PODCAST · science
NOVA | PBS
by WGBH Science Unit
NOVA brings you short audio stories from the world of science -- anything from hurricanes to mummies to neutrinos. For more science programming online and on air, visit NOVA's Web site at pbs.org/nova, or watch NOVA broadcasts Wednesday nights on PBS.
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207
(Refeed) New Species in the Old World
The last place you'd expect to find a new treasure is where everyone has been looking for centuries. Yet in Europe, home to history's greatest taxonomists, professional scientists and amateurs are scouring the countryside for new species—and finding them at an astonishing rate. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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206
(Refeed) Gamers and Genomics
People around the world spend an estimated 3 billion hours playing computer games every week. That might seem like a colossal waste of time, but scientists are starting to harness some of that effort to solve vexing problems in biology. Take, for example, a game developed by a pair of scientists in Canada. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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205
(Refeed) A Gene for Fish Order
British scientists have developed a genetic test for a disorder that causes people to emit an unusual body odor: The gene causes sufferers to smell like rotten fish. For those who have been ostracized—shunned by friends and unable to hold jobs because they are perceived as unhygienic—the test offers some solace. But one patient says the genetic discovery has not changed his life as much as he had hoped for. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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204
(Refeed) Deadly Crocodiles Down Under
The residents of Australia's Northern Territory share their land with one of the deadliest predators on the planet—the saltwater crocodile. Getting humans and these fearsome reptiles to coexist isn't easy. But a government program called "Be Crocwise" is doing its best to keep the peace. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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203
(Refeed) Boosting Kids' Brain Power
An Oxford University researcher will soon test whether applying an electric current to part of the brain can help children learn math—an effect previously demonstrated in adults. Parents are already lining up for access to the device. But is the technique safe? And is this an ethical way to improve a child's performance in school? For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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202
(Refeed) Deadly Crocodiles Down Under
The residents of Australia's Northern Territory share their land with one of the deadliest predators on the planet—the saltwater crocodile. Getting humans and these fearsome reptiles to coexist isn't easy. But a government program called "Be Crocwise" is doing its best to keep the peace. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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201
Gamers and Genomics
People around the world spend an estimated 3 billion hours playing computer games every week. That might seem like a colossal waste of time, but scientists are starting to harness some of that effort to solve vexing problems in biology. Take, for example, a game developed by a pair of scientists in Canada. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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200
(Refeed) Collecting Rain in Mexico City
Mexico City faces a severe water crisis as 21 million residents slowly drain its aquifer. An environmental group is suggesting a plan to install rainwater harvesting systems on individual homes, but city officials are not convinced it will work. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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199
Engineering Extra Senses
Sight, sound, touch, smell, taste. We interact with the world and navigate through it thanks to our senses. But what if we could add to that repertoire? A British scientist and a small group of enthusiasts are exploring ways to do just that. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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198
(Refeed) The Clever Dog Lab
What makes a dog bold or shy, eager or sullen? The Veterinary University of Vienna's Clever Dog Lab aims to find out with the help of some 600 Austrian dogs that owners volunteer for experiments. The results could improve the training and selection of dogs that serve society, from helping the disabled to assisting the police. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and PBS viewers. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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197
(Refeed) Sandy's Warning
Hurricane Sandy has renewed the debate over climate change in the United States, and two high-profile reports released since the storm have made it clear that without big changes we're headed for an extremely serious climate disruption. Reporter Sam Eaton takes a look at what would have to happen to avoid the most catastrophic effects of global warming. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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196
Cornering the Higgs
On July 4, 2012, scientists at CERN used the word "discovery" to describe the results of experiments designed to prove the existence of the Higgs boson, a particle that gives mass to the universe. Host Marco Werman of PRI's The World gets a down-to-earth layman's analogy for what it means to say that a particle "gives mass," finds out why it's called the "God particle," and hears from a member of one of the teams that found the new particle, Jordan Nash of Imperial College London, on what this means for him personally and for physics. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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195
(Refeed) Elements in the Ocean
