Ask A Biologist Podcast
By Charles Kazilek (a.k.a. Dr. Biology) - School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
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Description
You have been reading about the biologists behind the Ask A Biologist website. Now you can listen to them on our popular biology podcast show. Dr. Biology has been speaking with many biologists who are discovering new worlds and exploring new frontiers in biology. There are over 100 episodes and we continue to add more interviews. Each show includes a full written transcript and content log. But wait, there's more. Many episodes also have companion content including stories, games, and activities that are available on the Ask A Biologist website to help educators integrate content from each show into the classroom. Teachers and parents of younger students can use the chapter list and transcripts to preselect segments of content from each episode for their students.
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1 |
Next Gen Scientists | Can storytelling transform biology research? Join us for an engaging conversation with Kayla Burgher and Risa Schnebly, two visionary PhD students at Arizona State University. Kayla shares her research in the fishing community to protect endangered marine megafauna like sea turtles and sharks. Meanwhile, Risa delves into the emotional side of conservation and the impact of extinction. Through an interdisciplinary approach, she combines history, personal narratives, and interviews to shed ligh... | 9/26/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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2 |
Bringing Biodiversity to the City | Can a transformed 4-acre former citrus orchard become a vibrant urban wildlife sanctuary? Dr. Biology is out of the studio to explore Julie Stromberg's remarkable riparian garden. Julie, a plant ecologist and emeritus professor at Arizona State University, shares her motivations and the vital ecological benefits of creating such green spaces in urban areas. Hear the story behind her efforts in sustainable agriculture that are preserving biodiversity right in the heart of the city.Read more: B... | 8/28/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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3 |
Charting the Mysteries of the Mind - Unraveling Alzheimer's and Dementia | What happens when our brain fails us? As Dr. Biology, my work has never been involved with diseases that affect the mind, but I do have a personal experience with the shadowy realm of Alzheimer's and other dementias. My mother battled against this relentless adversary and I am not alone. Many people are dealing with loved ones facing one of these diseases. For this episode, I've invited bioinformatics scientist, Kimberly Olney from the Mayo Clinic, to peek into the complexities of the b... | 5/13/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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4 |
From Cicadas to Centrifuges - The Frugal Science Revolution | Embark on a journey through the intricate dance of nature and innovation as we welcome Saad Bhamla, a scientist at the forefront of biological engineering. Your curiosity will be rewarded as you and Dr. Biology learn about some of the smallest organisms that have sophisticated mechanisms that might help us solve our own challenges. Imagine the immense power hidden within a cicada's waste jet or the swift knot-escaping antics of a California blackworm—some might think of them as quirks of evol... | 4/13/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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5 |
In the Swarm's Shadow - Locust Science | Embark on a journey through the buzzing world of grasshoppers and locusts with Dr. Biology. In this episode, biologists Rick Overson and Mira Word Ries, from the Global Locust Initiative at Arizona State University dig into the world of these insects. The three delve into the methods of swarm prevention, from the intriguing "doughnut diet" that influences migratory behavior to the critical role of soil and crop management in making fields less welcoming to these insects. Rick and Mira bring t... | 3/25/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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6 |
Capturing Curious Minds - Communicating Complex Science | Have you ever wondered how complex science jargon is translated into a story that captivates and educates? We've got you covered! Dr. Biology chats with James Gorman, a veteran science reporter from the New York Times, we peel back the layers of science communication, revealing how to distill complex concepts into engaging narratives. Get ready to discover the tightrope walk between simplification and scientific accuracy—a balance crucial for sparking curiosity without sacrificing the researc... | 3/6/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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7 |
Monkey Tales - Learning About Stress | Dive into the behavior and physiology of two different primate species that are helping biologists explore the science of stress, aging, and immunity. Dr. Biology sits down with scientist Noah Snyder-Mackler from Arizona State University to talk about some rhesus macaques living in a seemly tropical paradise and the geladas that live high in the Ethiopian mountains. Discover how these monkeys, their experiences, and their environment might illuminate the path to improving our physiological re... | 2/16/2024 | Free | View in iTunes |
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8 |
Guardian of the Wild - A Veterinarian's Story | In a world where animals, humans, and the environment are forever linked, the health of wildlife is a cornerstone for the well-being of all. In this episode, we embark on an extraordinary journey with Sara Wyckoff, a wildlife veterinarian from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and a proud ASU alumna. Listen in and learn about her story and evolution from a hopeful wildlife biologist to a passionate wildlife veterinarian, underscoring the perseverance and dedication required to merge a l... | 12/31/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Secrets of the Honeybee | Robert Page's journey is as captivating as the creatures he studies. From his early fascination with entomology to his experiences while in the military and his parallel passion for photography, his journey is a rich tapestry of experiences. We chat about the contributions he has made to our understanding of honeybees and his books including his newest book The Art of The Bee. Tune in and join us in celebrating the incredible role these insects play in our ecosystem and the biologist who has ... | 12/11/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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10 |
The Big Leap: cellular evolution | Have you ever wondered how evolution operates at a cellular level? Dr. Biology has a conversation with evolutionary biologist William Ratcliff in an episode that investigates the process of how single-cell mutations can make the leap to coordinated groups of cells and ultimately to complex multicellular organisms. And we are learning all of this from a simple selection experiment involving yeast. Listen in and learn more about this long-running experiment that is giving us an idea of how sing... | 11/21/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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11 |
Zoo Animal Fun, Games, and Wellbeing | Imagine a world where animals have the capacity to show their natural behaviors and even engineer their own environments. For this episode, we're thrilled to have Danielle Wong, the Behavioral Enrichment and Animal Welfare Coordinator at the Phoenix Zoo, who enlightens us about the importance of animal enrichment. From Chutti, the playful one-horn rhino, to Cape porcupines and birds, we're taking a deep look into how play promotes skill development, physical fitness, and stress relief among a... | 9/6/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Adventures of a Zoo Veterinarian | Imagine a day at work where your clients range from tiny reptiles to massive elephants, each with their own unique health needs. That's a regular day for our guest in today's episode, Dr. Gary West, the Senior Vice President of Animal Health and Living Collections at the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation. He talks with Dr. Biology about their team of dedicated professionals that not only ensures the well-being of over 3,000 animals at the Phoenix Zoo but also plays a key role in global c... | 8/16/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Chronicles of a Zookeeper | In this episode, we begin to explore the wild and fascinating world of zoos. Our guest is none other than Bert Castro, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation. Bert's storied career, beginning as a volunteer zookeeper at the Tulsa Zoo in 1985 to CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, has given him a wealth of knowledge and experiences which he shares with Dr. Biology. We explore the importance of zoos, and the vital role they play in research and conservation,... | 8/2/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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An A.I. Conversation | Two AI bots meet in a coffee shop. This might sound like the start of a joke, but is it a joke? Today artificial intelligence (A.I.) is a popular topic. With new tools popping up daily it appears we are at the beginning of a brave new world. Some say the world will be amazing and others have dark predictions