Goggles Optional Shorts

If you previously thought that humans were the only creatures on Earth who can count, think again. Researchers have discovered that similarly to humans’ thought processes when counting and visualizing numbers, newborn chicks also have the ability to assemble a number line. Episode 66: Chicks dig counting

As scientists continue to experiment with strains of bacteria and viruses with hopes of developing vaccinations, there must be a way to ensure that those potentially harmful organisms are contained. We investigate the future of biocontainment and how scientists are using this concept to create organisms that do not rely on nature to survive. Episode […]

We explore the findings of the BICEP2 telescope and discuss why it’s discovery of microwave polarization validating the presence of gravitational waves on early Earth is inaccurate. Episode 66: Chicks dig counting

Physical aging is inevitable but on the molecular level, our cells are aging constantly. Although the source of aging has not yet been discovered, several theories have linked aging to specific processes that our DNA undergo such as damaging and telomere shortening. Episode 65: An eggcellent solution to aging and drugs

Would our bodies make viable landing sites for nanorockets? Scientists are currently researching these minuscule flying objects which can be directly targeted towards specific locations in the human body, potentially aiding and enhancing successful drug delivery. Episode 65: An eggcellent solution for aging and drugs

Scientists from UC Irvine and Australia have teamed up to discover a fascinating method of unveiling egg whites. Join us as we “egg-amine” and discuss this unlikely phenomenon on a molecular level. Episode 65: An eggcellent solution for aging and drugs

The mitochondria is the powerhouse of a cell. We discuss the interesting correlation between mitochondria and cancer cells, specifically what it means for a cancer cell to be devoid of it’s mitochondria. Episode 63: We nose how to stop colds

Put down the Kleenex and sit down with a hot cup of tea as you join us for this exciting segment.  We welcome Ellen Foxman, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Laboratory Medicine at Yale University, and discuss her intriguing research using a strain of the common cold known as a rhinovirus to investigate how our immune […]

We introduce an exciting breakthrough in the field of television display, specifically known as Quantum Dot TVs.  Unlike LCD or plasma TVs where the brightness of the display decreases, Quantum Dot TVs are designed to channel energy towards creating light directly, thus having the capability of producing a wider array of colors. Episode 62: Drunk finches are […]

Join us as we explore how studying zebra finches and their unique song patterns in a drunken state parallel our speech patterns and can provide insight into the processes we undergo when we are drunk. Episode 62: Drunk finches are the radio stars!

What is Brownian motion and what does this phenomenon have to do with measuring the speed of colliding particles present in liquids? Episode 62: Drunk finches are the radio stars!

Dogs eating grass to vomit?  Birds lathering themselves with ants to kill lice?  White pregnant elephants consuming plants to induce labor?  Join us as we describe what all of these absurd scenarios have in common and why animals do in fact “self-medicate.” Episode 59: Charlie, the Smoking Chimp

A revolutionizing one-atom thick material called graphene that only allows electrons and protons to pass through it is gaining prominence.  Now how can this “two-dimensional” material be used efficiently in fuel cells? Episode 59: Charlie, the Smoking Chimp

We unveil an intriguing research study which examines the possible cause-and-effect relationship between smoking and a loss of the Y-chromosome.  On the molecular level, we discuss why such chromosome abnormalities may explain the disproportionate number of males who contract certain forms of cancer. Episode 59: Charlie, the Smoking Chimp

You might have learned a little bit about black holes already, but have you ever stumbled upon the theory of hawking radiation? Join us as we discuss this phenomenon using quantum mechanics as well as attempt to break down what it takes to “build” a black hole. Episode 58: Black hole cats

We welcome Dr. Yula Paluy as she describes her unique research concerning the positive impact of humor on our relationships and why it is essential to human nature. Episode 58: Black hole cats

Did someone say pumpkins, squash, or cucumbers? That’s right; during Thanksgiving, you may or may not have had one, two, or all three of these deliciously sweet members of the Cucurbitaceae family.  But in fact, the sweetness of these vegetables has been the product of decades and decades of domestication.  Join us as we look into […]

How cool would it be to be Geckoman for a day?  It just so happens that we could potentially have the ability to run up walls and stick to ceilings after a group of mechanical engineers at Stanford built adhesive gloves for humans that are modeled after gecko feet! Episode 57: Geckos Optional

How can queen termites alone produce a fully functioning colony?  Join us as we explore how queen termites have the ability to sexually produce other queen termites through a process known as parthenogenesis. Episode 57: Geckos Optional

Get ready for an action-packed segment where we travel into space and answer the Top 10 science-related questions from the movie Interstellar! Episode 55: Black Holes and Banana Phones