research on making better batteries.

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Play the "Making Stuff!" audio

Making Stuff!

Publication Date

December 2010

Material scientists Dr. Amy Moll and Dr. Ainissa Ramirez join us for Nova's Making Stuff Day. They talk about their own research on how to make electronics stronger, smaller and greener.

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Play the "Concussions and Beyond" audio

Concussions and Beyond

Publication Date

November 2010

Learn about repetitive head trauma from Dr. Ann McKee from Boston University and the Bedford VA Medical Center. Then, find out why it isn't only big hits that can cause brain damage.

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Play the "Mountain of Fire | Skin Cells to Blood Cells" audio

Mountain of Fire | Skin Cells to Blood Cells

Publication Date

November 2010

Learn about the ongoing Merapi volcanic eruption on the island of Java. Also, discover how researchers have transformed skin cells into blood cells.

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Play the "Energy Saving Technologies" audio

Energy Saving Technologies

Publication Date

November 2010

Dr. Angela Belcher from MIT talks about how her lab makes solar cells and batteries with living organisms. Her former student Shakeel Avadhany, CEO and co-founder of Levant Power, introduces GenShock, a novel technology that harvests energy from vehicle shocks and transforms it into electricity.

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Play the "Tiny Carbon: For Harvesting Heat and Sequencing DNA" audio

Tiny Carbon: For Harvesting Heat and Sequencing DNA

Publication Date

November 2010

Hear about an interesting technology, developed by Dr. Long Que at Louisiana Tech University, that can produce electricity from a range of different energy sources . Also, learn about the potential use of graphene in improving the speed of DNA sequencing.

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Play the "T. rex Cannibalism | Where Do Antibiotics Come From?" audio

T. rex Cannibalism | Where Do Antibiotics Come From?

Publication Date

October 2010

Did Tyrannosaurus rex eat other Tyrannosaurus rex? Cannibalistic dinosaurs? Where do antibiotics come from? A bacterial social system?

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Play the "Superbugs" audio

Superbugs

Publication Date

October 2010

Dr. Stuart Levy from Tufts University School of Medicine discusses how bacteria combat the special chemicals we often use to treat infections, and describes why antibiotic resistance is a growing problem on our planet.

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Play the "Archaeology in Boston? A Virus That Causes Obesity?" audio

Archaeology in Boston? A Virus That Causes Obesity?

Publication Date

October 2010

October is Massachusetts Archaeology Month and local archaeologist Ellen Berkland talks about some very local Boston dig sites. Also, hear about a virus that may cause obesity in children.

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Play the "How To Read Minds and Filter Water" audio

How To Read Minds and Filter Water

Publication Date

October 2010

What am I thinking right now? Find out how scientists are trying to read the minds of paralyzed patients. Also, learn about new filters to purify drinking water.

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Play the "Our Stormy Sun" audio

Our Stormy Sun

Publication Date

September 2010

Dr. Mike Stevens, a space physicist at the Boston University Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling, describes some of the dynamic phenomenons that occur on the sun and affect us here on Earth. Hear how scientists study this space weather now and about plans for future solar missions.

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Play the "Food For Thought: Transgenic Salmon" audio

Food For Thought: Transgenic Salmon

Publication Date

September 2010

A Waltham, Massachusetts company is looking for FDA approval to be able to market their salmon as the first transgenic animal ever to be sold as human food. Listen here for the pros and cons of this controversial food issue.

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Play the "Head Trauma | Potential for Diabetes Treatment" audio

Head Trauma | Potential for Diabetes Treatment

Publication Date

September 2010

Learn about head trauma in this podcast and decide whether Lou Gehrig really did have the disease that bears his name. Also, hear about a new finding in Type 2 diabetes research that could help prevent the disease in the future.

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Play the "Protecting with Probiotics | Hunting for Hurricanes" audio

Protecting with Probiotics | Hunting for Hurricanes

Publication Date

September 2010

Harvard graduate student Sarah Fankhauser talks about the importance of gut bacteria and probiotics. We will also hear details about the 2010 hurricane season so far.

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Play the "Jupiter Collision | Using Ivy in Sunscreen" audio

Jupiter Collision | Using Ivy in Sunscreen

Publication Date

September 2010

Discover how during the formation of our solar system, Jupiter may have been involved in a massive collision which has forever altered it. Switching from the very large to the very small, hear about ivy-based nanoparticles that may be used to make a better sunscreen.

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Play the "Friends Can Help You Live Longer" audio

Friends Can Help You Live Longer

Publication Date

August 2010

Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad from Brigham Young University describes her massive comparative study on social relationships and mortality. The results show that having positive social interactions (aka friends) can increase your lifespan. Being lonely is a risk factor tantamount to smoking, alcoholism, and obesity.

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Play the "Improving Autism Diagnoses | A New Identity for Triceratops" audio

Improving Autism Diagnoses | A New Identity for Triceratops

Publication Date

August 2010

Dr. Tal Kenet from Massachusetts General Hospital discusses her work through the Transcend Research Program to identify consistent ways of diagnosing autism. Also, find out how a relative of Triceratops is an even more important family member than previously thought.

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Play the "Hot Summer In The City | A Surprise Primate Fossil" audio

Hot Summer In The City | A Surprise Primate Fossil

Publication Date

August 2010

Yes, this summer has been exceptionally hot and you can find out why in this podcast. Also, Dr. Iyad Zalmout and Dr. Bill Sanders join us from the University of Michigan to talk about the discovery of a new primate ancestor.

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Play the "Saving Sea Turtle Eggs From The Gulf Oil Spill" audio

Saving Sea Turtle Eggs From The Gulf Oil Spill

Publication Date

August 2010

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.

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Play the "New Images of the Sun | 10 Years With The Human Genome" audio

New Images of the Sun | 10 Years With The Human Genome

Publication Date

July 2010

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.

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Play the "Wearable Electronic Fibers | Cool Vaccines" audio

Wearable Electronic Fibers | Cool Vaccines

Publication Date

July 2010

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.

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Play the "Marauding Chimpanzees | Artificial Lung Transplants" audio

Marauding Chimpanzees | Artificial Lung Transplants

Publication Date

July 2010

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.

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Play the "Bonehenge: Assembling A Sperm Whale Skeleton" audio

Bonehenge: Assembling A Sperm Whale Skeleton

Publication Date

July 2010

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.

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Play the "Nature's Beauty: Bubbles and Diamonds" audio

Nature's Beauty: Bubbles and Diamonds

Publication Date

July 2010

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.

