PRI's The World: Science
By Public Radio International
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Podcast Description
Each week, The World's Rhitu Chatterjee brings you the latest and greatest science news from all four corners of the globe. The World is a US-based international news and analysis program co-produced by the BBC, PRI, and WGBH.
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1 |
Long-term Effects of Brain Trauma, Historic Albert Schweitzer Hospital Adapts to New Africa | A new study shows that the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries among veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are more serious than previously thought. Historic Albert Schweitzer hospital adapts to new Africa. Nomadic herders in Mongolia are trying to adapt to climate change. | 5/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
Documenting Consequences of Shifting Seasons, Can Corals Survive Warmer Waters? | As seasons shift due to a warming planet, Dutch scientists are trying to track winners, losers and ecological relationships that are getting out of whack. When it comes to climate change, corals reefs are often thought of as the canary in the coal mine. But that view is changing as scientists study certain coral species that are resilient to higher temperatures. And an international team of scientists is trying to find a rare white killer that was first spotted in the North Pacific ocean about two years ago. | 4/30/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
Evidence of Early Fire Use in South African Cave, Baby Woolly Mammoth Carcass in Siberia | Exactly when human beings started using fire has been a matter of debate. Now an international team of scientists examining a cave in South Africa has found evidence that ancestors of modern humans used fire a million years ago. Also, a French scientist is exploring the chemical ingredients of the world's oceans. | 4/5/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Tracing Ancestry with DNA, Gene Test Offers Whiff of Hope | Until recently, people interested in their family history relied on relatives or archives for genealogical information. These days, they can also look to DNA testing for clues about their ancestry. We have a story of one person who decided to see what she could learn from her genes. Genetic tests allow doctors to diagnose disease, but the knowledge of what’s in your DNA doesn’t always help in the way one might hope. | 3/30/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Fukushima's Hot Zone, Ancient Nomads, Death-Row Organs | A visit to the Fukushima hot zone. Unearthing an ancient nomadic culture in Central Asia. And China takes life-saving organs from executed prisoners. | 3/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
An Artist Who Hears Colors, Scientists Rescue Frogs in ‘Amphibian Arks,’ New Clues Explain An Ancient Shipwreck | Color-blind artist, Neil Harbisson uses sounds to see colors. He’s able to do this using a high-tech headset designed specifically for him. Nearly a year after the Fukushima disaster, a new report finds that the country was much closer to a bigger nuclear calamity than was known at the time. In Panama, scientists are racing to find and save frogs before they succumb to a virulent fungus that’s been killing amphibians around the world. Researchers in Stockholm have now conducted a detailed examination of a17th century Swedish warship and have found new clues as to why it sank. | 2/29/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
Sea Turtle Poaching in China, Can You Taste the Difference Between the Sounds? Goats Have Accents Too | The Chinese have a taste for turtle, and that’s led to a rise in poaching endangered sea turtles off the coast of the Philippines. British researchers find that what music you listen to while eating can influence the taste of your food. It’s a little bit like the rare condition called synesthesia, where people’s senses get a little mixed up. Also, it turns out that humans aren’t the only animals with accents. A new study says goats have accents too. | 2/24/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
Humans Increasing Global Plant Diversity, Introduce Elephants and Rhinos in Australia? Earworms-Tunes that Get Stuck in our Hea | We’ve all heard how human beings are damaging the planet’s biodiversity and driving species to extinction. That isn’t always the case, says a new study. At least for plants, it finds that humans have increased the diversity of species in many places across the globe. Also, an Australian scientist proposes a radical solution to the country’s problems with an invasive grass species. We’ve all experienced what its like to have a tune stuck in our heads, playing and replaying in never-ending loops. I explore the science behind these sticky tunes, or these so-called ‘earworms.’ | 2/10/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
Scientist Warned of Tsunami in Japan, Gabon’s Eco-tourism Efforts Stumble, Publishing Negative Results in Medical Research | Long before the tsunami hit Japan last year, paleontologist Koji Minoura had been warning of the danger. We hear how Minoura knew that such a tsunami was overdue. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has published an editorial criticising the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry for selectively publishing results of clinical trials. BMJ editor-in-chief Fiona Godlee and Oxford University neuroscientist Colin Blakemore discuss the issue. Also, Gabon’s decade-long eco-tourism efforts stumble. | 1/20/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
Stephen Hawking on the Future of Humankind, Lake Kivu’s Energy Promises | The renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking turns 70 this Sunday. Hear Hawking answering listener questions about the future of humankind. Also, Hawking’s biographer and one of his former students tell us more about him as a person. Lake Kivu in Rwanda is full of dissolved methane that could explode if it escapes from the lake. The Rwandan government is trying to reduce that threat by using the gas as a source of energy. | 1/6/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
Listening to the Deep Sea, Illegal Bird Trapping in Cyprus, Saudi Company Invests in Rice Production in Ethiopia | Scientists and the general public are listening to the deep ocean, to whales, dolphins, under water volcanoes and people drilling for oil. But that has some worried. As many as 2 million songbirds a year are killed in the Mediterranean country, most to be eaten as a delicacy in local restaurants. A Saudi Arabian company has leased tens of thousands of acres in western Ethiopia to grow rice for export. The Ethiopian government says it will help provide food security for its citizens, but some who live in the region, say they’re not seeing any benefits. | 12/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
Mystery Kidney Disease in Central America, New Bird Flu Research Sparks Terrorism Fears, Beethoven’s Deafness Influenced his | An epidemic of chronic kidney disease is sweeping across Central America. Scientists don’t know the cause, but they think it may be related to working conditions in sugarcane fields. Scientists studying how bird flu is transmitted between mammals, have created a new strain that can pass easily between ferrets. But U.S. authorities are asking the researchers not to publish all their findings lest the data should be used by terrorists. Also, a new study suggests that Beethoven’s deafness profoundly influenced his compositions. | 12/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
Climate Talks Face Stalemate, Sea Level Rise Speeds Up, Satellites Reveal Violence Along Sudan's Border | The big U.N. climate conference in Durban, South Africa is due to end today. For the past two weeks world leaders have been negotiating over proposals for a new global treaty to set binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions. We hear about the possibility of leaders signing a new treaty by the time the meeting ends. We’ll also hear about the latest science on sea level rise. And a new project using satellite imagery reveals violence along the border between Sudan and South Sudan. | 12/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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14 |
New Report On the Fukushima Disaster, DNA Technology Counters Overfishing, How Ants Wage War | The disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Japan is now considered the second worst nuclear accident in history. A new report by an American organization provides an in-depth look at the accident. To counter overfishing, some European scientists have turned to DNA technology. When it comes to waging war, we humans devote a lot of time and resources to it. So do ants. And according to ant researcher Mark Moffett, humans and ants fight in similar ways. | 11/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
Crowdsourcing Darwin’s Study on Human Emotions, Climate Change Affects Ugandan Coffee Cultivation | A computer scientist at Cambridge University is training computers to read human facial expressions like boredom, frustration, or anger. To do that, he is doing a modern version of an experiment on human emotions by Charles Darwin. A new study shows the size of our social circles affects the size and function of certain parts of the brain. And climate change is affecting coffee cultivation in Uganda. | 11/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