There's a lot more to the oceans than salt and water. Many other ingredients make up the rich broth that sustains marine life and helps regulate the Earth's climate. But where do those ingredients come from? To answer that question, French geochemist Catherine Jeandel has collected seawater from all over the world and is examining it for elemental clues. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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194
Climate Change and Sandy
Could climate change be contributing to extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy? Jennifer Francis, a climatologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, believes that may be the case. In fact, her research shows that Arctic warming may have contributed to many of the extreme weather events of the past few years. Sam Eaton reports from New Jersey. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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193
Zeroing in on Surveillance Video
After a crime or terrorist attack, authorities looking for the perpetrators may need to review many hours of surveillance video—in just minutes. But how can they speed up the video without speeding up the action? That's where "video synopsis" can help. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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192
Surveillance City
In this interview with The World's Marco Werman, NOVA Producer Miles O'Brien describes how surveillance footage played a key role in cracking the case of the Boston Marathon bombings. But as O'Brien discovered in the course of reporting the NOVA special "Manhunt—Boston Bombers," other cities, especially New York City, have surveillance camera networks that are far more advanced than Boston's hodgepodge system. O'Brien recounts just how powerful those systems are and what that may portend for privacy in the future. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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191
New Ways to Use Drones
Thousands of drones could be in commercial use in the U.S. within a few years. These unmanned aerial vehicles may assist everyone from farmers and firefighters to doctors and utility workers. But the government has not yet decided how to regulate this coming fleet of civilian drones. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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190
Deadly Crocodiles Down Under
The residents of Australia's Northern Territory share their land with one of the deadliest predators on the planet—the saltwater crocodile. Getting humans and these fearsome reptiles to coexist isn't easy. But a government program called "Be Crocwise" is doing its best to keep the peace. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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189
Dual Epidemics Threaten Koalas
Australia's koala population has been hit hard by two rapidly spreading diseases: chlamydia (a sexually transmitted infection) and a retrovirus similar to HIV. Scientists are working to develop vaccines, while lay citizens help care for sick koalas. Biologists say the epidemics, combined with other threats like habitat loss, pose a serious threat to the species. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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188
Australia's "Magnetic" Termites
In Australia's Northern Territory, termites build mounds that are tall, thin, and aligned like compass needles. How and why the insects do this is not entirely clear. One entomologist offers some theories. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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187
Experts Debate Dinosaur Stampede
Millions of years ago in what is today Australia's Outback, a herd of dinosaurs left behind footprints in what has been interpreted as a stampede to escape a predator. A young researcher now suggests a very different interpretation. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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186
Mexico Considers Gum Tax
Discarded chewing gum is a common eyesore, and removing it from city streets and sidewalks can be costly. A Mexican congressman wants to solve the problem by borrowing a concept widely used in environmental regulation: making the polluters pay. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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185
Digging Up Panama's Past
The Panama Canal is being expanded to accommodate larger ships carrying bigger loads. The construction has exposed a trove of fossils, revealing a wide array of creatures that lived at the southern end of North America 20 million years ago. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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184
New Species in the Old World
The last place you'd expect to find a new treasure is where everyone has been looking for centuries. Yet in Europe, home to history's greatest taxonomists, professional scientists and amateurs are scouring the countryside for new species—and finding them at an astonishing rate. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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183
Collecting Rain in Mexico City
Mexico City faces a severe water crisis as 21 million residents slowly drain its aquifer. An environmental group is suggesting a plan to install rainwater harvesting systems on individual homes, but city officials are not convinced it will work. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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182
The Clever Dog Lab
What makes a dog bold or shy, eager or sullen? The Veterinary University of Vienna's Clever Dog Lab aims to find out with the help of some 600 Austrian dogs that owners volunteer for experiments. The results could improve the training and selection of dogs that serve society, from helping the disabled to assisting the police. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by The Boeing Company. Major funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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181