of human doom. Dr. Biology sits down with cognitive scientist Mina Johnson-Glenberg to talk about A.I. and if we can really call it intelligent. But first, we need to listen in on th... | 7/11/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Breathtaking Biology – A Metabolome Adventure | Take a breath and breathe out. What you just exhaled is the subject of this podcast. It is a story of over 140 thousand molecules and what we are learning about them and what a single breath might tell us about our health. Dr. Biology catches up with bioanalytical chemist Heather Bean. The two explore the world of metabolomes and metabolites, what they are, how we use them today and the future for these molecules when it comes to diagnosing and treating diseases.Learn more: Human Breath Atlas... | 5/12/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Making Life Happen | We hear a lot about DNA, but not as much about RNA. It is true that DNA is the encyclopedia of life or the ultimate instruction manual for living things. But what good is a book if it is not read or an instruction manual that is not used? This is where RNA comes into the story of life. It is the unsung hero, or maybe the superhero of cells. Dr. Biology has the opportunity to sit down and talk to a big fan of RNA. Computational biologist, Brandon Ogbunu talks about his early work, which h... | 3/29/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The Maddest Match Around | March Madness in the past has been reserved for college basketball. But in 2013, biologist Katie Hinde and a group of scientists, writers, and other creative souls started the ultimate animal competition that expanded beyond humans – March Mammal Madness. Don’t worry, the competition is virtual. No animals are harmed. Though there might be some embarrassing defeats and even some upset fans, March Mammal Madness is all about science and learning. It is also a fun way to learn about the living ... | 3/9/2023 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Drylands, Hot Topic | It is surprising how much of the land on Earth is what scientists call drylands. You might think that these areas are not crucial to life on the planet, but in fact, they are. They are also some of the most challenging places to do research. Part of the challenge is what we see above ground is only a fraction of what is underground. And investigating what is going beneath the surface comes with its own set of challenges. Dr. Biology gets the inside story, what you might also say is the upside... | 11/7/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Can't Live Without You | There are many types of relationships that exist in the living world. This episode dives into one special relationship that an insect has with some tiny microbes. It is a life and death tale that microbiologist John McCutcheon has been exploring. Dr. Biology gets the inside story about this relationship that has been evolving for millions of years and continues to evolve today.Read about metamorphosis: Metamorphosis - Nature's Ultimate TransformerRead about cicadas: Rising CicadasListen to: Z... | 9/14/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Living With a Stone Age Brain | Even though we live in a modern world how we act and what we do many times is controlled by our Stone Age brain. This impacts our diet, friendships, love and more. Dr. Biology sits down with authors Doug Kenrick and David Lundberg-Kenrick to get the inside story on their book - Solving Modern Problems with a Stone Age, Brain, Human Evolution and the Seven Fundamental Motives. This lively conversation can help you wrap your Stone Age brain around the challenges we face today and give you some ... | 8/12/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The World’s Deadliest Animal | This animal lives in almost every part of the world and kills hundreds of thousands of people each year. What might surprise you is that you certainly have had a close encounter with the world’s most dangerous creature. Dr. Biology catches up with evolutionary biologist Silvie Huijben to talk about this killer animal that is the focus of her research as well as many other scientists around the world. Be sure to make your guess about the identity of the world’s most dangerous animal before you... | 7/12/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Our Amazing but Flawed Memory | There is more to our memory than you might think. In fact, we have three types of memory. Just how these memory systems work and work together is the subject of this episode. We also learn that there are sometimes errors in our memory. Take a few minutes to learn how we remember things and even how to improve our memory. Dr. Biology and cognitive psychologist Whitney Hansen explore our amazing but flawed memory.Learn more: Nervous JourneyLearn more: Sensing the WorldMusic: Sneaky Adventure by... | 6/8/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Blood-sucking Science Mystery | Part of what makes science fun and challenging is solving puzzles and investigating mysteries. For this episode, Dr. Biology sits down with ecologist Charles Brown and the two talk about his 40-year journey of discovery and rediscovery. This is a curious story that involves an acrobatic animal and how it is evolving to battle a six-legged villain. Like a good mystery, this one has yet to be fully solved.Learn more: Cliff Swallow ProjectIf you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast ... | 5/18/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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What’s Been Cooking at SICB? | We peek behind the curtain of SICB and the band of scientists who are investigating the world of animal communication. Scientists Kim Hoke and Nate Morehouse sit down with Dr. Biology and talk about how the Spatio-temporal Dynamics in Animal Communication group started and some of the key areas they are investigating. The two also talk about the communication skills of some colorful and vocal animals. There is even talk of real cooking and its role in science. This episode is part of a series... | 5/2/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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SLEAP and the Science of Movement | No, that is not a typo in the episode title. My guests today are collaborating on the study of animal movement, including humans. Both researchers use tools to document and analyze movement in animals. One tool is a symbolic language that has been in use since 1928 and the other is a new software tool called SLEAP that uses A.I. to capture animal and plant movements. In this show, Dr. Biology gets the inside story about these tools from guests Valarie Williams and Talmo Pereira. This episode ... | 4/9/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The Secret Scientist | Changing careers can be a challenge. It can also be rewarding. And for some people, it is an opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream. This would be the case for John Truong who has been an artist and animator on some of the popular movies produced by Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney. While he was and will always be an artist, he also has been hiding a secret from his friends and family. Dr. Biology sits down to talk with John about his secret that led him to his current role in a science ... | 3/23/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Lizard Push-ups and Jumping Spiders | What does it take to attract a mate? For some animals, it requires some push-ups. Other animals have a dance. And in both cases showing off some color is important. Dr. Biology catches up with biologist David Clark to learn more about his lizards and the robot lizards he has built to study these animals. The two also talk about David’s other study animal some fun jumping spiders. It turns out these eight-legged animals are fans of some movies David makes. Who knew that jumping spiders would l... | 3/8/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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28 |
Beetle Mania | No, this episode is not about the rock band or the cute German car that people love. This show is about some curious insects that have very different relationships with ants. To be exact, this is about three species of beetles that either battle ants, live close by an ant colony, or in one case inside the ant colony. How and why these species have evolved into these different relationships with ants is part of the research of neurobiologist Jess Kanwal. In this show, Dr. Biology gets the preq... | 2/22/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Surprised at the Science Conference | In 1962 there was a popular Broadway musical called A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. What does this have to do with a science podcast? The thought came up because of what happened at the conference today. And what was it? It was a dance performance. In fact, there were several performances. This episode is about the unexpected, the creative, the fun, and the science that are part of the lives of more than just scientists and artists. Dr. Biology catches up with performers Aidan... | 2/9/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Robot Snakes and Jumping Jerboas | Forget all the robots you might have seen or imagined. This biologist is making colorful coiling snakes and other robots to study animals in the wild. Dr. Biology expands his idea of what robots look like and what they can do when he meets and talks with roboticist and biologist Talia Yuki Moore. This episode is part of a series of podcasts recorded at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology conference– also called SICB.Learn More - Build your own robot snake.If you have not alread... | 1/26/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Glowing Vomit, Cricket Serenades, and the Evolution of Communication | The life of a biologist may not be what you expect. It is not all white lab coats and microscopes. There are remote islands, makeshift shacks that serve both for sleeping and a field laboratory. For this guest, it also includes cricket serenades and nighttime scuba dives in the ocean filled with glowing displays of shrimp vomit. Really, vomit! Dr. Biology sits down with biologist Niko Hensley to learn about his research into the world of animal communication. This is the first episode in a se... | 1/13/2022 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The Last Stand for Ice | It’s cold, it’s hard, and you might not think of it as critical for life on Earth, but there is some ice that is more important than you might know. Dr. Biology sits down with scientist Stephanie Pfirman to talk about summer ice and how the amount we see is shrinking rapidly. This ice is important to more than the animals and native people who depend on it to survive. It turns out it has an impact far beyond its cold edges. Learn more: Hacking NatureRead more: Changing Life In the ArcticPlay:... | 12/15/2021 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Shark Tales | There is something about sharks that bring out our inner fears. It is likely their teeth or their black eyes that are shown in scary movies and nature films that send chills down our back. But these animals have an important role in the health of our oceans. With over 500 species of sharks, there is a lot to be learned about them - like some of them do not have any teeth. Dr. Biology catches up with James Sulikowski, a biologist and shark expert. The two talk about what we know and don’t know... | 12/7/2021 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Tiny Versus Mighty | It's tiny versus the mighty and a battle for an acacia tree. Dr. Biology catches up with Beth Pringle, a biologist exploring the savanna of Kenya. The two talk about two animals that seem mismatched for the battle that has a surprise ending. Beth is also the biologist who took us along on one of her research trips to Kenya. You can go along too in our virtual savanna trip.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 5/6/2021 | Free | View in iTunes |
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What Makes You, You? | Nature versus nurture is a topic you might have studied in school. But what does it mean for us? In short, it is what makes you the person you are today. However, nothing is simple and the science behind the story of you is just as complex. It is a tale that is more amazing than anything you might have read, watched, or heard. Dr. Biology has the opportunity to talk about nature versus nurture with biologist Irene Gallego Romero. Listen in as they discuss the complex topic of what makes us wh... | 11/26/2020 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Living in Extreme Worlds | The idea of humans traveling to the moon and Mars to live has captured our imagination. But beyond the idea of going where no one has gone before, these places are hostile and extreme environments for the human body. Planning for long space travel and life on other worlds will require more than solving some challenging engineering problems. It will require humans to think more about how we can survive in these conditions. Dr. Biology spends some time with Mallika Sarma an anthropologist who i... | 11/10/2020 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Biology Explained by Cats | Beyond viral cat videos and the millions of cute pictures of our feline friends found on various social media channels, these four-legged animals might help us to better understand science. At least my guest thinks they can give us some insights into the world of bile acids, digestion, cholesterol, and drug therapies. Listen in as Dr. Biology learns how computational biochemist Fiona Naughton's artistic side has introduced some fun and instructive insights using cute cat illustrations. ... | 5/4/2020 | Free | View in iTunes |
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A Tasty Bite of Science | Dr. Biology takes a bite into the world of food science with scientist Christy Spackman from the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. The two venture into the realms of taste, smell, and texture. There is talk of burgers, some of them impossible. The two also talk about how we have been working towards what Christy calls “making nothing”, which by itself is really something.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast ... | 4/15/2020 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Exploring the Dark Side of the Earth | Dr. Biology is out of the studio again and this time with his shoes off and inside the tiny, but powerful submarine named Alvin. He’s there to talk with the chief pilot of Alvin, Bruce Strickrott, about what it is like to explore the deep ocean. Listen in as we explore the living world, including the one that remains mostly unknown and ready for the next generation of scientists to take their shoes off and dive into the dark side of the Earth.If you have not already, please subscribe to the p... | 1/17/2020 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Superoxide, a Superhero or Supervillain? | Diving deep into the ocean is likely the most extreme place someone can set out to collect data, but sometimes that is what scientists need to do. In this show, Dr. Biology finds himself on board the research ship Atlantis in the floating laboratory of Colleen Hansel who is teaming up with the deep-sea submarine called Alvin to track down and capture an elusive molecule that might help us understand how corals are or are not adjusting to the rising ocean temperature. Photo credit: Scott Wanke... | 12/5/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
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High Flying Science | For hundreds of years, scientists have explored life on Earth with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Doing research was either in the laboratory or out in the field. But in recent years, exploring our planet has taken to the air. Dr. Biology gets to spend some time with ecologist Greg Asner to learn about his flying laboratory that is giving us a new view of our planet and new insights into many of our biomes.Watch: How El Niño impacts ocean temperatures and corals.If you have not alre... | 9/29/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Why We Get Sick | What can evolution teach us about getting sick and how do we make use of what we are learning? Dr. Biology gets over a cold while visiting with Randy Nesse, Founding Director of the ASU Center for Evolution & Medicine. The two talk about why we get sick and some of the amazing things our body can do to repair itself. All of this is part of the study and practice of evolutionary medicine.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/16/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Virus Quest | One of the benefits of being a biologist can be travel. There are some researchers who travel the globe as part of their work. Arvind Varsani is a molecular virologist who studies viruses found around the world. Dr. Biology was able to catch Arvind between trips to talk about his work, including his research in the Antarctic and the mystery about some penguins that are missing their feathers.Learn more - Hunting for Hidden VirusesLearn more - Are Viruses Alive?Comic book - Viral AttackVisit -... | 4/26/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Microbes Living Inside Us | In this episode, we talk a lot about cells. In particular plant, animal, and microbial cells. But did you know there is a world of microbes that make their home inside and on our bodies? Before you start to worry, you need to know most of these microbes are important for us to live. In fact, without them, we would not be here. This tiny world is the focus of Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown’s research. It spans the microbes that live with us and those that are helping us clean up our environment. There ... | 4/2/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