World Population at Seven Billion, A Dutch Science Scandal | On October 31st, world population reached seven billion. A story about why our impact on the planet isn’t just about numbers. A conversation with a scientist about how to feed our growing population while reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture. We compare and contrast the family planning programs in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Also, a Dutch science scandal that has shocked social scientists around the world. | 11/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Malaria Vaccine Trial Brings Good News, The Dying Trees of France’s Canal du Midi | Field trials of a malaria vaccine shows the vaccine can half the risk of disease. France’s Canal du Midi is lined with majestic trees that are now dying. We explore water wars in a different part of Australia–the Outback. | 10/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
Oldest Known Paint Workshop, Australia’s Water Wars | Archaeologists excavating a cave in South Africa have found what may be the oldest known paint workshop. The battle for water grows in Australia’s heartland. A geneticist and an author discuss the biological and social aspects of race. | 10/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Promoting Happiness as Public Policy, Prehistoric Cave Art by Kids | Michael Pennock is a Canadian scientist who helped Bhutan develop its Gross National Happiness Index. He has since convinced his home town, Victoria, British Columbia to develop its own happiness index. Pennock’s work is part of a global effort to look beyond economic growth as a measure of societal progress. He’s also the guest in our latest Science Forum. Stop by and join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/forum/happiness-index-well-being-bhutan-canada-victoria-michael-pennock/. Also, archaeologists have found a cave in France that may have served as a prehistoric nursery. Of the artwork on the cave’s walls are some finger drawings by children. | 10/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
Israel’s Oil Dream, Laughter Fights Pain, Italian Scientists on Trial | A company has stumbled upon vast oil reserves in Israel. But plans to extract petroleum from the reserves have set off an environmental battle. A new study shows that laughter is indeed the best medicine. A group of Italian scientists went on trial for manslaughter for failing to inform residents of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. | 9/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
Resilience of Trauma Survivors, Improving Tsunami Warning Systems, Reviving Ancient Incan Agriculture | Studies on survivors of 9/11 and other large-scale disasters are giving researchers clues to what makes some people psychologically resilient. Scientists are using a network of cabled deep sea observatories in the Pacific Ocean to improve existing tsunami warning systems. And climate change has spurred the revival of ancient agricultural practices in Peru. | 9/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
Amazon Atlases, Hot Weather and Conflict, Galapagos Creationists | Indigenous villagers in Guyana team up with international scientists to study and map the Amazonian landscape. A new study finds a strong correlation between dry conditions and conflict in the tropics. The animals of Galapagos islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. But the islands’ current residents are mostly creationists. | 9/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
Food Crisis in East Africa, What Constitutes a Famine? Saturn's Giant Storm | We bring you news about the severe food crisis in East Africa. Newspapers are calling it a famine. We learn why experts aren't ready to use that label yet. We learn about a giant storm in Saturn's northern hemisphere. And a musician tells us about his album on planets. | 7/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
The History of Coconut Domestication, Beauty in the Brain of the Beholder | A genetic analysis of the coconut has revealed that it was domesticated twice, in two different parts of the globe. Brazilian officials have stumbled upon a previously unknown indigenous group in the Amazon. Scientists have found the part of the brain that is involved in our perception of beauty. Our Science Forum discussion with epidemiologist William Foege about ways to control or eradicate deadly diseases continues through next Tuesday, June 12th. Join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/. | 7/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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25 |
End of Rinderpest, How Smallpox Was Eradicated | You'll hear about the second time in history that a disease has been eradicated. The disease is Rinderpest, which is German for 'cattle plague.' We also hear about the first disease to be eradicated. That was smallpox, a disease that had plagued humankind for centuries. One of the scientists who led the global effort to eradicate small pox, William Foege is the guest in our latest Science Forum discussion. Click here to join the discussion: http://www.world-science.org/. Also, we hear from listener Catrine Bergeron in Barcelona. | 6/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
Voyager 1 Approaches Interstellar Space, Zombie Lady Bugs | Voyager 1 spacecraft is already at the edge of our solar system and approaching interstellar space. Parasitic wasp larvae turn ladybugs into zombies. An update on an old scientific battle over bias in science, and it involves a study of human skulls. A psychologist talks about music she heard in a remote part of Namibia. Our Science Forum discussion about the search for aliens continues through next Wednesday, June 29th. Join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/. | 6/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
Wally: A Deep Sea Robot, Argentine Space Mission, Search for Alien Life | Remember the 2008 Pixar movie Wall-E? Wall-E was a robot from the distant future. Now, there's a real life Wally (but spelled with a Y at the end). This one resides in the deep ocean, and is helping scientists understand the deep sea environment. Also, news about a space collaboration between the U.S. and Argentina. We've launched a new Science Forum discussion about the search for extra terrestrial life. Join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/. | 6/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
Toilet Tales: Part 2 | This is Part2 of our series, Toilet Tales. We'll hear about a move to provide composting toilets to solve Haiti's sanitation crisis. Then, a group of business students at MIT develop a prize-winning sanitation solution. Also, our online Science Forum discussion about toilets with Arno Rosemarin continues through Tuesday, June 14th. Join our conversation at http://theworld.org/science | 6/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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29 |
Toilet Tales: Part 1 | This episode is all about toilets. Why? Because even today – in the 21st century, one-third of the world does not have access to proper sanitation. You'll hear two stories – one from China, the other from India – about efforts to solve each country's sanitation problems. Toilets are also the topic of our new Science Forum discussion. Our guest is Arno Rosemarin of the Stockholm Environment Institute is sharing his thoughts about innovative ways to solve the world's sanitation crisis. Join our conversation at http://theworld.org/science | 6/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
Floods Help the Australian Outback, Inside Iceland's Ash Cloud, Panorama of the Night Sky | We explore how last year's floods helped the Australian Outback. An Icelandic volcano has erupted leading to disruptions in nearly 500 flights. We peer inside the volcanic ash cloud and learn why it is a threat to aircrafts. We meet the photographer who created the first and largest-ever 360 degree panorama of the night sky. Also, we're still talking about eating insects with Dutch entomologist Arnold Van Huis. Join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/. | 5/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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31 |
The Case for Eating Insects, Greenland's Melting Ice Sheets, Wolves in Catalonia | Colombians are feasting on a spring delicacy: big-butt ants. Dutch entomologist Arnold van Huis wants us all to consider eating insects. "They're just delicious!" he says. Plus eating them is good for the planet. Van Huis is also the guest in our latest online Science Forum. Bring your questions, thoughts and insect recipes to the conversation. It's on our website: http://www.world-science.org/ Scientists are trying to figure out the pace of changes in Greenland where ice is melting fast. And wolves have returned to Catalonia, but are causing residents some trouble. | 5/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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32 |
Evolution of Leeches, Rapidly Melting Cryosphere | We meet a scientist with an unusual passion: leeches. Mark Siddall, is a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, and he explains how understanding the blood-sucking behaviour of leeches can benefit humans. Also, a new report that documents alarming rate of melting in the cryosphere (the frozen regions of our planet). | 5/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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33 |
Climate Change in the Himalayas, Predicting Bin Laden's Whereabouts, Right-handed Neanderthals | People living in the Himalayas are already experiencing climate change, according to a new study. Scientists find evidence that Neanderthals were right-handed. Geographer Thomas Gillespie talks about using ecological methods to predict the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden. Gillespie is also taking your questions in our latest Science Forum. Join the discussion at http://ow.ly/4OfE0. And check out our new SciTech website at http://theworld.org/science | 5/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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34 |
