Posts

April 29, 2013

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A college course forces John Rennie to confront a furious rat, and himself.

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12:41 AM | BacterioFiles Micro Edition 123 - Proteobacteria Protonate Poison

This episode: Soil microbe has a good enzyme for degrading cyanide pollution! Download Episode (4.2 MB, 4.5 minutes)Show notes:Journal Paper Other interesting stories: Company developing virus to treat cancer Prions help fungi regulate their multicellularity History and status of phage therapy Protists from termite gut named after elder gods Screening many chemicals, scientists found some that increase algal oil production Post questions or comments here or email to bacteriofiles at […]

April 28, 2013

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11:05 PM | Science Weekly podcast: The Burning Question – fossil fuels

It is one of the greatest social, scientific and political dilemmas facing humankind. This week's Science Weekly is dedicated to exploring the burning question that is the subject of Duncan Clark and Mike Berners-Lee's new book: how to leave vast untapped reserves of coal, gas and oil in the ground, and somehow find viable alternative forms of energy. Adam Vaughan, the Guardian's online environment editor, interviewed Clark, who is a consultant editor on the environment desk and visiting […]

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11:00 PM | Eureka! Asteroid Mining

Take off for an asteroid with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Peter Diamandis, the co-founder of Planetary Resources and the man with the plan to mine asteroids for profit and progress.

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12:00 PM | April 28th: Monthly News Roundup – Water, Water, Everywhere

Podcaster: Morgan Rehnberg Title: Monthly News Roundup – Water, Water, Everywhere Link : http://cosmicchatter.org Dark matter: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/14apr_ams/ Water worlds: http://www.space.com/20720-earth-like-alien-planets-discovery.html http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/04/kepler-discovers-two-earth-size-planets.html Saturn rain: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/whycassini/cassini20130410.html […]

April 27, 2013

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4:00 PM | Paleofantasy * Why Vermin Can't Vomit * Squirrel Stress Makes Big Babies * Better Bacterial Biofuels * Big Stars make Long Gamma-Ray Bursts

How did our ancestors live and can we learn lessons from them on how we should live today?  Well, a guest on today's program says we don't know, and probably not, and warns us against putting too much faith in...

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2:30 PM | April 27th: Weekly Space Hangout: Astronomy Highlight on April 19th

Podcaster: Nicole Gugliucci, Fraser Cain, Amy Shira Teitel, Scott Lewis and Matthew Francis Title: Weekly Space Hangout: Astronomy Highlight on April 19th Link : http://cosmoquest.org Kepler: http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/04/18/earth_sized_planets_two_super_earths_found_orbiting_the_same_star.html Dark Matter: http://www.universetoday.com/101464/researchers-may-have-finally-detected-a-dark-matter-particle/ Mars 3: […]

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2:10 PM | Episode One Hundred And Fifty Nine – On Psychiatric Tales, Science Tales And Faking A Moon Landing With Darryl Cunningham

Today marks the end of World Immunisation Week and if there’s one thing I could recommend to people who are thinking of discussing the value of science and vaccination, it would be work like that created by Darryl Cunningham. Darryl Cunningham went to Leeds College of Art and is a prolific cartoonist, sculptor and photographer. He has also worked as a health care assistant on an acute psychiatric ward which informed and inspired the thoughts and experiences which went into his […]

April 26, 2013

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12:19 PM | April 26th: Missions to the Moon and the Overview Effect

Podcaster: Nancy Atkinson & Frank WhiteTitle: Missions to the Moon and the Overview Effect Organization: NASA Lunar Science Institute Links: NLSI Music: “Amelia” by Ben Bedford from his “Land of the Shadows” CD. http://benbedford.com/ Description: The exploration of space has not only has allowed us to discover and see farther in our Universe than humanity ever has, but its also given us a unique look back at our own world, and it changed our perceptions of it. […]

April 25, 2013

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12:55 PM | April 25th: Planetary Society: Ice Giants

Podcaster: Emily Lakdawalla & Heidi Hammel Title: Planetary Society: Ice Giants Organization: Planetary Society Link : http://planetary.org You can watch the video in: http://youtu.be/vh4vGHhi8xQ Description: Emily and Heidy discussed two planets near and dear to our hearts, Neptune and Uranus. What’s new on these icy worlds since Voyager 2 passed by, and what are the prospects for their future exploration? Bio: Emily Lakdawalla is a Planetary Society senior editor and […]

April 24, 2013

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7:32 PM | TWiM #55: In the copper room

Vincent, Elio and Michael discuss the finding that copper surfaces reduce microbial burden and hospital-acquired infections in the intensive care unit.