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Play the "Extremophiles: On Earth and On Titan?" audio

Extremophiles: On Earth and On Titan?

Publication Date

June 2010

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.

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Play the "The Museum's Wind Turbine Lab | World Oceans Day and Hermit Crabs" audio

The Museum's Wind Turbine Lab | World Oceans Day and Hermit Crabs

Publication Date

June 2010

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.

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Play the "Severe Summer Weather | Woolly Mammoth Evolution" audio

Severe Summer Weather | Woolly Mammoth Evolution

Publication Date

June 2010

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.

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Play the "Let's Play Ball! | Building a Cooler Transistor" audio

Let's Play Ball! | Building a Cooler Transistor

Publication Date

June 2010

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.

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Play the "Our Growing and Changing Family Tree" audio

Our Growing and Changing Family Tree

Publication Date

May 2010

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.

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Play the "Model Systems: Worms and Walden Pond" audio

Model Systems: Worms and Walden Pond

Publication Date

May 2010

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 discusses how local plant ecology can provide information about the environmental effect of climate change.

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Play the "Domestication of Chickens | Some Bacteria Linked to Obesity" audio

Domestication of Chickens | Some Bacteria Linked to Obesity

Publication Date

May 2010

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.

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Play the "Coral Reef Ecology | Birdology" audio

Coral Reef Ecology | Birdology

Publication Date

May 2010

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.

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Play the "Firefly Scientists!" audio

Firefly Scientists!

Publication Date

April 2010

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.

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Play the "Disease Detection: Heart and Eye " audio

Disease Detection: Heart and Eye

Publication Date

April 2010

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.

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Play the "It's A Small World: Nano Landscaping and Micro Robotics" audio

It's A Small World: Nano Landscaping and Micro Robotics

Publication Date

April 2010

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.

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Play the "Preventing Prematurity | Beautiful Butterflies" audio

Preventing Prematurity | Beautiful Butterflies

Publication Date

April 2010

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.

Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

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Play the "Guests from NanoDays!" audio

Guests from NanoDays!

Publication Date

April 2010

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.

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Play the "Fingers: 40,000 year old DNA Identification and Bacterial Fingerprinting" audio

Fingers: 40,000 year old DNA Identification and Bacterial Fingerprinting

Publication Date

March 2010

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.

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Play the "Da Vinci Surgical Robot | Electric Bacteria" audio

Da Vinci Surgical Robot | Electric Bacteria

Publication Date

March 2010

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.

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Play the "Illuminating Human Diversity and Light Bulb Technologies" audio

Illuminating Human Diversity and Light Bulb Technologies

Publication Date

March 2010

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!

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Play the "New Owl Research and Improved Magnetic Technology" audio

New Owl Research and Improved Magnetic Technology

Publication Date

March 2010

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.

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Play the "Making Movie Magic | Fighting Huntington's Disease" audio

Making Movie Magic | Fighting Huntington's Disease

Publication Date

February 2010

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.

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Play the "New England Earthquakes | Exploring Arabia" audio

New England Earthquakes | Exploring Arabia

Publication Date

February 2010

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.

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Play the "The Color of Dinosaurs | Nanoburrs to Help Your Heart" audio

The Color of Dinosaurs | Nanoburrs to Help Your Heart

Publication Date

February 2010

Fossil evidence has finally been found to paint a pretty picture of dinosaurs, literally. Also, nanotechnology may be used to help fight heart disease.

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Play the "Purifying Pollutants | Running With Or Without Shoes?" audio

Purifying Pollutants | Running With Or Without Shoes?

Publication Date

February 2010

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.

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Play the "A Promising Pancreas and CO2 Storage" audio

A Promising Pancreas and CO2 Storage

Publication Date

January 2010

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.

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Play the "Spitting Cobras: Fast and Accurate" audio

Spitting Cobras: Fast and Accurate

Publication Date

January 2010

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.

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Play the "Migratory Monarchs" audio

Migratory Monarchs

Publication Date

January 2010

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.

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Play the "Fuel On The Moon | Adaptive Bacteria" audio

Fuel On The Moon | Adaptive Bacteria

Publication Date

January 2010

Find out how we may be able to refuel our space rockets on the moon and learn how well bacterial disinfectants work.

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Play the "Top 10 Science Stories of 2009" audio

Top 10 Science Stories of 2009

Publication Date

December 2009

Hear Susan Heilman's picks for the year's best science news, including stories about space exploration, anthropology, health initiatives, and a giant snake!

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Play the "Warm-Blooded VS Cold-Blooded | De-Ice VS Anti-Ice" audio

Warm-Blooded VS Cold-Blooded | De-Ice VS Anti-Ice

Publication Date

December 2009

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.

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Play the "Robots That Climb Or Act Human" audio

Robots That Climb Or Act Human

Publication Date

December 2009

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.

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Play the "Canning BPA and Tracking Neurons" audio

Canning BPA and Tracking Neurons

Publication Date

December 2009

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.

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Play the "Obesity: You and Your Pet" audio

Obesity: You and Your Pet

Publication Date

December 2009

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.

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Play the "Why Should I Vaccinate? | Building A Better Hand" audio

Why Should I Vaccinate? | Building A Better Hand

Publication Date

November 2009

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.

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Play the "Heart Health | Combination Scalpel" audio

Heart Health | Combination Scalpel

Publication Date

November 2009

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.

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Play the "A New Relative And A Nano Nose" audio

A New Relative And A Nano Nose

Publication Date

November 2009

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.

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Play the "Studying the Sun and Spooky Spiders" audio

Studying the Sun and Spooky Spiders

Publication Date

November 2009

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.

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Play the "Helpful Bee Stings | Prehistoric Primates" audio

Helpful Bee Stings | Prehistoric Primates

Publication Date

October 2009

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.

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Play the "The Ocean and Ice Sheets | Flu Information" audio

The Ocean and Ice Sheets | Flu Information

Publication Date

October 2009

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.

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Play the "Water on the Moon? Oranges in Tires?" audio

Water on the Moon? Oranges in Tires?

Publication Date

October 2009

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.

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Play the "Archaeology Without Digging" audio

Archaeology Without Digging

Publication Date

October 2009

Geophysicist Dr. Meg Watters from Time Team America teaches us how to see beneath the soil without actually digging.

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Play the "Measures of Melting | Green Batteries" audio

Measures of Melting | Green Batteries

Publication Date

October 2009

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.

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Play the "Space, The Final Frontier: Lunar Water and Black Holes" audio

Space, The Final Frontier: Lunar Water and Black Holes

Publication Date

September 2009

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.