Cancer Numbers in Chernobyl, Brazil Invests in Science, Hungry Judges | A new analysis by the watchdog group Union of Concerned Scientists provides new numbers for cancer deaths in Chernobyl. Brazil lures back ex-pat scientists working in the U.S. Judges' decisions may be influenced by whether or not they are hungry, according to a recent study. And check out our new SciTech website at http://theworld.org/science | 4/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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35 |
Alien Invaders, India Rethinks Nuclear Energy Plan, Language Evolution | Two new studies highlight characteristics that may help alien plants and animals become invasive. India rethinks its nuclear energy ambitions. A new study shows what we might have known all along-human language originated in Africa. Yet another study suggests that rules of grammar are far from universal. My colleague Patrick Cox, the host of The World's language podcast (The World in Words) gives us some perspective on the new findings on language evolution. | 4/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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36 |
Gagarin's Legacy, Soviet Space Memorabilia, Disordered Surroundings | Fifty years ago, the Soviets sent the first human into space. And the cosmonaut who orbited the Earth for the first time was Yuri Gagarin. We hear about Gagarin's legacy in Russia and elsewhere, and about Soviet space memorabilia. A new Dutch study suggests disordered surroundings breed discrimination. Study author, Siegwart Lindenberg is taking your questions in our latest Science Forum discussion. Click here to join the discussion: http://www.world-science.org/forum/disorder-breeds-discrimination-stereotyping-netherlands-siegwart-lindenberg-stapel/ Also, a surprise visit from one of my fellow podcasters at The World. | 4/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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37 |
Worries for Argentine Soy Farmers, The Golden Mole's Ears, Peering into Antarctic Ice | Argentine soy farmers are caught between worries about the weather and Wall Street speculations. We peek inside the ears of the Golden mole, a blind predator that lives in the Namib desert. Scientists are drilling down an Antarctic glacier for clues to the past and future of the continent's climate. Our online conversation with Belgian astrophysicist Freija Descamps about life at the South Pole ends tomorrow, Thursday, April 7th. Stop by our website to check out that conversation: http://www.world-science.org/forum/life-south-pole-scott-freija-descamps-amundsen-antarctica/. | 4/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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38 |
Changing Antarctic Ecosystem, Bushmeat Black Market in Paris, Scrutinizing Global Nuclear Safety | Climate change is rapidly altering the Antarctic ecosystem. Our online conversation with Belgian astrophysicist Freija Descamps about life at the South Pole continues through next week. Click here to join the conversation: http://www.world-science.org/forum/life-south-pole-scott-freija-descamps-amundsen-antarctica/. We hear about a thriving bushmeat black market in Paris. And how countries around the world are scrutinizing nuclear safety. | 3/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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39 |
Remembering a Doomed Antarctic Expedition, Life and Science at the South Pole. | Scientists are debating the legacy of a doomed British expedition to the South Pole, which took place a century ago. Today, the Antarctic is a laboratory for all sorts of science. In fact, a small group of researchers are spending the entire winter at the South Pole right now. We hear from one of them – Belgian astrophysicist, Freija Descamps. She is also taking your questions in our latest Science Forum discussion about life and science in the Antarctic. | 3/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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40 |
Japan's Nuclear Emergency, History of Tsunamis, Ecuador's Bushmeat Market. | Last Friday's earthquake has caused meltdown of reactors at a Japanese nuclear power plant. We learn about the radiation exposure faced by the plant's workers. The earthquake also triggered a massive tsunami. Geologist Brian Atwater tells us about the history of such quakes and tsunamis in Japan and elsewhere. Atwater is also the guest in our latest Science Forum discussion. Bring your questions about tsunamis – ancient and recent – to the conversation. It's at http://theworld.org/science. Also in this episode, a story about booming bushmeat trade in an Ecuadorian rainforest. | 3/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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41 |
Melting Permafrost, Dengue in Malaysia, Tiger Shark Navigation | A recent report says that climate change is rapidly thawing permanently frozen ground in the Arctic. Infectious water-borne diseases can also occur in well-planned, modern cities, like the Malaysian city of Putrajaya. Researchers unravel secrets of tiger shark navigation in the Pacific Ocean. | 3/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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42 |
Bilingual Babies, Bringing Solar Power to Tanzania | New research is revealing some fascinating facts about how bilingual babies process language. Most people in Tanzania don't have access to electricity. Some people want to change that by bringing solar power to rural Tanzania. Also, our online conversation with Dartmouth business professor, Chris Trimble is still on. He's talking about education and innovation in our latest Science Forum discussion. You can join the conversation with him at http://theworld.org/science. | 3/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Japanese Educators Make Science Cool, Innovating Our Way to Prosperity, A Place Called 'Hell' | Young people in Japan are turning away from careers in science and technology. Japanese educators are trying to change that by making science cool. Here in the U.S., President Obama wants to boost investment in science and education and research. But can investments in science education ensure innovation and economic prosperity? We hear from Chris Trimble, a business professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Trimble's also the guest in our latest Science Forum discussion. You can join the conversation with him at http://theworld.org/science. Then, we take you to a place called 'Hell.' | 3/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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44 |
Keeping Time in Clocks and Our Brains, Court Convicts Chevron for Polluting Ecuador | Physicists want more precise alternatives to atomic clocks. Psychologists and neuroscientists are unravelling the mysteries of how our brains perceive time. A court in Ecuador has found the American oil giant Chevron guilty of contaminating a vast swath of the country's forest. The Great Backyard Bird Count starts this weekend. Sheril Kirshenbaum is still taking questions on the science of kissing in our Science Forum discussion. | 2/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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45 |
The Science and History of Kissing, Global Rise in Obesity | Author Sheril Kirshenbaum talks about her new book, The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us. She's also taking your thoughts and questions in our latest Science Forum discussion. So bring your kissing stories and questions to the conversation. Also, a new report documents a rise in obesity globally. | 2/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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46 |
Cameroon Battles Brain Drain, Saving Sacred Seeds, France's Wild Boar Problem | Concern over brain drain prompts Cameroon to lure ex-pats back home. Scientists at the Missouri Botanical Garden are collaborating with traditional healers around the world to document and conserve medicinal plants. Archaeologists are worried over potential looting of antiquities in Egypt. France struggles to cope with an explosion of wild boars. | 2/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Seth Mnookin's 'The Panic Virus', Anti-Vaccination Campaign Causes Resurgence of Infectious Diseases in Europe and the U.S. | A 1998 study published in the journal, The Lancet spurred a widespread anti-vaccination campaign in the U.S. and Europe. The study, which has since been retracted claimed to connect the MMR vaccine with autism. The story behind the anti-vaccination campaign is told in a new book called The Panic Virus: A True Story of Medicine, Science and Fear. The author is journalist Seth Mnookin, and he tells the stories of parents of autistic children who believe the vaccine-autism link, and of parents whose children have suffered or died from vaccine-preventable diseases. Mnookin is taking your questions on our website. Join the conversation at theworld.org/science. | 1/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Cane Rat is Cameroonian Delicacy, Scientists Race to Drill Lost Antarctic Lake | Cameroonian government is promoting the domestication of cane rats. Americans volunteer for a U.S. army malaria vaccine trial. And Russian researchers may be close to drilling the lost Antarctic lake, Vostok. Also, don't forget to check out our ongoing online discussion with geologist Roger Bilham. He's taking questions on how to make cities corruption- and earthquake-proof. Join the conversation at theworld.org/science. | 1/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Haiti: Another Earthquake? Dealing with the Cholera Outbreak | Geologists on the possibility of future earthquakes in Haiti. Geophysicist Roger Bilham talks about the link between corruption in countries and the deaths from earthquakes. He's taking your questions about ways to make cities corruption- and earthquake-proof in our latest Science Forum discussion. Join the conversation at theworld.org/science. We learn how Haiti's dealing with the cholera outbreak. | 1/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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50 |
