Goggles Optional Shorts

We cover a recent study which explores how cell phone usage can be utilized to track the number of people at a specific location at any given time because after all, a large percentage of the world’s population owns a cell phone! Episode 55: Black Holes and Banana Phones

Is it possible to use synthetic biology techniques to equip bacteria with memory?  We explore this latest possibility and explain the benefits of such “sensor” bacteria in using stored information to trace illnesses as well as target specific infected sites in the body with the release of a particular drug. Episode 55: Black Holes and Banana […]

How do bats catch their prey?  Through chirping!  We discuss this method of survival, as known as echolocation, which allows bats to “see” their food through creating sound waves. Episode 54: Jamming colon cancer!

We welcome Dr. HoJoon Lee, an expert in colon cancer, and speak with him about how studying large amounts of data can indicate cancer progression. Episode 54: Jamming colon cancer!

We welcome Toly Rinberg and Andrew Bergman and speak with them about their humanitarian efforts trying to develop a better means of locating displaced individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Episode 53: Finding people in DisPlace

Join us as we explore Google’s exciting, new project aimed at using magnetic nanoparticles to diagnose cancer. Episode 53: Finding people in DisPlace

What happens after bacteria consume sugar?  We investigate where the electrons travel through looking at the relationship between bacteria and nanowires on the molecular level. Episode 52: Super viruses and Snickers!

We all know the familiar feeling of being hangry.  But is it possible that our hanger has more serious implications then our trivial craving for that burger down the street?  It is very possible as we uncover a new study which focused on how our “hanger” can catalyze the development of cancer cells. Episode 52: Super […]

Equipping viruses with new means of destruction: good or bad?  Join us as we discuss the importance of creating and studying these “super viruses” in the advancement of medical treatments and solutions. Episode 52: Super viruses and Snickers!

Join us as we highlight the recipients of the Nobel Prize for physics, chemistry, and medicine, or physiology, and their breakthrough inventions. Episode 50: A Nobel recovery from surgery

We welcome Dr. Brice Gaudilliere and Gabi Fragiadakis who give us a closer look at their study on the length of recovery after surgery and whether or not a patient’s immune system can be a clear indication of how long it takes the patient to make a full recovery. Episode 50: A Nobel recovery from surgery

We may think that Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Pepsi, and Sprite Zero lessen our intake of both sugar and calories, but in actuality that is not the case.  Join us as we uncover the truth about artificial sweeteners and how these seemingly healthier sodas may be “not so sweet” after all. Episode 47: Planet of the […]

As outrageous as it may sound, chimps go to war.  Some might be motivated to war over resources, habitats, or purely out of aggression.  But what truly spurs their warlike nature?  We investigate this on a deeper level and draw connections to how these tendencies may have impacted and led to our violent nature. Episode […]

What do plankton and science have in common?  We welcome biologist Dr. Meike Wittmann who introduces us to her fascinating work studying the Allee effect, a phenomenon depicting the rapid decline in the growth of a population which can lead to even smaller populations or in extreme cases, extinction. Episode 48: Where have all the unicorns gone?

Is there a solution to dwarfism?  We study the causes of particular types of dwarfism such as chondroplasia and the effects of such mutations on the body. Episode 48: Where have all the unicorns gone?

What happens when a whale dies?  We dive deep into the sea to uncover the aftermath of a whale’s death and how this occurrence positively affects the growth of the deep sea community. Episode 46: Biologist-fall

We all know solar flares as bursts of light coming from the sun, but what causes and goes on behind this magical occurrence? Episode 46: Biologist-fall

The 2nd law of thermodynamics, entropy, a demon and a buffalo: how are all of these terms related?  We further explore an experiment conducted at Aalto University in Finland which used quantum mechanics to study a system tying these ideas together. Episode 46: Biologist-fall

We welcome Dr. Kat Arney, a producer for The Naked Genetics podcast, who explores her interest in science communication and education.  She sheds insight on her prior experiences in the lab and offers advice to those who want to share their discoveries and breakthroughs in the world of science. Episode 45: The Naked Geneticist 

More caffeine anyone?  Researchers at the University of Buffalo have sequenced the genome of a coffee plant with hopes of eventually creating “supercoffee” plants.  We further investigate the growth of the coffee plant and the effects of caffeine on our bodies. Episode 45: The Naked Geneticist