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Play the "Blight and Blindness" audio

Blight and Blindness

Publication Date

September 2009

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.

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Play the "The Appendix and The Adhesive" audio

The Appendix and The Adhesive

Publication Date

September 2009

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.

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Play the "Stem Cell Targeting | Genetics of Sleep" audio

Stem Cell Targeting | Genetics of Sleep

Publication Date

September 2009

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.

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Play the "The Secret Life of Robotic Bees" audio

The Secret Life of Robotic Bees

Publication Date

August 2009

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.

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Play the "The Benefits of Blueberries and the Bitterness of Broccoli" audio

The Benefits of Blueberries and the Bitterness of Broccoli

Publication Date

August 2009

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.

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Play the "Jellyfish Mix the Ocean | Monkeys Can Eat Less and Live Longer" audio

Jellyfish Mix the Ocean | Monkeys Can Eat Less and Live Longer

Publication Date

August 2009

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.

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Play the "Skate Like a Snake | Cancer Vaccines" audio

Skate Like a Snake | Cancer Vaccines

Publication Date

August 2009

Discover how scientists have been studying snake motion. Also, learn how testes proteins could provide an effective means of treating breast cancers.

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Play the "Science of Sharing" audio

Science of Sharing

Publication Date

July 2009

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.

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Play the "Fighting Cancer with Salmonella | Tracking Wastewater with Sweeteners" audio

Fighting Cancer with Salmonella | Tracking Wastewater with Sweeteners

Publication Date

July 2009

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.

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Play the "Total Eclipse of the Sun" audio

Total Eclipse of the Sun

Publication Date

July 2009

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.

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Play the "Regenerating Salamander Limbs | Genetics of Schizophrenia" audio

Regenerating Salamander Limbs | Genetics of Schizophrenia

Publication Date

July 2009

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.

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Play the "Wild Cancers and Robotic Ferrets" audio

Wild Cancers and Robotic Ferrets

Publication Date

July 2009

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.

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Play the "Water on the Moon? Dental Plasma?" audio

Water on the Moon? Dental Plasma?

Publication Date

June 2009

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.

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Play the "5D DVD | 17 Genes of TB" audio

5D DVD | 17 Genes of TB

Publication Date

June 2009

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.

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Play the "Two Different Jungles: Ugandan and Epidermal" audio

Two Different Jungles: Ugandan and Epidermal

Publication Date

June 2009

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.

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Play the "Little Green Monkeys and Little Green Men" audio

Little Green Monkeys and Little Green Men

Publication Date

June 2009

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.

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Play the "Primates and Plastics" audio

Primates and Plastics

Publication Date

May 2009

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.

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Play the "Monitoring HIV and Regenerating Nerves" audio

Monitoring HIV and Regenerating Nerves

Publication Date

May 2009

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.

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Play the "Forces That Change Us: Aging and Bacteria " audio

Forces That Change Us: Aging and Bacteria

Publication Date

May 2009

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!

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Play the "Small Molecule Microarrays | Hippos and Hobbits" audio

Small Molecule Microarrays | Hippos and Hobbits

Publication Date

May 2009

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.

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Play the "Green Pharmacy | Flying Animals" audio

Green Pharmacy | Flying Animals

Publication Date

May 2009

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.

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Play the "Spring Is In The Air | DNA Alphabet" audio

Spring Is In The Air | DNA Alphabet

Publication Date

May 2009

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.

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Play the "Clearing Corneas | Fixing the Ozone Layer" audio

Clearing Corneas | Fixing the Ozone Layer

Publication Date

April 2009

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.

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Play the "Robot Scientist | Nano Muscles" audio

Robot Scientist | Nano Muscles

Publication Date

April 2009

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.

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Play the "Life From Meteorites? | Bacteria That Love Metal" audio

Life From Meteorites? | Bacteria That Love Metal

Publication Date

April 2009

Find out how meteorites may have helped life develop on Earth. Also, learn how bacteria may one day reduce our nuclear waste.

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Play the "Satellites and Space Debris | Infection-Induced Anemia" audio

Satellites and Space Debris | Infection-Induced Anemia

Publication Date

April 2009

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.

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Play the "The Very Small and the Very Old" audio

The Very Small and the Very Old

Publication Date

April 2009

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.

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Play the "Technology Old and New: Silk Production and Paper Diagnostics" audio

Technology Old and New: Silk Production and Paper Diagnostics

Publication Date

March 2009

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.

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Play the "Why Go Gray? | Not So Rose Wine" audio

Why Go Gray? | Not So Rose Wine

Publication Date

March 2009

Hear about new research detailing how hair cells turn gray. Then find out why red wine is not always beneficial to your health.

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Play the "Talking About Taste" audio

Talking About Taste

Publication Date

March 2009

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.

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Play the "Coffee and Sunbathing? | Urine Test for Prostate Cancer" audio

Coffee and Sunbathing? | Urine Test for Prostate Cancer

Publication Date

March 2009

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.

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Play the "Sunshine and MS | The Beauty and Science of Volcanic Lightning" audio

Sunshine and MS | The Beauty and Science of Volcanic Lightning

Publication Date

February 2009

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.

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Play the "Water: To Drink and To Store" audio

Water: To Drink and To Store

Publication Date

February 2009

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.

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Play the "Two Sides of the Same Nanoparticle | Tasmanian Tiger Genome" audio

Two Sides of the Same Nanoparticle | Tasmanian Tiger Genome

Publication Date

February 2009

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.

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Play the "Cleaning Coal and Removing Lead" audio

Cleaning Coal and Removing Lead

Publication Date

February 2009

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.

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Play the "NASA Sees Cataract Proteins | The Chances of Warm Climate" audio

NASA Sees Cataract Proteins | The Chances of Warm Climate

Publication Date

January 2009

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.

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Play the "Exploring Mars" audio

Exploring Mars

Publication Date

January 2009

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.

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Play the "Sleep, Light and Space | 2008 Science Breakthrough" audio

Sleep, Light and Space | 2008 Science Breakthrough

Publication Date

January 2009

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.

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Play the "Top 10 of 2008: Bones, Mammoths, and Mars, Oh My!" audio

Top 10 of 2008: Bones, Mammoths, and Mars, Oh My!

Publication Date

January 2009

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.

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Play the "New Electric Trucks in Maui" audio

New Electric Trucks in Maui

Publication Date

January 2009

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.

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Play the "Technology Talk: Breast Imaging " audio

Technology Talk: Breast Imaging

Publication Date

December 2008

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.