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History, Rabbits, and a Deadly Virus | This is the story of wild rabbits, humans, and a virus that might lead to a treatment for cancer. It is also a lesson about learning from history and how a virus that is deadly to some rabbits could become a new cancer-fighting tool for humans. Twice humans moved wild rabbits from Europe to other parts of the world with dramatic consequences. In this episode, Dr. Biology has the opportunity to learn about the myxoma virus, its history, and the work of virologist Grant McFadden. If you like th... | 1/27/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Who Do You Trust? | The evening news, your local paper, online websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and yes, podcasts all are communicating the latest science news. In this mix of messages are often conflicting stories about what is good and bad for you. It also seems that every other day there is a cure for cancer or some other disease. With all this messaging, who do you trust? Dr. Biology sits down with Joe Palca, a longtime science correspondent, to talk about who we should trust and science communication.If ... | 10/13/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Are Your Cells Cooperating or Cheating? | Cooperation is something that humans and animals are known to do. It turns out that the 30 trillion cells in our body also need to cooperate. Like some humans, there are cells that are cheaters when it comes to cooperation. They do not do their share of the work and cause a lot of other problems. These are cancer cells. Cooperation theorist Athena Aktipis talks with Dr. Biology about her research and how it might help us learn more about cancer cells.Learn more: Cooperation or Conflict?Learn ... | 9/28/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Life 3.0 | Life in the year 2050, what will it look like? Will it be the age of intelligent computers? Could this happen even sooner? Physicist and author Max Tegmark talks about the future of artificial intelligence and how it might impact biological life on this planet. Dr. Biology learns about the future of smart computers. Will they become too smart for humankind? What precautions should we put in place to secure our place on Earth and our future?Learn more: Half Man, Half Machine: Becoming RoboticL... | 2/26/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Hacking Nature | Hacking is a word that is often tied to something bad. However, there are times when hacking can be for something good. Think of it as a tool that can be put to use for good or bad. We also think of hacking as something only done with computers, but can we hack other things? Dr. Biology sits down with scientist Klaus Lackner to talk about how he is hacking the environment in order to pull carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air. If he succeeds, it could help reduce CO2 in the atmosphere and redir... | 7/31/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Drawn to Bones | Television portrays the lives and work of forensic artists, but what is it like to really be a forensic artist? Are the tools you see on the big and little screen really used by the people who recreate the face of someone when there might only be a skull or parts of a scull to use as a starting point? Dr. Biology visits with forensic artist and author Catyana Falsetti to learn the answers to these questions and a lot more. Facial reconstruction image by Cicero Moraes via Wikimedia CommonsIf y... | 7/8/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Why Is Life The Way It Is? | Life on Earth is tied to carbon and water, but would this be the same for life forms that evolved on other worlds? This is just one of many questions that Biochemist and author Nick Lane talks about while visiting with Dr. Biology. Listen in as Nick explores not only life on our Earth, but also what it might be like on other planets. Nick also reads from his book, The Vital Question, and weighs in on the question of viruses - are they living or non-living?Get the book: The Vital QuestionIf yo... | 5/15/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Monster DNA | In the tiny world of DNA, we might call genomes monsters. These huge sets of information include all the codes for all the genes present in an organism. From genomes, we can learn about the traits, diseases, and evolution of a species, and that’s just a start. What might such a monster set of data do for us if it was about our very own North American monster – the Gila monster? Computational biologist Melissa Wilson tells Dr. Biology about the Gila monster, the life-saving venom in its saliva... | 4/13/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Ocean Winds and Climate | Did you know the westerly winds in the Southern Ocean have been helping to keep our planet livable? Yes, they have been responsible for soaking up half of the human-made carbon dioxide (CO2) along with a whole lot of excess heat. Dr. Biology has the opportunity to talk with geoscientist Joellen Russell about the research she and a group of scientists have been doing in the southern hemisphere that tells us how important these winds and the oceans are for regulating the temperature of the plan... | 4/3/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Skeleton Secrets | Dead men tell no tales, but their bones can. It just takes a particular kind of scientist to read the clues that tell the story. Dr. Biology sits down with guest Tony Falsetti, a forensic anthropologist who knows his way around a skeleton. They talk about the role of forensic anthropology and some of the mysteries of history Tony has helped to solve.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 3/14/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Insect Infatuation | These fluttering icons of North America are a favorite of many people across the world, but they may be having some population problems. Don’t worry though, there are ways you can help. Conservation specialist Gail Morris talks with our student guest host Kayna Lantz about these colorful insects, their identification, migration, and the many groups that are working to better understand them. Spoiler Alert! If you want to try and guess the mystery insect do not read beyond this point until you... | 1/24/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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One Wormy World | Around 4,000 years ago, on the wind-swept island of St. Kilda, Scotland, people started creating food storage of sorts. They moved a population of sheep to the island, likely as a backup food resource for when times were tough. Little did they know that their actions would affect 21st-century science. Today, rather than ending up as a meal, sheep from this isolated population are the subjects of research on immune function. Evolutionary ecologist Andrea Graham takes Dr. Biology on a trip of e... | 12/2/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Cybertaxonomy | The race is on. It is one where biologists and citizen scientists are working as quickly as possible to find and identify all the species on Earth before some go extinct. It might not seem like an important race, but we learn from entomologist Kelly Miller that not knowing what species we are losing might be more important than we think. Today scientists combine traditional and newer computer tools to speed up the search. These combined tools are part of the world of cybertaxonomy.If you have... | 11/26/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Time Traveling Paleoentomologist | If you could travel back in time, what would you find 50 million years ago? What was the climate like? Would you find the same plants? What animals were crawling, walking, and flying around? Paleoentomologist Bruce Archibald takes Dr. Biology back in time to explore the planet during the Eocene Epoch, where things were a bit different than today – there was even a giant flying ant that would make anyone look twice.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified... | 11/5/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Inner Space: The Final Frontier | You hear that space is the final frontier, but could we have another frontier right here on Earth? The microscopic world offers a limitless opportunity to explore amazing places and life forms. You just need the right tool for the trip – a microscope. Guests Angela Goodacre and Doug Chandler have a conversation with Dr. Biology about the instruments that let us journey into inner space. Angela Goodacre pictured in front of a microscopy-inspired painting by Doug Chandler.If you have not alread... | 10/15/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Rebooting the Immune System | Remember your last paper cut or the bad cold that had you coughing and blowing your nose? It was your immune system that was busy trying to make you better by battling the bacteria or virus that was attacking your body. How your immune system works is the discussion Dr. Biology has with pediatrician Paul Turke. They also talk about how our immune systems have to reboot to keep up with evolving bacteria and viruses.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified... | 9/29/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Swarm Science | During a plague year, locusts can swarm over 20 percent of the world’s landmass, affecting one out of every 10 people on the planet. Sounds bad – right? Enter biologist Arianne Cease who has been studying why these insects swarm and how to control them. Dr. Biology learns about her work and an interesting research area called telecoupling. Portrait image by Jacquelyn Cease.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 9/23/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Queen Switcharoo | According to an old German proverb, the animal that is the subject of this show was made by the devil. Dr. Biology gets a lesson about this devilish study subject from biologist Raghavendra Gadagkar. They talk about what he has learned from years of observing these misunderstood animals. There is even a surprise ending that we call the 'Queen Switcharoo'. Spoiler alert – don't read the content log or transcript before listening to the beginning of this episode. Portrait image by Souvik ... | 9/5/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Science-Powered Games | What is a media artist doing developing games based on large science data sets? It turns out he is looking into how the planet ticks and also what David McConville calls global weirding. Listen as Dr. Biology learns how a media artist makes his home in the world of science, biology, and mountains of scientific data, which we call big data. Background image by Globaïa and portrait image by Steve Mann. If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about ne... | 8/30/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Tobacco Plant to the Rescue | How does the tobacco plant go from villain hero? After all, tobacco has been shown to be the leading cause of lung cancer, and its use increases the chances of many other cancers. Dr. Biology catches up with Charlie Arntzen, a biologist and pharmer (no, that is not a misspelling), who has been using the tobacco plant as a tool to develop drug treatments.