Engineering Extra Senses
Sight, sound, touch, smell, taste. We interact with the world and navigate through it thanks to our senses. But what if we could add to that repertoire? A British scientist and a small group of enthusiasts are exploring ways to do just that. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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180
Packaging You Can Eat
Have you ever eaten a cocktail? Held a mouthful of juice in your hand? A team of chefs, chemists, and designers has come up with a way for you to do just that. They've created a biodegradable shell that can enclose ice cream, mousses, cheeses, and liquids. For more global science stories, visit: http://www.world-science.org/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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179
Boosting Kids' Brain Power
An Oxford University researcher will soon test whether applying an electric current to part of the brain can help children learn math—an effect previously demonstrated in adults. Parents are already lining up for access to the device. But is the technique safe? And is this an ethical way to improve a child's performance in school? For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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178
(Repeat) Capturing Darwin's Dilemma
In 1862, Charles Darwin faced his greatest dilemma-whether or not to go public with his incendiary theory of evolution. It was a turning point for him, and for science as a whole. Today, scriptwriter John Goldsmith, former head of the British Writer's Guild, has crafted the story into a two-hour special for NOVA. In this interview, he talked to NOVA's Susan Lewis about the challenges of making of the film, and his fascination with the Darwin family. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Susan Lewis. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. To learn more, go to pbs.org/nova/darwin
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177
Magnetic Fish Hooks Save Sharks
It sounds like a plot device from a comic book: a simple substance that can make the powerful weak. But it's not kryptonite. An enterprising chemist says he's found a substance—several, in fact—that work against some of the most fearsome predators in the ocean. And he wants to use his discovery to protect them. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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176
Elements in the Ocean
There's a lot more to the oceans than salt and water. Many other ingredients make up the rich broth that sustains marine life and helps regulate the Earth's climate. But where do those ingredients come from? To answer that question, French geochemist Catherine Jeandel has collected seawater from all over the world and is examining it for elemental clues. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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175
A Gene for Fish Order
British scientists have developed a genetic test for a disorder that causes people to emit an unusual body odor: The gene causes sufferers to smell like rotten fish. For those who have been ostracized—shunned by friends and unable to hold jobs because they are perceived as unhygienic—the test offers some solace. But one patient says the genetic discovery has not changed his life as much as he had hoped for. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ Visit our friends at PRI's "The World" for a behind-the-scenes interview with reporter Ari Daniel Shapiro, and to find other stories about personal genetic testing. For more information on trimethylaminuria, visit tmau.org.uk. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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174
Sandy's Warning
Hurricane Sandy has renewed the debate over climate change in the United States, and two high-profile reports released since the storm have made it clear that without big changes we're headed for an extremely serious climate disruption. Reporter Sam Eaton takes a look at what would have to happen to avoid the most catastrophic effects of global warming. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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173
Costa Rica's Hunting Ban
Costa Rica, a tropical country known for its national parks and ecotourism, has proposed a further step to protect its environment: a ban on all hunting. But even in this environmentally conscious nation, the legislation faces obstacles. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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172
Climate Change and Sandy
Could climate change be contributing to extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy? Jennifer Francis, a climatologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, believes that may be the case. In fact, her research shows that Arctic warming may have contributed to many of the extreme weather events of the past few years. Sam Eaton reports from New Jersey. This podcast was produced by Sam Eaton for NOVA and PRI's "The World." For more global environmental stories, visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/ http://www.theworld.org/category/topics/environment/ NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers.
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171
(Repeat) NOVA Minute: How to Speak Walrus
Marine biologist Colleen Reichmuth says that few mammals can match the vocal talents of the walrus. Produced by David Levin. Original interview by Doug Hamilton. Learn more at pbs.org/nova NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers.
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170
(Repeat) NOVA Minute: Whiz Kid
In this episode, biochemist Erika Ebbel describes how a mentor helped her transform into a scientist when she was 11 years old. Produced by David Levin and Rob Chapman. Original interview by Josh Seftel and Tom Miller. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Learn more at pbs.org/nova/secretlife NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers.