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Play the "Flying Car | CO2 In Our Oceans" audio

Flying Car | CO2 In Our Oceans

Publication Date

December 2008

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.

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Play the "Treating Obesity | Importance of Molybdenum" audio

Treating Obesity | Importance of Molybdenum

Publication Date

December 2008

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.

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Play the "Brains, Birth, and Bipedalism" audio

Brains, Birth, and Bipedalism

Publication Date

December 2008

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.

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Play the "Shaping Our Heart | Future of Speakers" audio

Shaping Our Heart | Future of Speakers

Publication Date

November 2008

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.

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Play the "Potential for Pencils and Electric Eels" audio

Potential for Pencils and Electric Eels

Publication Date

November 2008

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.

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Play the "Journey Towards the Center of the Earth | Breathing in Boston" audio

Journey Towards the Center of the Earth | Breathing in Boston

Publication Date

November 2008

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.

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Play the "An Atomic Pen | The Color Purple" audio

An Atomic Pen | The Color Purple

Publication Date

November 2008

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.

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Play the "Two Ways to Study Disease: GFP and Epigenetics" audio

Two Ways to Study Disease: GFP and Epigenetics

Publication Date

October 2008

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.

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Play the "Of Parasites and Paralysis" audio

Of Parasites and Paralysis

Publication Date

October 2008

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.

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Play the "Elevator to Space | Photographing Lightning" audio

Elevator to Space | Photographing Lightning

Publication Date

October 2008

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.

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Play the "Diabetes and Gut Bacteria | Red Fish, Blue Fish" audio

Diabetes and Gut Bacteria | Red Fish, Blue Fish

Publication Date

October 2008

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.

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Play the "Inventing the Movies" audio

Inventing the Movies

Publication Date

October 2008

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.

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Play the "Using Geology and Archaeology Together" audio

Using Geology and Archaeology Together

Publication Date

September 2008

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.

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Play the "Who Dunnit?" audio

Who Dunnit?

Publication Date

September 2008

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.

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Play the "Model Organisms: Fire Ants and Baker's Yeast" audio

Model Organisms: Fire Ants and Baker's Yeast

Publication Date

September 2008

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.

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Play the "Part of the Group" audio

Part of the Group

Publication Date

September 2008

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.

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Play the "The MBTA Hack | It's Alive!?" audio

The MBTA Hack | It's Alive!?

Publication Date

August 2008

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.

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Play the "China's Smog Experiment | Bending Light . . . Backwards" audio

China's Smog Experiment | Bending Light . . . Backwards

Publication Date

August 2008

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.

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Play the "I'm Sorry | Storing Solar Energy" audio

I'm Sorry | Storing Solar Energy

Publication Date

August 2008

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.

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Play the "Recognizing Faces | New Step To HIV Vaccine" audio

Recognizing Faces | New Step To HIV Vaccine

Publication Date

August 2008

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.

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Play the "Infant Facial Recognition | Fish Communication" audio

Infant Facial Recognition | Fish Communication

Publication Date

July 2008

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.

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Play the "Stopping Cancer with Nanoparticles | Antibacterial Honey" audio

Stopping Cancer with Nanoparticles | Antibacterial Honey

Publication Date

July 2008

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.

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Play the "Live from Greenland!" audio

Live from Greenland!

Publication Date

July 2008

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.

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Play the "Mercury Cleanup | Poisonous Bismuth" audio

Mercury Cleanup | Poisonous Bismuth

Publication Date

July 2008

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.

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Play the "Green Communities Act | Better Cassava" audio

Green Communities Act | Better Cassava

Publication Date

July 2008

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.

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Play the "Cleaning Up Oil Spills | Smashing Protons" audio

Cleaning Up Oil Spills | Smashing Protons

Publication Date

June 2008

This week we will hear about a new way to clean up oil spills using nano-wire paper towels. We will also learn about the largest atom smasher ever built.

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Play the "Materials of Baseballs | High School Baseball" audio

Materials of Baseballs | High School Baseball

Publication Date

June 2008

Summer is here and baseball season is in full swing. This week we will learn about how baseballs are made. We will also find out about types and causes of high school baseball injuries.

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Play the "Fighting the MRSA Superbug | New Mosquito Repellents" audio

Fighting the MRSA Superbug | New Mosquito Repellents

Publication Date

June 2008

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.

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Play the "Human-Robot Interaction | The Unique Platypus" audio

Human-Robot Interaction | The Unique Platypus

Publication Date

June 2008

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.

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Play the "From Astronaut to Artist" audio

From Astronaut to Artist

Publication Date

May 2008

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.

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Play the "Human Monkeypox | Extreme Skydiving" audio

Human Monkeypox | Extreme Skydiving

Publication Date

May 2008

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.

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Play the "Physics of the Impossible" audio

Physics of the Impossible

Publication Date

May 2008

Dr. Michio Kaku, renowned physicist and author, discusses his new book Physics of the Impossible. He talks about the actual science behind invisibility, teleportation, time travel and more.

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Play the "How Does Cancer Develop?" audio

How Does Cancer Develop?

Publication Date

May 2008

Our guest, Dr. Raghu Kalluri, talks about the importance of a tumor's microenvironment to the formation of cancer.

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Play the "Unusual Frogs | Counting Fireflies" audio

Unusual Frogs | Counting Fireflies

Publication Date

May 2008

This week we will hear about the re-discovery of a very unique type of frog from Indonesia. We will also learn about Citizen Science, including the Museum of Science's project about fireflies.

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Play the "New Solar Cells | Exercising Your Heart" audio

New Solar Cells | Exercising Your Heart

Publication Date

April 2008

This week we will hear about solar power research involving new solar cell design. Also, we will learn how the type of exercise you do can affect the shape of your heart.

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Play the "The Past, Present, and Future of Nuclear Energy" audio

The Past, Present, and Future of Nuclear Energy

Publication Date

April 2008

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.

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Play the "Multi-drug Resistant Fungus | Climate Change Models" audio

Multi-drug Resistant Fungus | Climate Change Models

Publication Date

April 2008

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.

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Play the "Gecko-Inspired Surgical Tape | Antarctic Sea Monsters" audio

Gecko-Inspired Surgical Tape | Antarctic Sea Monsters

Publication Date

April 2008

On this episode, we'll learn about gecko-inspired surgical tape and giant antarctic sea creatures.

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Play the "GPS for Stem Cells | Poisonous Newts" audio

GPS for Stem Cells | Poisonous Newts

Publication Date

March 2008

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.