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 8/6/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Tales of Termites | Termites are one of the planet's best recyclers. Yes, we usually think of these insects as things that destroy homes and need to be exterminated. It turns out that these critters are tiny 'green machines' that are critical to the planet. Dr. Biology learns about the history, social nature, and the important role termites have from entomologist, Barbara Thorn.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/23/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Secret Life of the Natural History Museum | Natural history museums may not come to life as they do in a Hollywood movie, but they do have some amazing stories. They also have all kinds of cool stuff that many of us never get to see. Paleontologist Richard Fortey talks about the life and some of the treasures hidden behind locked doors at natural history museums that are also part of his book Dry Store Room No.1.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/10/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Putting the Touch into Biology | If you think of the instruments used to study and explore the world of biology it is clear that most are visual. So what if you cannot see? How would you understand the structure of – say a cell? Dr. Biology discusses a new tool for learning about biology with newly graduated student and biologist Ashleigh Gonzales.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 6/27/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Space Physiology | Extreme environments can be found on Earth, in space, and in the depths of the ocean. Dr. Biology and biologist, astronaut, and mountain climber Scott Parazynski sit down and talk about what life is like to explore these environments. Just what are they teaching us about our bodies and how might they hold up on long voyages in space? If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 6/16/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Zombie Ants | If you think zombies are only on television and in the movies, think again. There are real live—well maybe not live—zombie ants. Dr. Biology learns the details of a nasty fungus and something called the "death grip" from biologist David Hughes. Listen in and be thankful you are not an ant.Learn more: Zombie Ants (PLOSable)If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 5/28/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Learning from Darwin's Finches | The Galápagos Islands are home to some of the most amazing plants and animals. One group of animals, the Galapagos finches, have been the focus of biologists ever since Darwin wrote about them in his book, On the Origin of Species. Dr. Biology had the opportunity to sit down with Peter and Rosemary Grant to talk about the more than 30 years they spent studying what has come to be called Darwin’s finches. Don't miss listening to this Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson adventure that inc... | 5/16/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Food for Thought About GMOs | What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)? How do you make something that is a GMO? Are they safe? These are just a few of the things Dr. Biology discusses with biologist Kevin Folta. The two also talk about how and where you can find information about science that you can trust to be the most accurate. If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/25/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Cute Colorful Poison Dart Frogs and Their Mimics | They might be colorful. They might be cute to some people. But don’t let that fool you—these bright-colored frogs are poisonous. Dr. Biology talks with biologist Molly Cummings to learn about her work with some frogs that advertise to predators to stay away and other frogs that take advantage of this signal by copying the colors of their poisonous cousins. Learn more - Colorful Copycat Frogs of Peru.Learn more - How Animals See Color.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so... | 4/7/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Looking into Lucy | First, it was a knee bone, then a piece of an elbow. An anthropologist saw deep into the past when he discovered a skeleton in Ethiopia that represented a group of human ancestors. To understand a past that goes back millions of years, we often depend on the stories told by fossils. Dr. Biology talks with anthropologist Donald Johanson about the bits and pieces of Lucy and the interesting past that arose with her bones. Explore more: becominghuman.orgRead more: Did Lucy fall from a tree?If yo... | 3/13/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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A Hiking Adventure | Not everyone has been on a hike and very few have hiked with a park ranger. Dr. Biology hikes South Mountain Park with not one but two park rangers. Park Rangers Liz Smith and Justin Olson are our guides for the 2.5 mile trip up Holbert Trail. This episode provides hiking tips and a preview of what treasures await those who hike this park. This episode also has a companion story, A Walk in the Park, with images and activities.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can... | 8/21/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Ant Life Part 2 | Teamwork is part of life for ants. These social insects live in a society where group work is wired into each individual’s brain. Listen in as co-host Jane Rector and Dr. Biology continue their conversation about the world of ants with biologist Jennifer Fewell. There is even talk of how basketball teams might take lessons from these tiny animals. If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 8/1/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Ant Life Part 1 | Teamwork is part of life for ants. These social insects live in a society where group work is wired into each individual’s brain. Listen in as co-host Jane Rector and Dr. Biology learn about the world of ants from biologist Jennifer Fewell. Could leafcutter ants be one of the first animals to farm?If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 8/1/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Young Women in Science Part 2 | Young scientists, Farah Eltohamy, Amanda Benedetto, and Sarah Sakha, three of the top winners at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair talk about their work and interview ASU biologist Susan Holechek. Pauline Davies hosts the show as Dr. Biology is exploring the Panama rainforest to bring back fun and exciting stories. The event was sponsored by the Central Arizona Chapter of the Association for Women in Science.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notifie... | 5/30/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Young Women in Science Part 1 | Young scientists, CG Schultz and Jessica Mathews, two of the top winners at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair talk about their work and interview ASU ecologist Kiona Ogle. Pauline Davies hosts the show as Dr. Biology is exploring the Panama rainforest to bring back fun and exciting stories. The event was sponsored by the Central Arizona Chapter of the Association for Women in Science.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 5/30/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Biology Business | Have you ever thought of biology as a career path to running a multimillion-dollar project? In this episode, biologist Bruce Hammock talks about life as a biologist, being a businessman, and mountain climbing. Listen in as Dr. Biology learns just how these vastly different interests all fit together.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 9/30/2011 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Strange Cricket Silence | The evening cricket chorus has gone silent on the island of Kauai. Behind the mystery is a parasite fly that is using male crickets as a factory and incubator for future flies. It sounds more gruesome than a science fiction movie, and it's real. Dr. Biology talks with biologist Marlene Zuk about how nature has come to the rescue of male crickets so they can mate and also live to see another day.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/15/2011 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Been There, Dung That | Are there really flesh-eating scarab beetles, or is it a movie myth? Just what are dung beetles doing with all the poop they gather in big balls? These are a few of the questions that biologist Mary Liz Jameson answers on this fun-filled podcast.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/3/2011 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Dear Aliens | Listen in on this fun-filled episode as guest Lucy Hawking talks about the Dear Aliens essay contest and also reads from her book, George's Cosmic Treasure Hunt. Then, plan your own essay with the tips that Dr. Biology and Lucy provide.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 3/19/2011 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Micronauts and Beyond | Dr. Biology and Ask A Biologist co-hosts, Stephanie Galindo, Anthony Delgado, and Raenesha Willis explore the fascinating microscopic world with biologist Page Baluch. Listen in as they talk about their visit to the W. M. Keck Bioimaging Laboratory.