Our 100th Episode, Cacao and Strawberry Genomes Sequenced, Click Languages | It’s our 100th episode. We bring you news about cacao and strawberry genomes. And a preview of stories you’ll hear later this year. We also re-trace our steps from the 1st episode and bring you updates on old stories on click languages and champagne bubbles. Don’t miss this special video from The World newsroom on our website, theworld.org/science | 1/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Neuroscience of Magic | Brain researchers, Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde talk about their new book, Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals About our Everyday Deceptions. The book describes the results of an unusual scientific collaboration—between neuroscientists and magicians. Makcnik and Martinez-Conde are also taking your questions online till January 12th, 2011. Join the conversation here http://theworld.org/science. And don't miss the music from Bangladeshi singer Anusheh Anadil at the end of the show. Happy New Year! | 12/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Medical Rationing in Disasters, Hidden Forms of Rationing, Harvard Ethicist on Health Care Rationing in the U.S. | We continue our series on health care rationing. Hidden forms of rationing affects AIDS patients in Zambia. An Indian doctor's creative thinking helped avoid the need to ration during the swine flu pandemic. Harvard ethicist Daniel Wikler on medical rationing in the U.S. Wikler is also our guest in the latest Science Forum discussion. He's taking listener questions along with reporter Sheri Fink. Click here to join the conversation http://theworld.org/science | 12/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Smelly Socks for Malaria Control, A South African Committee Rations Health Care, Haiti's Cholera Outbreak | Scientists recruit smelly socks in their fight against malaria. A South African committee decides who will receive life-saving medical treatments. The story is the first in our four-part series exploring health care rationing around the world. Scientists are divided over the cause of Haiti's cholera outbreak. | 12/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December 8, 2010: China's Coal Habit, Coal Use in the U.S., Stem Cell Rap | China is likely to remain stuck with coal for several decades. But what about the U.S? Journalist Jeff Goodell gives us some perspective on America's dependence on coal and how that's influencing global climate negotiations. Goodell is the author of 'Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future,' and he's taking your questions and comments in our latest Science Forum discussion. Join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/forum/coal-china-us-climate-change-energy/. And a stem cell biologist who likes rapping. | 12/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December 1, 2010: The Cost of Coal in China, Discrimination in France, Ancient Conch Shells | The World's Mary Kay Magistad looks at the human and environmental costs of China's dependence on coal. Elsa brings news about discrimination against Muslims in France, and ancient conch shells discovered in Peru. | 12/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November 24, 2010: A Glimmer of Hope for the Atlantic Cod? Decline in Global Fisheries, 'Written in Ston | An update on the status of the Atlantic cod fishery, twenty years since it collapsed. Elsewhere in the world fisheries are facing a serious threat from overfishing. We speak with fisheries economist Rashid Sumaila. He's taking your questions in our latest online discussion. Join the conversation at http://www.world-science.org/forum/marine-fishery-cod-atlantic-decline-consumer-seafood/. A brief chat with author of the new book, 'Written in Stone: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Our Place In Nature.' Happy Thanksgiving! | 11/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November 17,2010: The Wildcat of Scotland, A Cuba-U.S. Collaboration, Visualizing Time | Efforts to save the endangered wildcat of Scotland. American and Cuban scientists collaborate to study the Gulf of Mexico. An Australian aboriginal group visualizes time using cardinal directions. Co-operating to share resources. | 11/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November 12, 2010: CSI in 19th Century France, Bird-friendly Coffee, Our Continuing Online Conversation | A 19th century French serial killer and the birth of forensic science. Coffee plantations endanger bird populations. What consumers can do to help or hurt those birds. And don't forget to stop by our ongoing online discussion about nuclear energy. It's at http://www.world-science.org/ | 11/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November 08,2010: Nuclear Energy in India and Asia | India has ambitious plans for nuclear energy. But there are a couple of road bumps along that road. Princeton University's M.V. Ramana speaks to Marco Werman about the implications of Asia's rush to expand nuclear energy production. Ramana and his collague Alexander Glaser are guests in our online discussion on nuclear energy. They're taking your questions at http://theworld.org/science | 11/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October 28, 2010: The Price of Biofuels Part 2 | The BBC's Gerry Northam continues his investigation in the second part of this documentary with a look at what's next in the pipelines. | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October 20, 2010: The Price of Biofuels | Biofuels may reduce our dependece on oil. But what are the human and environmental costs of turning crops into fuel? The answer is in this documentary on the price of biofuels. | 10/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October 13, 2010: Booming Pork Consumption in China, Evolutionary Roots of Language | The environmental costs of growing pork consumption in China. Searching for the evolutionary roots of human language in African monkeys. | 10/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October 6, 2010: Arab Women in Science, Saving Endangered Species Internationally, Winds of Mold | An Egyptian electrical engineer talks about challenges facing Arab women in science. The international treaty to save endangered species is limited in scope. Molds create their own winds to spread their spores. | 10/6/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 29, 2010: Recycling Lead in Senegal, Parting the Red Sea, Origins of Human Malaria | Recycling lead from used batteries poses health risks to people in Senegal. Could Moses have really parted the Red Sea as in the story of Exodus? Malaria came to humans from gorillas. | 9/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 23, 2010: Greening the Global Electronics Industry, Hare Supermoms, Gene Therapy Scores Small | A Belgian start-up is selling green and fair-trade electronics. A U.S.-based non-profit is also trying to make the electronics industry more environmentally friendly. Why do hares have such large litters? Gene therapy appears to fix a blood disorder. | 9/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Forum, September 22, 2010: Toward Green Electronics | How do you know if one laptop or printer is greener than the other? Ask Sarah O'Brien. She's our guest in the latest World Science Forum. Sarah works for the Green Electronics Council, an organization that rates electronic products for their green-ness. | 9/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 15, 2010: Potential Impact Craters, Suriname's Rainforests, Update on Serengeti | Satellite images have revealed a giant ring shaped structure in central Africa that scientists suspect is an impact crater. Suriname has the highest percentage of rainforest cover in the world. Scientists say proposed road will ruin Serengeti's ecosystem. | 9/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 8, 2010: Peering Inside Prehistoric Bugs, Ancient Antibiotic Use, A Suspension Bridge Just for | Particle accelerators allow scientists to peer inside prehistoric bugs trapped in amber. Archaeologists find evidence of tetracycline consumption in Nubian mummies. Scientists build a suspension bridge exclusively for dormice. Humans were organizing communal feasts as early as 12,000 years ago. Elephants stay away from ants. | 9/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 1, 2010: John Vaillant's 'The Tiger,'Protecting Wild Tigers, Wheat Genome | Author John Vaillant talks about his new non-fiction book, 'The Tiger.' An update on global tiger popualations and efforts to protect them. That's the topic of our latest online Science Forum discussion. U.K. scientists release first draft sequences of wheat genome. | 9/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 25, 2010: Serengeti's Conservation Battles, Biofuel from Whiskey, Space-traveling Bacteria | Plans to build a road through Tanzania's Serengeti National Park spark controversy. Researchers make biofuel from by-products of whiskey. Methane-eating bacteria in peat bogs may help counter climate change. Microbes from an English village survive outer space. Scientists help the blind see, through sound. | 8/25/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 18, 2010: Saving Lebanon's Cedar Trees, Black