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6:01 PM | April 27: Paleo-fantasy

The idea that we are best suited biologically to a Paleolithic diet and lifestyle seems to make sense at first. But evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk calls that a "Paleo Fantasy," and argues that we have evolved and adapted to our modern environment and food practices.

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4:08 PM | April 24th: Learning Space – NGSS and NSTA13

Podcaster: Nicole Gugliucci, Georgia Bracey, Ellen Reilly Title: Learning Space – NGSS and NSTA13 Organization: CosmoQuest Link : You can watch the video in: http://youtu.be/eKPKVHrZLgU Description: Ellen Reilly and Nicole Gugliucci will be reporting back from the national conference of the National Science Teachers Association. What was cool? What fun demos were there? What freebies did she get? Find out! Also, the Next Generation Science Standards were finally released the week of […]

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3:59 AM | Special Edition 9 – The Feline Phenomenon!

Derek Mead, the Editor in Chief of Motherboard came out to visit Ryan and so of course they sat down on the mic to talk about CATS! (And yes, the photo is Derek and Ryan out looking for cats in Costa Rica.) No time stamps for this one. We were drinking an Incredible Hop Series [...]

April 23, 2013

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6:31 PM | Dinosaurs Having SEX! REPLAY Episode 10 - by Sarah Chow (Click...

Dinosaurs Having SEX! REPLAY Episode 10 - by Sarah Chow (Click here to directly access the MP3) (Access the full transcript) Dinosaur mating has long puzzled scientists. However with the help of dinosaur descendants like birds and crocodiles, scientists can better visualize these prehistoric beasts behind closed bushes. Listen to the Podcast to learn more! Check out this great link from the Smithsonian on Dinosaur Tracking Sarah Chow is a recent graduate of the Banff Science Communication […]

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3:16 PM | April 23rd: My Moon: Google Lunar X Prize

Podcaster: Andy Shaner, Leo CamachoTitle: My Moon: Google Lunar X Prize Organization: CosmoQuest ; My Moon Link : You can watch the video in: http://youtu.be/uDiLbM0ksDQ Description: MyMoon and CosmoQuest talk with Leo Camacho about Google lunar X Prize Bio: Andy Shaner from Lunar Planetary Institute Leo Camacho is a media and outreach guy from Google Lunar X Prize End of podcast: 365 Days of Astronomy ===================== The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the New Media […]

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12:09 PM | Episode One Hundred And Fifty Eight – On Sceptici în România – Skepticism In Romania

The first skeptical podcast in Romania, Sceptici în România, aka “Skeptical Romania” takes a skeptical view on education, law, politics, science, pseudo-science, miracle claims, miracle cures and vampires. Each episode has either a interview, a debate or a science segment – a podcast in a country where superstition is the norm and paranormal can be seen as ‘normal’! This interview features a chat with Eddy Petrisor, Stanca Miruna Geanta Chelbea and Ovidiu Covaciu […]

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7:28 AM | Anthropocene Borders

Geographer Reece Jones discusses his recent book “Border Walls,” examining the history of how and why societies have chosen to literally wall themselves apart. He gives a brief history of political maps, how international lines reshape landscapes, and how the … Continue reading →

April 22, 2013

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3:24 PM | April 22nd: Astronomy Cast: Arecibo Observatory

Podcaster: Fraser Cain and Dr Pamela Gay Title: Astronomy Cast Ep. 294: Arecibo Observatory Organization: Astronomy Cast – http://www.astronomycast.com. Link : http://youtu.be/vnL4_ce0CPc Description: This week’s episode is on the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, discussing the amazing science that’s been happening there for decades, as well as the cameos it’s made in Hollywood films! Bio: Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today and Dr. Pamela Gay is a professor […]

April 21, 2013

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11:25 PM | Moran Cerf: Being dead while being alive

Moran Cerf's life is spun around when a computer glitch declares him dead -- but that's nothing compared to what happens when a real funeral comes around.