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/28/2010 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Skin | In celebration of the launch of the new Ask A Biologist website, Dr. Biology sits down with biologist Nina Jablonski to talk about our skin - the largest organ of our body. With our new website look, you can think of it as its new skin. In this episode, you learn some fun facts about your skin, such as, did you know you are not wearing the same skin from last year? Also, Nina reads a section from her book, which is always fun to hear an author read from their book. Get the book: Skin: A Natur... | 4/20/2010 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Talking Science | What happens when Dr. Biology sits down to talk with science reporter Robert Krulwich? He learns why the reporter is one of the best at communicating complex subjects. Listen in as the two talk about the craft of radio, film, new media formats, and Robert's podcast program, Radiolab.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 11/3/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Bats, Bones, and Biology | Are there vampire bats waiting to drink your blood? Do we have a funny bone in our body? These are just a few of the things Dr. Biology and his guests Rebecca Fisher and Elizabeth Hagen talk about in this interesting episode. You can even listen to some real bat chatter.Learn more: Bats story on Ask A BiologistIf you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 10/17/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Keeping Your Cool - Thermoregulation | After a long hot summer, it seemed like a good time to see how some animals keep cool in extreme heat and stay warm when it is freezing outside. One animal even uses fiber optics to stay warm when the temperatures are below zero. Dr. Biology talks with biologist Dale DeNardo and engineer and thermographic artist Arno Vlooswijk about what's hot and what's not when it comes to thermoregulation. After listening to this episode, you can read more about how animals control their body temperature i... | 10/12/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Evolution of Bird Flight | To fly like a bird. It's the dream of many people - being able to soar in the air without a plane or other device. But have birds always been masters of the sky? Dr. Biology talks with ornithologist Ken Dial about the evolution of bird flight and what he and other scientists have learned with the help of some modern baby dinosaurs (birds). Oh yes, and can penguins fly?If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 8/21/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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New Species Hunters | From high on top of the Tepui mountains in South America and into the depths of the Pacific Ocean, Vicki Funk (born: 26 November 1947 – died: 22 October 2019 | age 72) and Richard Pyle search the globe looking for new plants and animals. Dr. Biology has a chance to learn some interesting things about exploring and looking for new species - like what the Smithsonian Diet is, and how to lighten the mood when surrounded by hundreds of sharks.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podca... | 7/21/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Flora Delaterre - Plant Detective | Dr. Biology, along with a group of curious high school students, learns why Detective Flora Delaterre is investigating plants and how they can be the perfect medicine for what makes you sick. Once you get an idea behind detective Delaterre's investigations, you will want to jump over to her story on medicines we get from nature. If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/15/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Oh No, Not Exercise! | It's that time of year when those who haven't been exercising think about starting their new routine, but is all exercise the same? Do you need to run five miles every day to get in shape and be healthy? Dr. Biology has a chance to sit down after a workout session to talk about exercise and kids with metabolic biologist Gabriel Shaibi. What he and a group of researchers found might surprise you.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 2/1/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Is There a Jaguar in My Backyard? | Dr. Biology learns some of the secrets behind the jaguar in the southwest. Could they be living here? Listen in as wildlife biologist Emil McCain talks about Jaguars and the research being done to protect their home.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 1/3/2009 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Edward O. Wilson Science Rock Star - Part 2 | Dr. Biology continues his conversation with Ed Wilson (born: June 10, 1929 – died: December 26, 2021). The two talk about what it takes to be a great scientist and how to encourage students to be scientists. If you missed it, the link to the first part of the conversation is in Edward O. Wilson Science Rock Star - Part 1.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 11/14/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Edward O. Wilson Science Rock Star - Part 1 | Dr. Biology meets up with one of the rock stars of science - Ed Wilson (born: June 10, 1929 – died: December 26, 2021). While one has his own comic book character the other is larger than life in the world of science. Listen in as these two sit down for a fun conversation about science and art.Edward O. Wilson Science Rock Star - Part 2If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 11/14/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The Other Marine Biologist | When many people hear the words "marine biology", they think of oceans and the things that live in oceans and seas. What most people do not know is there is an area of biology that studies marine life found in lakes, rivers, and streams. Co-host Michael Saxon and Dr. Biology catch up with limnologist Jim Elser to learn more about these other marine biologists. Along the way, they learn about fantastic places, evolution, and a new computer game called evoSpore.If you have not already, please s... | 10/24/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Cataglyphis Versus Saharabot | Imagine a David and Goliath battle between a tiny desert-dwelling ant and a monster robot. What can we learn from these two unlikely characters? Dr. Biology gets the chance to talk with biologist Rüdiger Wehner about his amazing study subject, Cataglyphis fortis, and his robot incarnation. Did we mention these ants do geometry? Maybe you could use one as a tutor.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 10/15/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Mud Science - Healing with Clays | Do you remember playing with mud as a child? Maybe you still do enjoy making a mud pie or two. It turns out that mud—or to be correct, clays—show promise for treating and maybe curing some diseases. Listen in as co-host Marissa Henderson and Dr. Biology learn more about the amazing properties of some clays from microbiologist Shelley Haydel.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 10/7/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Pollen - Nature's Tiny Clues | Pollen and sneezing go together like spring and fresh flowers in bloom. And even though pollen gets a bad reputation, it is actually a powerful tool in crime scene investigation (CSI), as well as anthropology, underwater archeology, and oil and coal exploration. Dr. Biology gets a chance to visit with palynologist Vaughn Bryant (born: October 5, 1940 – died: January 30, 2021) to learn more about pollen including its sweet connection to honey.If you have not already, please subscribe to the po... | 9/24/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Ouch! Body Defense and Repair | It can start with a paper cut, or bruise, sometimes, it might be a cold or the flu that triggers your body's defense and repair system. Listen in as Dr. Biology and Co-host Ramon Santos from Paul Lawrence Dunbar Elementary learn more about how our bodies can repair themselves even while we sleep. Guest biologist Doug Lake talks about body repair, our immune system, and how it might be used to treat cancer.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about ne... | 9/10/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Secrets of Desert Plants | On a hot summer day in the desert, temperatures are often hotter than 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). If the heat is not bad enough, there can be weeks and months without a drop of rain. How do desert plants like the Saguaro Cactus survive in such difficult conditions? Dr. Biology talks with Tina Wilson from the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Arizona. He gets the inside story behind plants that keep their cool in the desert.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can... | 8/10/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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A Visit to NSF | Hitting the road again, Dr. Biology checks out the Biological Division of the National Science Foundation. He visits with Dr. James Collins who is overseeing all the research funding for the biological area at NSF. Learn how your tax dollars are being used and the cool things that NSF funds that you may not have known about.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/28/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Life and Building E.T. | An exciting interview with physicist Paul Davies and microbiologist Ferran Garcia-Pichel who talk about life, extremophiles, and E.T. Listen in on this lively conversation and see if maybe, just maybe, we might have come from Mars.