Podcast Episodes

Icy Room Temperatures May Chill Productivity

A new study suggests women's performance on math and verbal tasks increases as room temperature rises, up to about the mid 70s F. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Bird Beak Shapes Depend on More Than Diet

A study found that only a small percentage of bird beak shape variation is dependent on diet, with other factors like display and nest construction probably playing parts too.

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Ancient Gum Gives Archaeologists Something to Chew On

Chewing gums discovered in western Sweden contain the oldest human DNA found in Scandinavia. Christopher Intagliata reports.

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Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Nobelist: Harness Evolution as a Problem-Solving Algorithm

Frances Arnold, the Caltech scientist who shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, says evolution can show us how to solve problems of sustainability.

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Unread Books at Home Still Spark Literacy Habits

Growing up in a home filled with books enhances enhances intellectual capacity in later life, even if you don't read them all.

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Kid Climate Educators Open Adult Eyes

A study finds that kids, especially daughters, are effective at teaching their parents about climate issues.

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Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Penguin Poop Helps Biodiversity Bloom in Antarctica

Ammonia from penguin poop gets carried on Antarctic winds, fertilizing mosses and lichens as far as a mile away. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Ancient Whiz Opens Archaeology Window

The residue of ancient urine can reveal the presence of early stationary herder-farmer communities.

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Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

U.S. Coral Reefs Do $1.8 Billion of Work Per Year

By dampening the energy of waves, coral reefs protect coastal cities from flooding damage and other economic losses. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Could Air-Conditioners Help Cool the Planet?

Researchers want to outfit air conditioners with carbon-capture technology. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Published on 6 years, 8 months ago