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11:05 PM | Science Weekly podcast: the origin of life

Alok Jha is joined by Adam Rutherford to discuss how life began some 4bn years ago – and the manipulation of its blueprint, DNA, through genetic engineering. Adam's latest book, Creation: The Origin of Life/The Future of Life, is two books in one. The first details the latest research into how the first cellular life form emerged, and the second looks at the rapidly developing science of synthetic biology.To purchase Adam's book from the Guardian bookshop, click here.Subscribe for free via […]

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12:00 PM | April 21st: Dear Cheap Astronomy – Episode 5

Podcaster: Steve Nerlich Title: Dear Cheap Astronomy – Episode 5 Organization: Cheap Astronomy Links: http://cheapastro.com Description: Things that make you go hmm… Bio: Cheap Astronomy offers an educational website giving your more Big Bang for your buck. Today’s sponsor: This episode of “365 Days of Astronomy” is sponsored by — no one. We still need sponsors for many days in 2011, so please consider sponsoring a day or two. Just click on the “Donate” button on the […]

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2:26 AM | BacterioFiles Micro Edition 122 - Coliforms Consume Caffeine Compulsively

This episode: Scientists engineer E. coli to be addicted to caffeine! Download Episode (4.3 MB, 4.75 minutes)Show notes:News Item 1/News Item 2/Journal Paper Other interesting stories: Figuring out how microbes survive in salty freezing lakes Bacterial wires conduct electricity because of certain amino acids Making cyanobacteria produce butanol biofuel Byproduct of algal biofuel production could be made into biodegradable plastic Phage therapy looking more promising Post questions or […]

April 20, 2013

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4:00 PM | Parasitic Worm Inspires Better Skin Graft * Penis-like Organ Helps Bowheads Keep Cool * Beothuk Beliefs Inspired by Birds * Lake Erie Algae Bloom * Time Reborn

Does the universe have too much time or not enough? Or does it have any at all?  That's the question we examine this week as we try to determine if time, in fact, is real.  Plus, we'll learn how bowhead whales...

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1:14 PM | April 20th: Title: Windows to the Universe

Title: Windows to the Universe Podcaster: Rob Sparks & Malcom Smith Organization: NOAO Links: www.noao.edu Description: Dark skies sites are increasingly rare as the world becomes more urbanized and more nighttime lights are installed. Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory’s Malcom Smith has long been interested in preserving dark skies. He is currently working with the United Nations Education, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to establish Dark Skies Heritage Sites in […]

April 19, 2013

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12:03 PM | April 19th: GAM AstroArt: The Overview

Podcaster: Daniela De Paulis Title: GAM AstroArt: The Overview Organization: CosmoQuest ; Astronomers Without Borders Link : You can watch the video in: http://youtu.be/0FB0dPxjYr4 The podcast has been streaming live on April 12th, 2013 Description: Since its premiere on December 7, 2012, “Overview,” a film by Planetary Collective, has garnered 1.7 million plays on Vimeo. This extraordinary work brings home the power of the Overview Effect, its impact on those who experience it, and […]

April 18, 2013

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2:47 PM | April 18th: Planetary Society: Programming in the Sciences

Podcaster: Casey Dreier & Chase Million Title: Planetary Society: Programming in the Sciences Organization: Planetary Society Link : http://planetary.org ; http://www.millionconcepts.com You can watch the video in: http://youtu.be/tdw_xPIJqX8 This podcast has been aired in live hangout on April 4th, 2013. Description: Many scientists never have formal training in programming but are expected to write code for their research. This code is often private, which makes it difficult to verify […]

April 17, 2013

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5:14 PM | Frogs that can SEE out of their BUTTS! Episode 46 - by Scott...

Frogs that can SEE out of their BUTTS! Episode 46 - by Scott Unger (Click here to directly access the MP3) (Access the full text transcript) Scientists at Tufts University graft an eye onto the tail of a tadpole and discover that without any direct connection to the brain, the tadpoles can still see! No ifs, ands or BUTTS about it, this is an amazing finding that has tremendous impact on research into replacing sensory organs in humans. Listen to the podcast for more on this amazing study! For […]

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3:06 PM | April 20: Time Reborn

The eminent Canadian theoretical physicist. Dr. Lee Smolin, used to think time was an illusion, but now thinks time is real, and that understanding the real nature of time might just be way to get at some of the deep mysteries of the universe.

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2:30 PM | April 17th: Global Astronomy Month 2013 Updates

Podcaster: Host : Pamela Gay, Georgia Bracey. Guest: Mike Simmons Title: Learning Space : Global Astronomy Month Updates Organization: CosmoQuest ; Astronomers Without Borders Link : You can watch the video in: http://youtu.be/9AiXm9Cfg5w ; http://astronomerswithoutborders.org/ Description: Global Astronomy Month 2013 updates Bio: Pamela Gay and Georgia Bracey from SIUE are CosmoQuest Mike Simmons is President and CEO of AWB End of podcast: 365 Days of Astronomy ===================== The […]