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Play the "World Water Week | Self-cleaning Clothing" audio

World Water Week | Self-cleaning Clothing

Publication Date

March 2008

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.

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Play the "The Science of Stress | Biological Bioterror Detector" audio

The Science of Stress | Biological Bioterror Detector

Publication Date

March 2008

This week, we'll learn about the science of stress and hear about a machine that uses immune cells to detect dangerous airborne diseases.

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Play the "Nanotech "Future Phone" | Stem Cells Cure Diabetes in Mice" audio

Nanotech "Future Phone" | Stem Cells Cure Diabetes in Mice

Publication Date

March 2008

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.

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Play the "Complex Carbon Footprints | Preservatives for Radiation Protection" audio

Complex Carbon Footprints | Preservatives for Radiation Protection

Publication Date

February 2008

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.

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Play the "The Next Mars Rover | Testing Probiotics" audio

The Next Mars Rover | Testing Probiotics

Publication Date

February 2008

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.

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Play the "DNA-Powered Dating Service | Implanting Artificial Eyes" audio

DNA-Powered Dating Service | Implanting Artificial Eyes

Publication Date

February 2008

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.

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Play the "Programming Robots With Blocks | The Secret Behind Blue Eyes" audio

Programming Robots With Blocks | The Secret Behind Blue Eyes

Publication Date

February 2008

This week we'll talk to a scientist who programs robots using wooden blocks and learn about the complex genetics behind blue eyes.

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Play the "Storing Hydrogen in Nanotubes | Talking to a Computer for Better Health" audio

Storing Hydrogen in Nanotubes | Talking to a Computer for Better Health

Publication Date

January 2008

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.

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Play the "Carbon Dioxide Could Be Deadly | Seeking Synthetic Spider Silk" audio

Carbon Dioxide Could Be Deadly | Seeking Synthetic Spider Silk

Publication Date

January 2008

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.

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Play the "Improving Biodegradable Plastics | New Clues About the Cause of Autism" audio

Improving Biodegradable Plastics | New Clues About the Cause of Autism

Publication Date

January 2008

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.

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Play the "Electricity and Hydrogen from Bacteria" audio

Electricity and Hydrogen from Bacteria

Publication Date

January 2008

We'll kick off 2008 by talking to a researcher who hopes to one day produce hydrogen and electricity from wastewater.

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Play the "Top Ten Science Stories of 2007" audio

Top Ten Science Stories of 2007

Publication Date

December 2007

Susan Heilman and Tim Miller, education associates at the Museum, share their personal top ten science stories of 2007.

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Play the "Stem Cell Therapy for Sickle-Cell Anemia | Maggot Therapy Goes Mainstream" audio

Stem Cell Therapy for Sickle-Cell Anemia | Maggot Therapy Goes Mainstream

Publication Date

December 2007

Today, we'll talk about using stem cells to cure sickle-cell anemia, and using maggots to clear up infection.

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Play the "Poking Cells to Detect Cancer" audio

Poking Cells to Detect Cancer

Publication Date

December 2007

On this episode, we'll learn about a new way to detect the spread of cancer based on the squishiness of cancer cells.

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Play the "Advances in Epilepsy Research" audio

Advances in Epilepsy Research

Publication Date

November 2007

This week, we'll talk to an epilepsy researcher about the latest advances in that disease.

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Play the "Silicon Chip Recovery |The Great American Smokeout" audio

Silicon Chip Recovery |The Great American Smokeout

Publication Date

November 2007

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.

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Play the "On the Path to a Pill for Diabetes" audio

On the Path to a Pill for Diabetes

Publication Date

November 2007

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.

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Play the "Stem Cells and Lung Cancer | Better Solar Panels Through the Study of Bugs" audio

Stem Cells and Lung Cancer | Better Solar Panels Through the Study of Bugs

Publication Date

November 2007

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.

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Play the "Screening for Cancer with DNA | Nanotechnology and the Nobel Prize" audio

Screening for Cancer with DNA | Nanotechnology and the Nobel Prize

Publication Date

October 2007

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.

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Play the "Record-Breaking Astronaut | Treating Cancer with RADAR" audio

Record-Breaking Astronaut | Treating Cancer with RADAR

Publication Date

October 2007

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.

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Play the "Local Conversations About the Environment | AltWheels Festival" audio

Local Conversations About the Environment | AltWheels Festival

Publication Date

October 2007

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.

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Play the "Genographic Project | Velociraptor or Turkey?" audio

Genographic Project | Velociraptor or Turkey?

Publication Date

September 2007

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.

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Play the "A New Stem-Cell Treatment for Heart Disease" audio

A New Stem-Cell Treatment for Heart Disease

Publication Date

September 2007

Today we'll hear about a promising treatment for heart disease using stem cells.

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Play the "Nano-Magnetic Sponges for Art Restoration" audio

Nano-Magnetic Sponges for Art Restoration

Publication Date

September 2007

On this episode, we'll hear how nano-magnetic sponges are being used to clean precious artwork.

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Play the "Eating With an Extra Set of Jaws | Congress Boosts Science Research" audio

Eating With an Extra Set of Jaws | Congress Boosts Science Research

Publication Date

September 2007

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.

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Play the "A Nano-Sized Solution for Getting Rid of Salt | Exploring an Underwater Unknown" audio

A Nano-Sized Solution for Getting Rid of Salt | Exploring an Underwater Unknown

Publication Date

August 2007

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.

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Play the "New Anthrax Vaccine | More Primate Confusion" audio

New Anthrax Vaccine | More Primate Confusion

Publication Date

August 2007

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.

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Play the "Cancer-Killing Viruses | Bones and Blood Sugar" audio

Cancer-Killing Viruses | Bones and Blood Sugar

Publication Date

August 2007

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.

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Play the "Fossils Force Human Evolution Re-think | California Gets Tough on Carbon" audio

Fossils Force Human Evolution Re-think | California Gets Tough on Carbon

Publication Date

August 2007

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.

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Play the "A Little Fat From Your Friends | Nanotech at the FDA" audio

A Little Fat From Your Friends | Nanotech at the FDA

Publication Date

August 2007

This week, we'll look at a study that says your friends may be making you fat, and we'll hear about the FDA's stance on nanotechnology.

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Play the "Eavesdropping on Dolphins | Treating Lung Cancer With Talc" audio

Eavesdropping on Dolphins | Treating Lung Cancer With Talc

Publication Date

July 2007

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.

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Play the "A Pill to Prevent Cholera | Studying Biodiversity" audio

A Pill to Prevent Cholera | Studying Biodiversity

Publication Date

July 2007

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?