Carbon and Climate Change, New Magnetar | Efforts to save the threatened cedar trees of Lebanon. Traditional cook stoves in developing countries emit a potent greenhouse pollutant, black carbon. Scientists have stumbled upon a rare magnetic star - a magnetar. Male water striders coerce females into having sex. Pour your Champagne like beer - down the side of the glass. | 8/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 12, 2010: Citizens Help Discover Pulsar, Stem Cell Work in China, Searching for Lost Frogs | A volunteer computing project has discovered a rare kind of pulsar. Scientists who started that project are taking your questions in our Science Forum discussion. A massive chunk of ice has broken off of Greenland. Scientists are searching the world for lost frogs. And China is emerging as a major player in stem cell research. | 8/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 4, 2010: Solar Flares and Northern Lights, Life in Space, Malaria Misdiagnoses | Storms on the Sun are sending flares of plasma towards the Earth. Life in space is boring and full of interpersonal squabbles, says Mary Roach, the author of the new book, "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void". Cases of ordinary fever are often misdiagnosed as malaria in many developing countries. | 8/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 28, 2010: A Conversation with Environmental Journalist Fred Pearce | Does overpopulation threaten the planet's environment? Not any longer, according to environmental journalist Fred Pearce. "We're defusing the population bomb," he says. "But we haven't begun to defuse the consumption bomb." Pearce is the guest in our latest online Science Forum discussion. | 7/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 21, 2010: Hope for AIDS Prevention, Cassava Sting Operation, Plato and Music | Researchers find new ways to protect women and girls from HIV. Scientists mount a wasp attack on mealybug infestation of Thailand's cassava crop. Plato's writings contain a hidden musical structure. Finches change their songs in noisy, urban environments. Planck telescope is up and running. Leaf-cutter ants weed out the fungi in the leaves they harvest. | 7/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July, 14, 2010: In Search of the Origin of Kindness, The Life and Work of George Price | If evolution is a game of the survivial of the fittest, how did kindness evolve? Mathematician George Price answered that question with an equation, and then turned against science to become an evangelical Christian, and donated all his possessions to the poor and homeless. The Price of Altruism is a new book about Price's life and work. We talk to the author, science historian Oren Harman. | 7/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July, 7, 2010: Problems with the Playpump, Altitude Tolerance in Tibetans, Dinosaurs Aimed their Eggs | The ambitious Playpump project which aimed to provide clean drinking water to Southern Africa suffers setbacks. The evolution of high altitude tolerance among Tibetans. Most, not all Norwegians support Norway's deep water drilling ban. Some dinosaur species incubated their eggs in hydrothermal vents. Good and bad news for organic agriculture. | 7/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, June, 30, 2010: Huntington's Disease and International Research, Pros and Cons of Genetic Tests, Oil Dri | A rural community in Venezuela participated in a landmark study on Huntington's disease, but is yet to benefit from the results of the research. A Brazilian genetic counselor on the benefits and burdens of genetic testing. Norway's cautious approach to oil drilling. Music helps an Antarctic researcher plough through some drab Antarctic landscape. | 6/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, June, 23, 2010: Challenges to Eradicating Polio, 'Google Baby', Caravaggio's Remains | Epidemiologist D.A Henderson on the challenges to eradicating polio. An update on the future of commercial whaling. Globalization of the trade in egg surrogacy. Italian painter, Caravaggio's remains may have been found. | 6/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, June, 16, 2010: Transgenic Crops in Europe, Regulating the Organic Food Industry, An Ancient Brown Shoe | Germany has banned the commercial use of all genetically modified crops, but is funding research on developing such crop varieties. Checking in on the "Organic" label on foods. The discovery of the oldest known leather shoe. A paleo-ecologist talks about her favorite music for doing science. | 6/16/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, June, 9, 2010: Baboons in South African Vineyards, Russia's Manned Mission to Mars, Beware the Termite B | Baboons are raiding South African vineyards. Russia's simulated manned mission to Mars. Soldier termites bite faster than any other animal in the world. Recently battered by tropical storm Agatha, Guatemala city is now coping with a giant sinkhole that could get bigger. | 6/9/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, June, 2, 2010: Politics, Science and Ethics of Whaling, Locust Brains, Carbon Emissions from Air Traffic | The International Whaling Commissions considers a controversial proposal to legalize and regulate small-scale comemrcial whaling. Marine biologist Stephen Palumbi talks about the science and ethics of whaling. Elsa brings news about locust brains, our unconscious racial bias and how it influences our empathy and the future of carbon emisions from air traffic. | 6/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, May, 26, 2010: Termites in Kenyan Savanna, Treating Mental Illness in Sudan, A Setback for Transgenic Co | Termite mounds are the ecological foundation of Kenyan savanna. People with mentall illnesses in Khartoum are seeking psychiatric help to complement spiritual healing methods. Celebrity culture among Chimps. Lessons from oil spills around the world. | 5/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, May, 19, 2010: Globalizing the American Psyche, Polio in Russia and Tajikistan, Reburying Copernicus | A west-African community in New York has its own way of dealing with mentally illness. Our Science Forum guest, author Ethan Watters argues that culture is an important part of dealing with mental disorders. Polio reemerges in Russia and Tajikistan. And the remains of the 16th century Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus are unearthed and recburied. A marine biologist tells us about her favorite song when she was on a boat sampling plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean. | 5/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, May, 13, 2010: Lizard Extinctions, Oil in the Deep Ocean, Neanderthals and Us | Global warming is driving some lizard populations to extinction. A NOAA funded research vessel is studying the effects of the oil Gulf of Mexico oil spill on ocean environments. Humans and Neanderthals. | 5/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, May, 5, 2010: Elephants Cry "Bee-Ware", Oil Spill Impacts US Climate Policy, Asian Carp, Bald Eagle | Elephants are afraid of bees and send out alarm calls to warn of an approaching swarm. The Gulf coast oil spill impacts US policy on energy and climate change. Efforts to rename the invasive Asian carp to cut down its numbers in the Mississippi river. Bald eagle diet on Channel islands may impact conservation of other endangered species. | 5/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, April, 28, 2010: Raptors in Beijing and Other Cities, Roman Ingots, Asteroid Water | Raptors in Beijing aren't doing too well. But in other cities around the world they're thriving. In the latest discussion on our Science Forum We talk with wildlife biologist David Bird of McGill University in Montreal about the thrills and perils of city life for raptors. Scientists have discovered evidence of water on an asteroid. And NASA releases never-before-seen images of the Sun. | 4/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, April, 21, 2010: Volcanic Ash's Health Effects, Exploring Mars, Haiti's Traumatized Survivors | The WHO warns people in Northern Europe about the health effects of volcanic ash. Could there be an international space race to Mars? Doctors in Haiti are tackling a rise in puzzling physical ailments among earthquake survivors. A glaciologist tells us about his favorite music for hiking on Antartica's glaciers. | 4/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, April, 14, 2010: A Special Podcast on Food Security | A deadly fungal disease is threatening the world's wheat crop. Scientists are developing crop varieties with better roots. Rising temperatures and changing rainfal patterns will affect global food production. And scientists are using satellite images and computer models to warn of impending famines in different countries. | 4/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, April, 7, 2010: Engineering the Climate, Cycling with Parkinson's Disease | Scientists and policy makers are considering drastic measures like geoengineering to cool the planet. A patient with Parkinson's disease gives doctors new insight into the disease. Kenyan wildlife officials are transporting thousands of wildebeasts and zebras from game reserves to the Amboselli National Park. | 4/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, April, 2, 2010: Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease, An Update on Arctic Wildlife | A global campaign to eradicate a neglected tropical disease is tantalizingly close to success. A new study gives the first overview of changing populations of Arctic wildlife species. | 4/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, March, 26, 2010: Q Fever in Netherlands, Sandhill Crane Migration, Mystery Humans | A rare disease