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/18/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Ants and Ant Farms | Other than the rare chocolate-covered ant, why would we want to farm ants? Dr. Biology and his co-host Itzany Mendez from Dunbar Elementary School look into the lives of these interesting animals. The two talk with Ph.D. graduate student Rebecca Clark and learn some pretty cool things including how to build a slick ant farm using two music CD cases.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/2/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Mystery of the Dying Coral Reefs | Dr. Biology and his guest, taxonomist Diana Lipscomb, dive into the mystery of why coral reefs around the world are dying. With no untouched reefs left today, the possibility of losing this important marine life and habitat is real. Learn how taxonomy is being used to solve the mystery and possibly save these beautiful and important ecosystems.Watch: How El Niño impacts ocean temperatures and corals.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new epis... | 5/19/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Feather Biology | Dr. Biology and his co-host Brian Varela from Dunbar Elementary School get a close-up view of bird feathers. The pair interview biologist Kevin McGraw an expert on animals coloration who studies birds to unlock their secrets. They learn about the many ways birds use their feathers. What they find out might surprise you. After listening to this episode be sure to take a look at the companion article and cool gallery.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notifie... | 5/7/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Iridescence: Nature's Spectacular Colors | You may not know the name or how it works, but iridescent color is common in Nature. From butterflies to birds and even fish you can see examples of these eye-popping colors. Dr. Biology sits down with physicist Peter Vukusic to talk about iridescence and the science behind these spectacular colors.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/24/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Wickedly Cool Plants | Dr. Biology and his co-host Taylor Cheatham from Dunbar Elementary School explore some of the more unusual plants of the desert and beyond. The pair interview biologist Raul Gutierrez, who has been studying Devil's Claw. If that's not a wickedly cool name, what is? There's even talk of some plants eating insects--let's hope they don't get an appetite for larger animals.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/11/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Spiderwomen | What would have happened if poor Miss Muffet had not been frightened away by the spider that sat down beside her? Dr. Biology talks with two scientists that certainly were not frightened away by spiders. Listen in as biologists Eileen Hebets and Lisa Taylor talk about their passion for these cool creatures.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 3/28/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Spiderman meets Spider-Man | World expert arachnologist Norman Platnick (born: December 30, 1951 – died: April 8, 2020 | age 69) sits down with Dr. Biology to talk about his favorite eight-legged animal. Sometimes scary to people, learn what the world might be like without spiders and if the current action hero Tobey Maguire is actually afraid of the animal who made him famous.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 3/15/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Math Biology | Dr. Biology visits with two young mathematicians that also have a love for biology. Cassie Pawling and Genevieve Toutain talk about how their passion for numbers has blended with biology as well as how they have gotten where they are and future plans. Be sure to listen in to learn some great math tricks you can use to impress friends and family, including some mind-boggling mind reading.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 3/3/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Panda-monium | An interview with biologists WEI Fuwen from the Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences and Andrew Smith from the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. Just how are the pandas of China doing? Dr. Biology finds out the answer from his two guests, along with what happens when a baby panda falls out of a tree.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 2/15/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Birds of a Feather | Join the conversation with Dr. Biology and two leading Arizona bird experts. Biologist Dave Pearson and Audubon Environmental Educator Cathy Wise let us in on these amazing animals. After listening to these two birders, as they call themselves, you will want to try out birding yourself. Did we mention the Philippine Monkey-eating Eagle? Let's just say, be glad you're not a monkey living in the Philippines.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about ne... | 1/25/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Hulking Biology | When you think of the comic character, the Hulk, you think BIG—and that's what Dr. Biology does in this episode. He learns about a building-sized instrument being used by a group of scientists. This monster instrument is called a synchrotron and is an important part of the XM2 microscope that is being built to look inside cells in a new way. Find out how biophysicist Gerry McDermott connected to the project, and even a bit about what happened when the Hulk paid a visit to the giant monster. I... | 1/17/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Cell CAT Scans | Dr. Biology travels to the National Center for X-ray Tomography in Berkeley California to learn about a new microscope being built by cell biologist Carolyn Larabell and a team of scientists that provides a new way to look inside cells. Using a building-sized instrument called a synchrotron for its light source the XM2, as it is called, uses x-rays to look inside cells In fact, it is so new it is the only one of its kind in the world!If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so... | 1/7/2008 | Free | View in iTunes |
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NSDL | An interview with some of the people behind the National Science Digital Library, a place on the Web where you can find science content that you can count on and trust. In this episode, Dr. Biology attends the annual NSDL conference to learn more about this program and related projects.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 12/10/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Bee Movie Maker | Lights, camera, action! Well, it may not be a Hollywood movie, but there's a lot to be learned by filming bees. In this episode, Dr. Biology talks with bee movie maker and neurobiologist Brian Smith. Listen in as the two talk about bees, Bee Movie, and even take a trip inside a beehive to check out what is buzzing. You can also check out our companion profile story on Brian Smith's research.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 11/30/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Nanobiology | An interview with physicist and nanobiologist Stuart Lindsay, professor in the departments of Chemistry and Physics at Arizona State University. Dr. Lindsay is also the Director of the Center for Single Molecule Biophysics at the Biodesign Institute at ASU.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 11/12/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Soil & Microbes | An interview with microbiologist Ferran Garcia-Pichel, Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. Listen in as Dr. Biology finds out that describing something as a "cup of dirt" may not be the best choice of words.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 10/30/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Cells and Cancer | What happens when good cells go bad? In this program, Dr. Biology talks with cell biologist Michael Berens about cells and why they sometimes go bad. Could it be the genes, and if it is a genetic breakdown, could the new world of translational genomics hold the key to new treatments?If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 10/12/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Fire and Life | Fire and life - what do they have in common? It turns out there is more to fire than just the glow of the flame. Stephen Pyne, emeritus professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, gives Dr. Biology a lesson in fire and how it has shaped life on Earth.Learn more: Are Wildfires Bad?If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 9/20/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Watching Grass Grow | Travel to Northern Arizona to the research site of ecologist Stan Faeth and get some insights into what he has learned from two native grasses. Who would have thought so much could be learned from these simple plants and the microscopic ecosystem that is part of their success? We also learn how "sleepy grass" got its nickname. If it's called sleepy grass, does it also snore? There is also some talk about why a fungus found in grasses could end up helping humans.If you have not already, please... | 9/4/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Stinging Mystery | Take your best guess of the mystery animal from Dr. Biology's clues. Then, listen to Conrad Storad, editor of ASU Research Magazine and Chain Reaction Magazine, and physiologist Michael Quinlan as they give the whole story behind this ancient creature. Warning - do not read beyond this point if you want to test your detective skills!If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 8/28/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Ant Math | Think you know a lot about ants? Think again! These tiny animals have a lot of interesting things that they are teaching us. Have you ever thought that ants might be doing math? Learn what biologist Stephen Pratt is finding out about one very tiny species of ants.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 8/15/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Dr. Biology Goes to Washington DC: Science for Everyone | Dr. Biology goes to Washington D.C. and tackles some of the ways everyone can be part of science—even if you are not a scientist. Listen to what he finds out from Cheryl Zook (independent filmmaker), Elizabeth Pennisi (science writer), and Nancy Pelaez (program director - NSF-EHR/DUE).If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/24/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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125 |