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Play the "100th Episode: The Next Mission to Mars" audio

100th Episode: The Next Mission to Mars

Publication Date

July 2007

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.

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Play the "DNA-Filled JELLO as a Cancer Therapy" audio

DNA-Filled JELLO as a Cancer Therapy

Publication Date

July 2007

This week we'll talk to a researcher who's developing a novel cancer treatment that uses DNA encased in gelatin.

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Play the "The Science of Fireworks" audio

The Science of Fireworks

Publication Date

June 2007

Learn how fireworks have changed - and stayed the same - over the last 1000 years.

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Play the "Silicon Slips Into Biology | Listening to Your Genes" audio

Silicon Slips Into Biology | Listening to Your Genes

Publication Date

June 2007

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.

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Play the "Studying Chimpanzees" audio

Studying Chimpanzees

Publication Date

June 2007

This week, we're devoting the whole show to an interview with chimpanzee researcher Jerry De Silva.

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Play the "Using the Fight Against Spam to Digitize Books | Missing Bees Mystery" audio

Using the Fight Against Spam to Digitize Books | Missing Bees Mystery

Publication Date

May 2007

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.

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Play the "Antibiotics and Asthma | Help From Our Bacterial Friends" audio

Antibiotics and Asthma | Help From Our Bacterial Friends

Publication Date

May 2007

This episode is all about the 90% of you that isn't really you: the 100 trillion bacteria that live inside your body.

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A MUSE Award Retrospective

Publication Date

May 2007

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.

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Play the "Millions for Stem Cell Research | Your Bacteria-Fighting Skin" audio

Millions for Stem Cell Research | Your Bacteria-Fighting Skin

Publication Date

May 2007

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.

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Play the "MIT Examines the Planet | Taking the Earth's Temperature" audio

MIT Examines the Planet | Taking the Earth's Temperature

Publication Date

May 2007

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.

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Play the "Polar Update | A Trans Fat Primer" audio

Polar Update | A Trans Fat Primer

Publication Date

April 2007

On this episode, we'll get a North Pole update and take a look at the science behind trans fat.

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Play the "Unwelcome Giants in Australia" audio

Unwelcome Giants in Australia

Publication Date

April 2007

Today we'll meet a monstrous specimen of an invasive species in Australia.

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Play the "The Power of Sound | Smoking and Your Heart" audio

The Power of Sound | Smoking and Your Heart

Publication Date

April 2007

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.

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Play the "Engineering Body Parts | Understanding Potato Blight" audio

Engineering Body Parts | Understanding Potato Blight

Publication Date

April 2007

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.

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Play the "Using the "E word" | Talking Gloves for the Deaf" audio

Using the "E word" | Talking Gloves for the Deaf

Publication Date

March 2007

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.

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Play the "Faster Bacterial Detection | Viagra for Your Heart" audio

Faster Bacterial Detection | Viagra for Your Heart

Publication Date

March 2007

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.

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Play the "Amazing "Birdbrains" | Waterbirds and Wetlands" audio

Amazing "Birdbrains" | Waterbirds and Wetlands

Publication Date

March 2007

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.

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Play the "Pollution-Fueled Storms | Hydrogen Fuel From the Sun" audio

Pollution-Fueled Storms | Hydrogen Fuel From the Sun

Publication Date

March 2007

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.

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Play the "Kicking Off the International Polar Year" audio

Kicking Off the International Polar Year

Publication Date

March 2007

March first marked the beginning of the International Polar Year, a world-wide scientific program focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. So this week, we'll talk to Chris Linder from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who will be visiting some of these polar projects during the IPY.

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Play the "Going Solar at the Department of Energy | Regulating Nano in Our Backyard" audio

Going Solar at the Department of Energy | Regulating Nano in Our Backyard

Publication Date

February 2007

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.

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Play the "Deep Sea Rumblings | Understanding Migration Through Bacteria" audio

Deep Sea Rumblings | Understanding Migration Through Bacteria

Publication Date

February 2007

We've got underwater sound recordings for you this week, along with news about human migration gleaned from the study of stomach bacteria.

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Play the "Fighting Fever in South America | Measuring Microbial Motion" audio

Fighting Fever in South America | Measuring Microbial Motion

Publication Date

February 2007

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.

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Play the "Molecular Condoms to Stop the Spread of HIV" audio

Molecular Condoms to Stop the Spread of HIV

Publication Date

February 2007

Today we'll hear about a new way to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS.

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Play the "Microwave Disinfecting | Stretchy and Strong With Help From Spiders" audio

Microwave Disinfecting | Stretchy and Strong With Help From Spiders

Publication Date

January 2007

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.

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Play the "Understanding the 1918 Flu | Corn or Cardboard in Our Gas Tanks?" audio

Understanding the 1918 Flu | Corn or Cardboard in Our Gas Tanks?

Publication Date

January 2007

Today we'll get the latest on a 90-year-old flu, and examine whether corn should be going into our gas tanks.

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Play the "Cloning Mad Cow-Free Cows" audio

Cloning Mad Cow-Free Cows

Publication Date

January 2007

This week, we'll hear about genetically engineered cows that are immune to mad cow disease.

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Play the "Evolving Lactose Tolerance | "Martian" Bacteria in Mines" audio

Evolving Lactose Tolerance | "Martian" Bacteria in Mines

Publication Date

January 2007

On this week's show, we'll learn about the link between cows and human evolution. We'll also hear about "Martian" bacteria in mines and the discovery of some of the smallest organisms in the world.

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Looking Back at 2006

Publication Date

December 2006

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.

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Bacterial Weight Gain

Publication Date

December 2006

Today we've got a show about the bacteria that live inside your body and how they may influence the way you look.

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Play the "Nanotech Toolkits for Cancer | Plugging in Your Car" audio

Nanotech Toolkits for Cancer | Plugging in Your Car

Publication Date

December 2006

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.

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Play the "Diagnosis-On-a-Chip and Flowing Water on Mars" audio

Diagnosis-On-a-Chip and Flowing Water on Mars

Publication Date

December 2006

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.

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Play the "Regulating "Nano" and Unlocking the Secrets of Red Wine" audio

Regulating "Nano" and Unlocking the Secrets of Red Wine

Publication Date

November 2006

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.

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Play the "Death by Jet Lag" audio

Death by Jet Lag

Publication Date

November 2006

We've got a travel-related show this week, with a look at jet lag and its potentially dangerous results.

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Play the "Help From Chocolate Cheaters and Gas on the Moon" audio

Help From Chocolate Cheaters and Gas on the Moon

Publication Date

November 2006

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.