normally affecting farm animals is now sickening hundreds of people in the Netherlands. Sandhill Cranes make their annual stop in Nebraska on their way back to their nesting grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. Evidence of a mystery human species found in a cave in Siberia. The Pink bollworm has developed resistance to transgenic (Bt) cotton in Gujarat, India. An evolutionary biologist from Duke University likes to crank it up in her lab. | 3/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, March, 19, 2010: Sperm Donation in Turkey, An Indian Innovator | Turkey bans its women from traveling abroad to receive sperm from foreign donors. Food products in the U.K come with labels of their carbon footprint. A conversation with a young Indian innovator. | 3/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, March, 12, 2010: Tracking Environmental Footprints, and Human Rights Violations | New web-based technologies help track the environmental footprints of consumer products. Researchers use satellite images to monitor human rights violations around the world. Tigers are closer to snow leopards in ancestry than other big cats. U.K government might cut funding for homeopathy. | 3/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, March, 5, 2010: Darwin in Chile, Reforesting Haiti, Promiscuity in Female Fruitfly | Darwin witnessed a devastating earthquake in Chile in 1835. Development experts say restoring Haiti's ecological infrastructure is key to building a more resilient Haiti. Marine reserves can help conservation and fisheries. Monogramy in female fruit flies could lead to extinction. Rare monogramous frog found discovered. | 3/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, February, 26, 2010: Our Unconscious Minds,Sound of Silver in a Chemistry Lab | Many of our conscious decisions are in fact determined by unconscious biases in our brains: An interview with Shankar Vedantam, author of the new book, The Hidden Brain: How our unconscious minds elect presidents, control markets, wage wars and save lives. A chemist tells us how the Sound of Silver keeps him working through the night. | 2/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, February, 18, 2010: Water Pollution in china, Building a Footbridge Across Ethiopia's Blue Nile, Whale E | China has released a report saying its water pollution problem is worse than previously thought. After many failed attempts, American volunteers successfully resurrect a broken footbridge across the Blue Nile in Ehtiopia. Elsa has news about evolution of whales, and detecting painting forgeries with a medical imaging technology. A marine biologist tells us about the music he listens to while he explores the seas. | 2/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, February, 12, 2010: GM Eggplant in India, Science of a Shoot Out | India has placed a moratorium on genetically modified eggplant. We talk to biologist and author, Lisa Weasel about the future role of genetically modified crops in reducing hunger worldwide. We look into the science behind a shoot out. And Elsa Youngsteadt talks about her favorite music to listen to back when she used to work as a scientist. | 2/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, February, 5, 2010: Sydney's New Water Factory, Lost Amazonian Civilization, Insect Migration | Sydney has a new water desalination plant.Neuroscientists communicate with the brains of so called "vegetative" patients. Lost civilization found in Brazil's Amazon forest. Migratory Monarch butterflies have bigger, pointier wings. Winged migration by moths. Cold War divided bird species. Negative emotional expressions are more universal than positive emotinal expressions. | 2/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, January, 29, 2010: Darwin's Life on the Big Screen, Running Barefoot, Trance Music | Charles Darwin's great great grandson talks about the making of the new movie Creation, which is about Darwin's life and work. A new study reveals why running barefoot may be better for the body than running with shoes. And ane volutionary biologists talks about his favorte music for doing genetic analysis of Lemon sharks. | 1/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, January, 22, 2010: Tackling the Global Organ Shortage, Slime Molds and Solar Eclipse | Countries are experimenting with ways to tackle the global organ shortage. Israel has a new law that penalizes people who don't sign up to donate. Iran has been paying its living donors for a kidney. Is it working? And at what cost? Why was the recent annular solar eclipse the longest in the millenium? Can biochar help in the fight against climate change? What do slime molds teach engineers about building networks? | 1/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, January, 15, 2010: Haiti's Seismic History, Rome's New Metro Line, Excess Flu Vaccines | Geolosgists say Haiti was overdue for an earthquake. Engineers and archaeologists collaborate to build Rome's new metro line while ensuring the preservation of the city's historical sites. European countries are trying to rid themselves of excess H1N1 flu vaccines. Scientists find first evidence of orchid pollinating cricket. Ancient Egyptians wore lead-heavy eyeliner. Female cane toads can blow herself up to ward off smaller suitors. | 1/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, January, 8, 2010: Saving Apples, Ancient Animal Footprints, Green Chemistry | Kazakh scientists struggle to save the ancestral apple. Discovery of fossilized animal tracks may rewrite tetrapod evolution. Journalist Elizabeth Grossman tells us about the promise of green chemistry. Marine biologist Steve Palumbi tells us why music goes hand in hand with science. | 1/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December, 31, 2009: Canadian Oil Sands, Failed Farming in Nigeria, Venomous Dinos | The U.S. is importing more oil from Canada's controversial oil sands. Reporter David Hecht sends us a personal essay about Nigeria's failure to modernize its farms. Catch-shares stabilize some U.S. fisheries. Scientists find evidence of venomous glands in dinosaur fossils. Ancient musical instrument project. A new Music in Science segment. | 12/31/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December, 25, 2009: A Special Podcast on the Origins of Music | It's hard to imagine life without music. We turn to music for comfort. We celebrate and mourn with music. But how did music come to be such an important part of our lives? We explore how music evolved and how it is wired into our brains. | 12/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December, 17, 2009: Climate Migrants, Tool-using Octopuses, New Super-Earth | The rising sea is creating climate migrants in Bangladesh. Its also increasing tiger-human conflict. Octopuses join the rank of tool-using animals. Pre-Columbian Peruvians may have been a stressed-out bunch. And astronomers discover an Earth-like planet. | 12/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December, 11, 2009: Tracking Drugs Online, REDDying REDD, Deep Concerns | A new recreational drug called Spice that researchers tracked down by prowling chat rooms and websites. People feeding birds may help split a bird species into two. Harmful effects of extracting Canada's oil sands. People's concerns about underground energy development. And diplomats are discussing a scheme to pay developing countries to reduce carbon emissions by saving their forests from destructions. | 12/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, December, 4, 2009: Bhopal Disaster, and Its Unlikely Legacy in the World | We take you to Bhopal 25 years since a deadly gas leak from a pesticide plant poisoned thousands of people in Bhopal, and where thousands of tons to toxic waste continues to poison the local residents. Bhopal left behind an unlikely legacy around the world - tighter regulations and chemicals and cleaner production systems. Henrik Selin, a professor of international relations at Boston University, and the guest in our latest Science Forum tells us about ways to protect people in developing countries from the hazards of toxic chemicals. | 11/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November, 27, 2009: Life in the Deep, Saving Potatoes, Marine Mucilage | A peek at the creatures in the depths of oceans. A story about the troubling rise in the number of sea blobs. Scientists are trying to save potatoes and potatoe farmers. A deadly brain disease - spread by cannibalism - that struck Papua New Guinea left a startling evidence to natural selection in humans. And a new study suggests a rise in armed conflict with rising temperatures from climate change. | 11/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November, 20, 2009: Beyond Copenhagen, Mammograms Around The World | The new directions of international climate negotiations. International recommendations for mammography. China's interest in dam removal. Man-made ponds may contribute to arsenic contamination of groundwater. Researchers prepare for an explosion in Lake Kivu. And Peruvians want to paint the Andes white to save melting glaciers. | 11/20/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November, 13, 2009: Naming Planets in Hebrew, Toward Copenhagen, Mayan Daily Life | Danish Climate Minister speaks about climate negotiations. Environmentalists try to get wildlife off the Vietnamese menu. Israelis on the hunt for Hebrew names for Uranus and Neptune. Researchers find some genetic clues to why humans speak and chimps don't. New chemical signatures for old books discovered. And Archeologists get new insights into the daily lives of ordinary Mayans. | 11/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, November, 6, 2009: Swine Flu in the Amazon, Fixing Technological Fixes, Tsavo Lions | Ukraine