Bench Talk | Genetics of Orange Cat Coloration - Glowing Trees - THC & Conception | July 13, 2026

Scientists have finally cloned the gene causing orange coloration in domesticated cats. Hear how this was accomplished, and why 80% of orange cats are male! We also feature short stories on how: 1) trees emit UV radiation from their branch tips during thunderstorms, 2) the psychoactive chemical in marijuana (THC) might be affecting female fertiity, 3) the iconic statue of the lion seen in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy was imported from China 700 years ago, 4) the thumbnails of rodents might be helping them climb trees (e,g, squirrels, rats, chipmunks) and dig underground (e.g. gophers, mice, groundhogs) and still be able to grasp and manipulate food efficiently. ‘Bench Talk: The Week in Science’ is a weekly program that airs on WFMP, Louisville FORward Radio, 106.5 FM (forwardradio.org) every Monday at 7:30 pm, Tuesday at 11:30 am, and Wednesday at 7:30 am. Visit our Facebook page for links to the articles discussed in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/BenchTalkRadio Music heard on this show is 'Magic in the Garden' by Rafael Krux (courtesy of freepd.com).