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Play the "Bad News for Nits and Targeted Tiny Test Tubes" audio

Bad News for Nits and Targeted Tiny Test Tubes

Publication Date

November 2006

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 could be filled with anti-cancer agents and directly targeted to tumors.

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Play the "Breaking the Knock Barrier with Ethanol" audio

Breaking the Knock Barrier with Ethanol

Publication Date

November 2006

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 Institute of Technology working with engineers at Ford believe they can tame knock with a cool idea involving ethanol and what happens when it evaporates.

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Play the "The Brain's Role in Feeling Full and Shaking Breasts to Detect Cancer" audio

The Brain's Role in Feeling Full and Shaking Breasts to Detect Cancer

Publication Date

October 2006

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.

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Play the "Hopes for Space Rise from Basements, Backyards" audio

Hopes for Space Rise from Basements, Backyards

Publication Date

October 2006

A NASA-sponsored competition to develop technology necessary for a new method of lifting objects in earth orbit gets under way in Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Play the "Toxic Injections to Prevent Scars and the Sound of Cancer" audio

Toxic Injections to Prevent Scars and the Sound of Cancer

Publication Date

October 2006

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.

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Play the "Nanotech Anthrax-Catchers and a Different Look at Ant Colonies" audio

Nanotech Anthrax-Catchers and a Different Look at Ant Colonies

Publication Date

October 2006

On this episode, we'll hear about a way to trap and detect anthrax spores using sugar-coated carbon nanotubes, and we'll talk to a researcher who studies ants by filling their nests with molten metal.

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Play the "Four-Winged Dinosaurs and Human-Fueled Hurricanes" audio

Four-Winged Dinosaurs and Human-Fueled Hurricanes

Publication Date

October 2006

Today we'll update the image of a well-known dinosaur, and we'll hear about a study that firmly places the blame for more-powerful hurricanes on us.

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Play the "New Breast Imaging Technology and a Very Old Toddler" audio

New Breast Imaging Technology and a Very Old Toddler

Publication Date

September 2006

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we'll take an extended look at breast imaging technology with a radiologist, and then we'll spend a few minutes talking about the newly announced oldest hominid child fossil.

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Play the "Traffic-Tracking Telephones and Wired-up Neurons" audio

Traffic-Tracking Telephones and Wired-up Neurons

Publication Date

September 2006

On this week's show, we'll learn about a new way your cell phone could keep you out of traffic jams, and we'll hear about how researchers at Harvard are bringing us one step closer to becoming one with technology.

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Play the "A Nanotech DVD Upgrade and Cancer-Fighting War Paint" audio

A Nanotech DVD Upgrade and Cancer-Fighting War Paint

Publication Date

September 2006

Today we'll hear about how nano-antennas could lead to better DVDs, and how a weed could treat breast cancer.

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Play the "The Future of Space Exploration" audio

The Future of Space Exploration

Publication Date

September 2006

This week, we're doing a special on the future of space exploration with former astronaut Jeff Hoffman.

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Play the "Tasting Sourness and Super-Fast Ants" audio

Tasting Sourness and Super-Fast Ants

Publication Date

September 2006

This week, we'll get a better understanding of why lemons give you that "sourpuss" look, and we'll hear about some record-breaking insects.

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Play the "Oil-Eating Bacteria and the Problems with Pluto" audio

Oil-Eating Bacteria and the Problems with Pluto

Publication Date

August 2006

Today we'll hear about a breakthrough in the work to use oil-eating bacteria to clean up oil spills. We will also have Owen Gingerich, chairman of the International Astronomical Union's Planet Definition Committee, to give us a definitive look at the announcement that we really only have eight planets in our solar system.

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Play the "Golden Cancer Therapy and Tiny Volcanoes" audio

Golden Cancer Therapy and Tiny Volcanoes

Publication Date

August 2006

Today we'll examine a new way to treat cancer using gold, glass, and light; we'll hear about the discovery of miniature volcanoes on the ocean floor; and since our look at Venus last week was so popular, we'll get another update from the world of space.

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Play the "Darwin's Evolving Finches and a Possible Distant Earth" audio

Darwin's Evolving Finches and a Possible Distant Earth

Publication Date

August 2006

Today we'll hear about new evolution work being done on Darwin's finches, and we'll look at a computer simulation that may point us toward another planet a lot like the Earth

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Play the ""Mad Human Disease" and a Breast Cancer Vaccine" audio

"Mad Human Disease" and a Breast Cancer Vaccine

Publication Date

July 2006

Today we'll hear about the human form of Mad Cow Disease - there's a new type, and a new test for it. Also this week: trials of a new vaccine for breast cancer.

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Play the "Understanding a Smoking Hazard and a Biofuel Report Card" audio

Understanding a Smoking Hazard and a Biofuel Report Card

Publication Date

July 2006

Today we'll learn about the effects of nicotine on developing fetuses and examine whether biofuels are really good for the environment.

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Play the "Inflatable Space Stations and Astronaut Training" audio

Inflatable Space Stations and Astronaut Training

Publication Date

July 2006

We're focused on space this week. We'll talk to the program manger of an inflatable space station project, and have a real astronaut on to tell us what it takes to get to ride on the Space Shuttle.

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Play the "Dangers of DDT and a Space Shuttle Status Report" audio

Dangers of DDT and a Space Shuttle Status Report

Publication Date

July 2006

We've got a Space Shuttle Update from NASA for you this week, as well as a look at some newly discovered dangers of the already nasty pesticide DDT.

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Play the "Scorpions for Cancer Therapy and Space Elevator Contests" audio

Scorpions for Cancer Therapy and Space Elevator Contests

Publication Date

June 2006

This week, we'll cover a scary-sounding but effective treatment for brain cancer, and a pair of contests with the aim of producing an elevator to space.

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Play the "Nanotech Rainwear and Carbon Dioxide-Enhanced Vines" audio

Nanotech Rainwear and Carbon Dioxide-Enhanced Vines

Publication Date

June 2006

This week, we'll find out about a new fabric that could find a home in your camping gear, as well as on the battlefield. We'll also talk about the effects of increased carbon dioxide on our forests.

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Play the "Herpes Breakthrough and Lightning Safety" audio

Herpes Breakthrough and Lightning Safety

Publication Date

June 2006

Today we'll hear about a new understanding of herpes that may one day lead to a cure, and we'll welcome summer and its outdoor recreation with advice on lightning safety.