has all but shut down in fear of the spread of swine flu. In the meantime, the has reached an isolated indigenous tribe in the Amazon. Two American brothers learn an important lesson about using technology to help the poor. Environmental engineer Anu Ramaswami tells us why entrepreneurs need to be more socially sensitive. An update on negotiations on a new international climate treaty. Tsavo lions may not have been as dangerous as legends suggest. Babies learn language in the womb. And gene therapy shows some promise. | 11/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October, 30, 2009: Nile Delta, Humming Bears,A Jurassic Sea Monster | The Nile Delta is one of the three most vulnerable places at risk from rising seas. Black bears that hum and don't like honey. A Jurassic sea monster's skull discovered on the south coast of England. Male French brown bears short of females. Plastic in albatross diet. Nanotubes in tomatoes and mice lungs. | 10/30/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October, 23, 2009: Cyprus Water Woes, Kenya's Lions, Conservation Refugees, How the Chytrid Fungus Kills | Cyprus is facing dire water shortage. Conservation movements have displaced people from ancestral lands. Kenya is proposing to kill lions to save them. Scientists now know how the chytrid fungus kills frogs. New giant orb-weaving spider discovered. Too much light makes mice depressed. | 10/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October, 16, 2009: SWine Flu Vaccine in the US and Europe, Mother Passes Cancer Cells to Fetus, Chinese | People in the US and Europe differ in their response to the new swine flu vaccine. First conclusive evidence of mother passing cancer cells to fetus in womb, Chinese Dyslexia More Complicated than English Dyslexia, Monkeys' Uncanny Valley, A vegetarian spider discovered. And our ancestor Ardi on Facebook. | 10/16/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October, 9, 2009: Bangladesh Protects Against Rising Seas, China Promotes Creativity, A Royal Medical My | Bangladeshi farmers protect their land from rising seas. Chinese education system is starting to encourage creative thinking. Researchers have discovered that Queen Victoria and her descendants had hemophilia B. U.K survey reveals numbers for autistic adults. Saturn has a giant new ring. | 10/9/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, October, 2, 2009: Ancient Human Ancestor, Champagne Bubbles, Nobel contenders and Ig Nobel Awards, A Use | Scientists describe one of our oldest known ancestors - Ardipithecus ramidus, or Ardi. Champagne bubbles add to the drink's flavors. Scientists are trying to use a bacterial pathogen as a tool against disease carrying mosquitoes. We look at a few potential Nobel contenders, and meet a couple Ig Nobel award winners. And take a tour of China's inventive past. | 10/2/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 25, 2009: UN Climate Summit, India Promises Emission Cuts, Wind Power in China, Worms Feast on | World leaders met in New York for UN Climate Summit. India promises to cut its own carbon emissions by 2020. A new study says China's wind power remains under utilized. Scientists have discovered nine new species of worms that feed on dead whales. A combination of therapies rescue rats from spinal injuries. And a startling new finding about the GPS system of migrating monarch butterflies. | 9/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 18, 2009: Tiny T rex, French Carbon Tax, Making Profits Going Green, Adventures in a green mob | Rhitu Chatterjee takes over as host. We've got a new dinosaur fossil find from Inner Mongolia. It is a tiny version of the terrifying T rex. Also, French President Nicholas Sarkozy wants to impose a carbon tax on French citizens. International visitors in North Dakota show locals the economic benefits of going green. An eco-adventurer sets out on a green global tour, and a project to pump CO2 underground in Iceland shows promising results. | 9/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 11, 2009: Good Doggy, DNA Fingerprinting, Medical Isotope Shortage, and A Rodent of Unusual Si | Clark Boyd's stint on the science desk continues. We've got a new study suggesting that dogs may have first been domesticated because they made a tasty lunch. Also, DNA fingerprinting turns 25. What would CSI do without it? Then, we turn to a story looking at the global shortage in medical isotopes. And we end with a peek inside a crater in Papua New Guinea. Result? Lots of new critters, including a rather large rodent. | 9/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, September 4, 2009: Arctic Warming Study, Indonesian Mangroves, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and a Fa | Clark Boyd fills in again this week on the World Science Podcast. Elsa tells us about a couple of great science stories, including the discovery of a fake moon rock. Then, we spend a lot of time in or near the water. We hear about a new study detailing the rise in temperatures in the Arctic. Also, we have a report on efforts to help Senegal's ailing fishing industry, and efforts to restore Indonesia's mangroves. We end with two sailing trips: one to a volcanic island called Kasatochi, and another to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Fun. | 9/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 28, 2009: Fighting Trachoma in Ethiopia, Singapore Recruits Young Scientists, and Walking in Circ | Clark Boyd fills in this week on the World Science Podcast. We've got stories about the battle against trachoma in Ethiopia, Singapore's push to recruit the best young scientists from across Asia, and about some new research into walking in circles. Elsa Youngsteadt from Sigma Xi stops by to chat about a big planet, a new malaria vaccine, and bilingualism. | 8/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 21, 2009: An all-animal podcast! Stories about creatures in Canada, Cambodia, Tasmania, and Panam | This week: All animals, all the time - We have crocs in Cambodia, devils in Tasmania, seals in Canada, and jaguars in Panama. Take care everyone. -dk | 8/21/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 14, 2009: A look at global water issues: In Cambodia, a crucial lake is under stress; in the Midd | This week: Global water issues: All over the planet, water problems are increasing. We focus on Cambodia, where a huge inland lake is under stress, and on the Middle East, where a drought has added to Arab-Israeli tension. Plus a conversation on water and climate change. | 8/14/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, August 7, 2009: A fight over DDT and malaria in Uganda, traditional healing in Senegal, reforesting Ghan | This week: Three stories from Africa - A battle in Uganda over DDT and malaria, reforesting Ghana, and traditional medicine in Senegal. Plus, links between primates and human disease, and a prehistoric Peruvian feast. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 31, 2009: Two solar power stores, from Spain and North Africa, a look at a European a mecca for bic | This week: Three energy-related stories, two on solar power in Spain and North Africa, and one on a European city that's become a mecca for bicyclists. Plus a 90-year-old -- at least -- tortoise who's about to become a first-time father. And two panda stories, one happy, one sad. | 7/31/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 24, 2009: Russia's take on the first lunar landing, China's take on the solar eclipse, Chimps and S | This week: Russia remembers its lunar landing loss, China and a very large eclipse, Chimps are vulnerable to their version of HIV, a Neanderthal murder mystery, solved, a Chinese dust storm circles the globe, and a click language consonants, explicated. | 7/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 17, 2009: For global warming, is China a villain or a hero? Plus, a biofuel debate in Europe, the s | This week: Two views on China's push to become greener, a biofuel controversy in Europe, cursing and pain, and a look at how jockeys can make a horse go faster. | 7/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 10, 2009: A painter-astronaut, Amsterdam gets green, creationism in Turkey, Violence and the econom | This week: An astronaut who paints what he saw on the moon, Amsterdam goes green, aggressively. An anti-Darwinist in Turkey, a new push to save wildlife in Kenya. Plus economic crises contribute to higher suicide rates, and caloric restriction helps monkeys live longer. | 7/10/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, July 3, 2009: Swine flu fear in Africa, solar energy booms in Germany, bluefin tuna crash, mummy CAT sca | This week: Watching for swine flu in Africa, Germany leads the way on renewable energy, Mediterranean bluefin tuna in deep trouble; and some surprising results on a mummy CAT scan. Plus carbs and cardiovascular disease, and genetic links between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. | 7/3/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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World Science Podcast, June 26, 2009: Cooking and Human Evolution, The Giant Kangaroo Mystery, Shrinking Dinosaurs | This week: We talk to Harvard anthropologist Richard Wrangham, who says cooking is what made us human; plus why the giant kangaroo went extinct, and why dinosaurs are much smaller than we thought. | 6/26/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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132 |
World Science Podcast, June 19, 2009: Controversy over carbon capture and nuclear fusion, a journalist with swine flu, and a ne | This week: Controversy over carbon capture and nuclear fusion, a journalist with swine flu, and a new test that uses nuclear residue to ID human remains. Plus a sneaky tentacled snake, and a new archaeological find near Stonehenge. | 6/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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133 |