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169
Finding a Fake Van Gogh
NOVA scienceNOW's Dean Irwin discusses what he learned about this new computer technology while producing his story on digital art authentication. Podcast produced by David Levin. Music by Jeff Allen. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and PBS Viewers. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow
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168
Archeology in the Deep
Brenden Foley hunts ancient shipwrecks for a living. But he's not after sunken treasure--he's after information. Foley is a marine archeologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He's taking a new approach to the field. Instead of just focusing on a handful of shipwrecks, he wants to take a broad look, finding and cataloging wrecks in the Mediterranean that date to a wide timeframe. In this podcast, he talks to us about his work. Podcast produced by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers. To learn more about undersea archeology, go to pbs.org/nova
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167
Speaking Ancient Maya
Anthropologist Barbara Macleod says that studying the ancient Maya language offers a unique window into the past. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Rima Chaddha. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers. Major funding for "Cracking the Maya Code" is provided by the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional funding provided by The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this video podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more on translating ancient Maya, visit us online at pbs.org/nova/mayacode
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166
Life in the Blast Zone
Ecologist Charlie Crisafulli describes how the ecosystem around Mt. St. Helens is rebuilding itself 30 years after the catastrophic eruption. Thirty years ago, a violent eruption ripped through the side of Mt. St. Helens in western Oregon. The blast killed 57 people and countless animals, and turned hundreds of miles of forest into barren wasteland. In this podcast, hear from ecologist Charlie Crisafulli on the slow recovery of the Mt. St. Helens ecosystem, and learn how the timing of the eruption actually spared some plant and animal life. Podcast produced by David Levin. Original interview by Kristine Allington. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers. To learn more, go to pbs.org/nova/sthelens
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165
Surprises in Your Genes
In order to develop from an embryo, animals as different as fruit flies and humans call on a nearly identical set of genes. But how does this one common genetic toolkit create so many different species? It turns out that it's not the genes you have--it's how you use them. Podcast produced by David Levin. Original interviews by John Rubin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. To learn more, go to pbs.org/nova/evolution
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164
In Defense of Pluto
After Pluto was discovered in 1930, it enjoyed the title of planet for more than 75 years. But in 2006, that all changed. At a meeting in Prague, the International Astronomical Union adopted a new definition for planethood, leaving the solar system with only eight planets. But not everyone agrees with its decision. In this podcast, planetary scientist Alan Stern talks to us about Pluto's demotion, and why he thinks it should be back on list of planets. Podcast produced by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and PBS viewers. For more information, visit: www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/pluto-files.html
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163
Darwin's Debut
Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species," changed science forever. His radical notions still draw some controversy, but how were they received a century and a half ago? In this podcast, hear from biologist Ken Miller, historian Jim Moore, and the late paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould on the impact of Darwin's ideas. Podcast produced by David Levin and Susan K. Lewis. Original interviews by Susan K. Lewis and David Espar. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. To learn more, go to pbs.org/nova/evolution
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162
Sexual Cannibalism
In this podcast, biologist Maydianne Andrade explains that sexual cannibalism-a gruesome mating behavior shown of Redback Spiders-is a prime example of how evolution works. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Josh Seftel. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and PBS viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. For more fun science stories, visit our website at pbs.org/nova/sciencenow
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161
Touching the Past
For Chief Anne "Little Fawn" Richardson, Pocahontas is more than a legendary historical figure. Richardson can trace her own ancestry back to the 17th century, when her tribe, the Rappahannocks, were part of a vast domain ruled by Pocahontas's father. In this podcast, Richardson reflects on the clash of cultures between Pocahontas's people and the English settlers of Jamestown. Podcast produced and edited by Susan K. Lewis. Interview by Kirk Wolfinger. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/pocahontas
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160
Learning From Bonobos
Primate researcher Vanessa Woods says that when it comes to emotional intelligence, bonobos put the human world to shame. In this podcast, Woods talks to NOVA's Susan Lewis about the behavior of this remarkable species and what it can teach us about our own evolution. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Susan K. Lewis. Music by Ja Prawn (freemusicarchive.org/music/Ja_Prawn/). Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and PBS viewers. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. You can learn more about bonobos, chimps, and what makes us human on pbs.org/nova/sciencenow.
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159
Galileo and the Telescope
Galileo has been called the "father of modern science". His observations of the night sky in the early 1600s confirmed a new model of the universe, where the Earth orbited the sun—not the other way around. But before he was studying the universe, Galileo was working on practical problems. And his early goals for the telescope weren't so scientific. Podcast produced by David Levin. Original interview by David Axelrod. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Additional funding for "Hunting the Edge of Space" is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Mt. Cuba Astronomical Foundation and the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. To learn more about the history of the telescope, go to pbs.org/nova/telescope.
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158
The Big Deal with CERN: Stephon Alexander
Cosmologist Stephon Alexander says he'd be surprised if we didn't find the Higgs particle. Podcast produced by David Levin and Rima Chaddha, with audio editing by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. For more science stories, visit our website at pbs.org/nova
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
NOVA brings you short audio stories from the world of science -- anything from hurricanes to mummies to neutrinos. For more science programming online and on air, visit NOVA's Web site at pbs.org/nova, or watch NOVA broadcasts Wednesday nights on PBS.
HOSTED BY
WGBH Science Unit
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