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Play the "Ethanol Advances and Mini “Solar Systems”" audio

Ethanol Advances and Mini “Solar Systems”

Publication Date

June 2006

Hear about a way to make cleaner gasoline with a little help from elephant dung, and Adam will take a turn as guest to tell you about some strange new things in space.

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Play the "Surgery on Barbaro and Lego Sensors" audio

Surgery on Barbaro and Lego Sensors

Publication Date

June 2006

This week, we'll start with a look at the cutting edge veterinary technology behind the treatment of injured Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. After that, we'll hear about some toys that could have all of us building scientific instruments out of Legos.

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Play the "Sex Changes for Oxygen and Nanotech Cancer Research" audio

Sex Changes for Oxygen and Nanotech Cancer Research

Publication Date

May 2006

Learn about some fish that actually change their sex in water that's not to their liking, and hear from a researcher who uses tiny nanoparticles to detect cancer in its earliest stages.

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Play the "Rethinking Breast Cancer and Greener Solar Panels" audio

Rethinking Breast Cancer and Greener Solar Panels

Publication Date

May 2006

On this episode, we'll hear about a study that could change the way we treat breast cancer, and we'll take a look at a greener way to make solar panels.

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Play the "Time Travel and the Future of Energy" audio

Time Travel and the Future of Energy

Publication Date

May 2006

Hear an interview with a researcher who thinks we may be sending humans back in time by the end of this century, and get a report from a big energy conference just ending at MIT.

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Play the "Liquid Nano-armor and Drilling for Gabbros" audio

Liquid Nano-armor and Drilling for Gabbros

Publication Date

May 2006

Our show this week takes a look at nanotech armor and a very very deep hole in the Earth's crust.

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Play the "Vasectomy Verification" audio

Vasectomy Verification

Publication Date

April 2006

We've got a bit shorter show this week because of the Doctors Without Borders episode we put out yesterday, but we wanted to do at least one segment on current research for you, so we picked something in honor of the season.

Spring — for some — brings thoughts of the birds and the bees, but not necessarily of little children running around. So, with that in mind, we'd like to talk about a new study on vasectomies, just published this month.

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Play the "Uranium Enrichment and Rodent Relationships" audio

Uranium Enrichment and Rodent Relationships

Publication Date

April 2006

On this episode, we'll look how genes can effect our relationships, and we'll try to fill in some of the science that's been missing from all of the news coverage of uranium enrichment in Iran.

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Play the "Oil From Farms and a DNA Detective" audio

Oil From Farms and a DNA Detective

Publication Date

April 2006

This week, we'll look at how the leftovers from what you eat might soon be in your gas tank. We'll also get a visit from an MIT researcher who'll tell us about some DNA detective work he's doing on tiny ocean organisms.

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Play the "Potential Planets Around Dead Stars and a New Missing Link" audio

Potential Planets Around Dead Stars and a New Missing Link

Publication Date

April 2006

We've got two big stories to cover on this week's show. We'll start by talking to an MIT scientist about his recent discovery of planet-building material in the remnants of a dead star. Then, we'll discuss a breakthrough fossil discovery with one of the Museum's fossil experts.

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Play the "A Taste for Fat and Caffeine In Your Genes" audio

A Taste for Fat and Caffeine In Your Genes

Publication Date

March 2006

Hear about research into how and what you taste when you eat, and then look at whether a coffee habit could lead to a heart attack.

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Play the "World Water Day and Light Pollution" audio

World Water Day and Light Pollution

Publication Date

March 2006

Join us for a look at the world's drinking water, then hear about a research study that asks you to do a little stargazing.

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Play the "Desert Craters and Kenyan Public Health" audio

Desert Craters and Kenyan Public Health

Publication Date

March 2006

This week, we interview a prominent geologist about his recent discovery of a giant impact crater in the Sahara Desert, and then we hear the former public health officer of Kenya talk about his experiences dealing with disease in Africa.

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Play the "Water on Saturn's Enceladus and Confusing News About Fat" audio

Water on Saturn's Enceladus and Confusing News About Fat

Publication Date

March 2006

We talk about the recently announced evidence for liquid water on one of Saturn's moons with a member of the Cassini Team, and try to clear up some confusion caused by a recent study about what should be for dinner.

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Play the "Cave-Diving Under the Yucatan" audio

Cave-Diving Under the Yucatan

Publication Date

March 2006

This week we're devoting the whole show to an true explorer who SCUBA dives into pitch-black, water-filled caves under Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Our guest was recently the subject of a BBC documentary entitled “Secrets of the Maya Underworld,” and we're lucky enough to have caught him while he was up here in New England.

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Play the "Pollution Studies and Learning the Future of Men from Chimps" audio

Pollution Studies and Learning the Future of Men from Chimps

Publication Date

February 2006

We start with a look at pollution: both the impact that pollution has on you, and the impact you may have on pollution. Then, a guest scientist tells us about her research into whether or not men may one day disappear from the human race.

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Play the "Abundant Microbes and a Musical Guest" audio

Abundant Microbes and a Musical Guest

Publication Date

February 2006

We start by taking a look at some tiny creatures who may be able to help us take a really big view of our planet. In the second half, we have our first guest artist. He uses computer technology to create unique musical compositions.

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Play the "Saving Your Ears and Dating the Earth" audio

Saving Your Ears and Dating the Earth

Publication Date

February 2006

This week we have a quick look at how iPods and other players can damage your hearing. Then we have a guest from MIT who gives us a close look at how we measure the age of the Earth, and how some of those tools can teach us a lot about the history of life on our planet.

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Play the "Forest Health and the Inner Workings of Alzheimer's" audio

Forest Health and the Inner Workings of Alzheimer's

Publication Date

January 2006

Guest scientist Barry Rock from UNH talks about measuring forest health and a way you can help. Also, the Museum's Cheryl Wojciechowski talks to a Harvard researcher about some of the the inner workings of Alzheimer's disease, and they use that information to examine some hopeful directions research is taking.

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Play the "Space Update: Stardust Returns Comet Samples and New Horizons Heads to Pluto" audio

Space Update: Stardust Returns Comet Samples and New Horizons Heads to Pluto

Publication Date

January 2006

News from NASA this week with the Stardust probe landing comet samples in Utah and the launch of New Horizons, the first ever mission to Pluto.

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Play the "Ben Franklin at 300 and the Origins of Complex Life" audio

Ben Franklin at 300 and the Origins of Complex Life

Publication Date

January 2006

Take a look at Benjamin Franklin on his 300th birthday. Also, hear about the interactions between ancient life on Earth and the planet itself with a guest researcher from MIT.

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