World Science Podcast, June 12, 2009: Inuit flu, typhoons and earthquakes, stinging creatures galore. | This week: Swine flu among the Inuit, typhoons trigger earthquakes, elephants afraid of bees, too many jellyfish, and bigger black holes. | 6/12/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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134 |
World Science Podcast, June 5, 2009: U.S. "Science Envoys", Nobel winners strategize on global warming, and ten million years o | This week, President Obama may send "science envoys" around the world. Nobel winners strategize on global warming; So do the Chinese government and and top U.S. officials. Plus ten million years of laughter, and some very old bowls. | 6/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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135 |
World Science Podcast, May 29, 2009: Decisions, Decisions -- An interview with Jonah Lehrer, author of How We Decide | This week, we talk with author Jonah Lehrer about his new book, How We Decide. Plus we hear about cod problems for Iceland, and new research on wine flavor. | 5/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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136 |
World Science Podcast, May 22, 2009: A linguist's island dream, Kenya's declining wildlife, a narcissistic world leader | This week, we psychoanalyze a world leader from afar, and hear about big problems in a famed African reserve, and find out about a scientist with a daring scientific dream. | 5/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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137 |
World Science Podcast, May 15, 2009: Swine flu may not be so bad after all | This week: Swine flu may not be so bad after all; Good news and bad on climate; An airline tries to get greener with a science contest; A giant Caribbean frog is in trouble; and too much sun may increase suicide. | 5/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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138 |
World Science Podcast, May 8, 2009: Factory farms and swine flu, Egypts pig slaughter, oxytocin, and those lazy Italian men | Are industrial farms to blame for swine flu? Another ice shelf breaks off, Egypt's (over?) reaction to swine flu and a new use for the hugging hormone. | 5/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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139 |
World Science Podcast, May 1, 2009: Swine Flu Special: H1N1, from Mexico to China | Inside a Mexican hospital, China's misguided response, a look back at the 1976 outbreak. | 5/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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140 |
World Science Podcast, April 24, 2009: Pakistan's water crisis, Spain's starving vultures, China's Great Wall Grows | This week: Pakistan is running out of water, Spain’s vultures are going hungry, the Great Wall of China gets longer, and obesity is bad for the planet. | 4/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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141 |
World Science Podcast, April 17, 2009: Spain Goes Renewable, the Fall of an Inbred Royal Family; A Global Plan for Cardboard So | Spain leads the way in wind and solar energy, an innovative new design for Cardboard Solar Ovens, and the genetic flaws behind the end of the Spanish Hapburg Dynasty. Plus, a surprising discovery about how DNA improves vision. | 4/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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142 |
World Science Podcast, April 10, 2009: Raising Bees in the City, the Perils of Predicting Earthquakes | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn looks into urban beekeeping in Germany, green architecture in Canada, and the perils of predicting earthquakes, in Italy and everywhere else. Plus, chimps who trade meat for sex, and a new way to fight malaria by killing only old mosquitoes. | 4/10/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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143 |
World Science Podcast, April 3, 2009: Close Quarters in Space, Dangerously Hot Tea, and lots of frozen toads | This week: An experiment in cosmonaut claustrophobia in Moscow; booming car pollution in Iran; tea that’s too hot, also in Iran; and a cheap, effective five-in-one heart disease pill. Plus, a mass toad killing in Australia, and your brain knows what it wants before you do. | 4/3/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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144 |
World Science Podcast, March 27, 2009: Malaria in Cambodia and the U.S., an asteroid in Sudan and the revival of an ancient har | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn looks at how a key anti-malaria drug is losing its power in Cambodia, how the U.S. eradicated malaria in the 1940s, and a project to map the DNA of every mosquito species on the globe. Plus, finding meteorites in the Nubian desert, and the revival an ancient harp. | 3/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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145 |
World Science Podcast, March 20, 2009: No smiling in Russia; Panama hides the sex; Old forests vs new; Kenya’s polio problem | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn looks at why certain countries smile more than others – and why some people think Americans are a bunch of cheerful dopes. Plus: how Panama has taken the sex out of the HPV vaccine, a debate over whether new tropical forests are as good as old ones, Kenya’s emergency polio vaccine campaign, and the U.S. role in China’s booming pollution problem. | 3/20/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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146 |
World Science Podcast, March 13, 2009: Stem Cells, Old Horses, a Commie Cold Case | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn delves into Obama's new stem cell rules, new research on when humans first rode horses, a European pesticide battle, growing fears over global warming, the man who gave his name to the Kepler telescope. Plus a Bolshevik murder mystery, finally resolved. | 3/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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147 |
World Science Podcast, March 6, 2009: Bionic Eyes, Dinosaur Arms, Saving Energy in the Antarctic | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn delves into bionic eyes, dinosaur hands, psychedelic fish, dying words, and an attempt to go green in a very white place. Plus how Obama is changing world environmental policy. | 3/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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148 |
World Science Podcast, February 27, 2009: Let’s get it on, prehistorically. Plus some very old footprints, an Amazon obsessio | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn delves into prehistoric sex, ancient human footprints, a lost city in the Amazon, the cult of the future, and a hormone that increases a woman's chance of cheating on her partner. All the science you’ll need for the week... | 2/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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149 |
World Science Podcast, February 20, 2009: A scientific attempt to locate Osama bin Laden and more | On this week’s World Science Podcast, David Kohn finds out about a scientific attempt to locate Osama bin Laden, the latest on archaeological looting in Iraq, water troubles in Australia and Mexico City, and a movie star’s father who battled ebola in the Congo. And find out how you can help choose where the Hubble telescope should look next. | 2/20/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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150 |
World Science Podcast, February 12, 2009: Happy Birthday Darwin! | We fire up our new weekly Science show with a gigantic Happy Birthday to Charles Darwin. The undisputed champion of evolution was born 200 years ago today. We hear birthday greetings from scientists around the globe. We hear a South African assessment of Darwin. We also hear about the man who actually beat Darwin to the evolutionary punch. From Britain, we'll hear how one church is embracing Darwin. And we'll end, fittingly, with climb up -- wait for it -- Mt. Darwin. Find out more at theworld.org/podcasts. | 2/12/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 150 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
A World-view on Science
Taking about a half hour each week, several journalists contribute to this podcast. Weekly topics are tied together well. In August 2009, the host switched from David Krohn to a new host. There may be some growing pains at the transition, where the new host relies a little more heavily on the support journalists. The science is good and current. This is a well spent half hour for both the scientists and non-scientists to learn about a wide variety of very new science from around the world.
Great show for experts and laymen
This podcast does a great job of keeping me in touch with a lot of different science topics. As a biologist, I've become very specialized and it's great to have a weekly look at what is going on in physics, chemistry, and other parts of biology that I don't specialize in.
Science Explained
This is my favorite science podcast. Ms. Chatterjee does a wonderful job setting up each segment. I always find the scientific information presented to be both timely and intriguing. This podcast always gives the listener food for thought. Well worth the time to listen.
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