Roses are Red and Violets are Blue, but Why? | What is color? Do all animals see color? Do all animals see the same colors? In this episode, we learn the answer to these questions and about the colorful research that ecologist Kevin McGraw has been doing with birds and their colorful feathers. We even learn how the color red plays a special role for many animals, including humans.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 7/15/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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126 |
A Walk on the Wild Side: A Look at Species | Dr. Biology takes a trip to the Tres Rios wetlands and catches up with several biologists from the ASU School of Life Sciences, including Quentin Wheeler, entomologist and founding director of the International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 6/24/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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127 |
Bugs in Films | This is no Hollywood story—the films we're talking about aren't ones you'd want to have near you, because they can make a great home for bad microscopic organisms. Dr. Biology finds out about biofilms from Valerie Stout, Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 6/5/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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128 |
Stressed Out | What is stress? We often know what stress feels like, but what is it and what causes it? We get a chance to learn about stress, the brain, and two very important areas in the brain: the hippocampus and hypothalamus. We also learn how the very vocal bullfrog is helping biologist Miles Orchinik learn about stress and the brain. Listen to a ribbiting show.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 5/18/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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129 |
Biology Net | Dr. Biology catches up with animal behavior biologist, John Alcock (born 1942 - died 2023 | age 80), and talks about his work, his research, and writing about animals and animal behavior. Hey, I thought all bees lived in hives—and what about these other animals called tarantula hawks? They're not tarantulas or hawks!If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 5/9/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Casting a Podcast Line | Did you know that the ASU School of Life Sciences has another fun audio program called Science Studio? Dr. Biology takes time out from the Microcomputer in Education Conference to visit Peggy Coulombe, the host of Science Studio.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/18/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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131 |
The Art and Science of Broadcast Journalism | It's about getting and telling a story. It's about excitement. It's about letting people know what is happening in the world in which they live. Science broadcasting is both an art and science. Listen to two long-time BBC and ABC broadcasting journalists, Pauline Davies and Robyn Williams as they talk about the interview process.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/7/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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132 |
A Breath of Fresh Ocean Air | Yes, most of us know that plants and animals exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen gases, but how about the oceans—did you know that oceans breathe? Marine biologist Susanne Neuer talks about oceans, global warming, and life on not only Earth but also the possibility of life on other worlds. You can read more about Neuer and her work in the companion article, What Lies Beneath.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 4/1/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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133 |
Butterflies and Insect Vision | Learn about one of nature's most fashionable animals, the butterfly. In this three-part series, Professor Ron Rutowski talks about the role of butterflies in the ecosystem, and the amazing migration of the monarch butterfly [Part 1], along with his research on butterfly coloration and insect vision—are butterflies legally blind? [Part 2]. In the last part of the series, we learn about Professor Rutowski's other life as a musician and listen to a song from his solo album titled Violinalone [Pa... | 3/16/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Keystone Species | Travel with Dr. Biology to the Tibetan plateau in China and the field site of conservation biologist Andrew Smith. There, we will learn about some cute furry animals called Pikas and why they are considered a keystone species. Hey, just what is a keystone species? Well, that's also something we'll learn about.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 3/11/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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135 |
Bugs in Space | Blast off with microbiologist Cheryl Nickerson and her high-flying experiments onboard the space shuttles. Learn how microbes grow in space and how this research will help not only astronauts but also you and me on planet Earth. Did we mention race cars too?If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 2/18/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The Sounds of Nature | Dr. Biology sits down to talk with the ASU School of Life Sciences' Pierre Deviche. The two have some fun listening and learning about professor Deviche's favorite animal to record. You also don't want to spoil the fun mystery animal quiz at the beginning of the show, so don't read the content log or transcript before you listen!If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 2/10/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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The Social Nature of Nature | An interview with biologist, movie maker, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Bert Hölldobler. Venture into the world filled with amazing facts and feats by an animal that will remain a mystery... at least until you listen to the clues at the beginning of this episode and make your own guess.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 1/24/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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What's the Buzz About Bees and the Bee Genome? | An interview with biologist Gro Amdam, one of the members of the group that brought us the bee genome. Hey, just what is a genome, and could bees hold the answer to aging? In this episode, we learn the answers to these questions and why researchers are buzzing around bees.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 1/12/2007 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Tiny Tigers | Dr. Biology interviews biologist David Pearson, an author, and expert on tiger beetles. The two talk about these amazing insects. Did you know that tiger beetles can run so fast that they go blind? They also talk about what it'd be like to be hunted by these tiny yet ferocious animals. Listen in as we learn the answer from our guest biologist.If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes. | 12/15/2006 | Free | View in iTunes |
| 139 Items |
Customer Reviews
Love this podcast so much
I’ve been listening to it since it first started and I was a freshman at Arizona State University and got me through such a difficult time after my mom died, and I had no one to talk to at ASU. Also got me through a lot of lonesome summers in my dorm. I also feel smarter after every episode, I literally love this podcast hopefully my children love it as much as I do I highly recommend listening to it on repeat until you internalize the information in the episodes, they’re all super relaxing, so very very easy, listening in the background, or as a bedtime story turn down.
You just never know what you’re gonna learn about. It’s always exciting and always super interesting. Keep doing what you do you’re outstanding any means so much to the community at ASU.
Thanks
I have been listening to this podcast since I was 5 and my dad would play it for my brother and I at night while we were going to sleep. I’m so glad that he did cuz I felt smarter after listening to each of the episodes! I rediscovered this podcast and have loved to learn about all the little things in science that have developed our world today. Thanks Dr. Biology. Keep producing more please.
I love this
I love just listening to curious info and good research programs. Good job, please keep uploading more "episodes" ;)
