http://www.twis.org The kickass science and technology radio show that delivers an irreverent look at the week in science and technology. Fri, 24 May 2013 02:42:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= The kickass weekly science and technology radio show presenting a humorous and irreverent look at the week in science and tech. Each show TWIS discusses the latest in cutting edge science news on topics such as genetic engineering, cybernetics, space exploration, neuro science, and a show favorite Countdown to World Robot Domination. The show is hosted by Dr. Kirsten Sanford, a PhD in neuroscience, and Justin, a wisecracking professional car salesman and armchair physicist. Consistently voted one of the top science radio shows on the web - check it out and hear a science news program like no other. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media kirsten@thisweekinscience.com kirsten@thisweekinscience.com (Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media) Kirsten Sanford 2010. The kickass science and technology radio show that delivers an irreverent look at the week in science and technology. astronomy, biology, education, evolution, genetics, physics, science, space http://www.twis.org/audio/TWIS_podcast_logo.jpg http://www.twis.org http://www.twis.org/2013/05/23/1340/ http://www.twis.org/2013/05/23/1340/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 02:42:28 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1340 http://www.twis.org/2013/05/23/1340/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS SpaceShipTwo Goes Airborne, Little Movies, Saturnian Hurricanes, Chinese Flu News, Torpor Or Hibernation?, Cannibalistic Maggots, Birds For Boys, Men Vs Women, Island Chihuahuas?, Tunguska Meteorite Samples, HPV For Cancer, Think You're Old?, (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) SpaceShipTwo Goes Airborne, Little Movies, Saturnian Hurricanes, Chinese Flu News, Torpor Or Hibernation?, Birds For Boys, Men Vs Women, Island Chihuahuas?, Tunguska Meteorite Samples, HPV For Cancer, Think You're Old?, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Some headlines! Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo (http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/04/passenger-spaceship-completes-its-first-rocket-powered-flight/) completed a successful test flight this past Monday. Launched from aboard WhiteKnight Two out of Mojave, CA, the space plane reached 55,000 feet before returning to earth. Virgin Galactic expects to achieve full space flight by the end of this year, and will be offering flights for $200,000 to anyone willing and able to pony up the cash. In a new twist on stop-motion films (http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/05/ibm-makes-stop-motion-film-using-atoms-as-pixels/), IBM created the first ever movie in the genre that takes place at the atomic scale. Called A Boy and His Dog, the short took 10 days of 18 hour long shifts, two scanning tunneling microscopes, and 5000 carbon monoxide molecules to create the 242 atomic frames. NASA's Cassini spacecraft (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130501-saturn-hurricane-north-pole-space-science/) sent back stunning images of a giant hurricane-like storm on Saturn. It's 1250 miles in diameter with winds registering around 300 miles an hour. Unlike earthly hurricanes, the one on Saturn is locked to the north pole. And, with little water vapor in its atmosphere and no land formations to speak of, nobody really knows where such strong winds come from. Hurricane scientists here on Earth are excited to study it to learn more about hurricanes on our own planet. Now, for discussion: Chinese virologists (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/05/h5n1-h1n1-reassortment/) interested in studying how changes in the flu virus allow it to jump between species, namely from birds to swine, and on to humans, have created a hybrid of the H5N1 bird flu and H1N1 swine flu in their lab. The hybrid virus they created is the best of both strains in that it is not only very easily transmissible, but also extremely lethal. Only guinea pigs were infected in this experiment, but is it worth the risk? Hibernating monkeys?! (http://phys.org/news/2013-05-primate-hibernation-common-previously-thought.html) Well not monkeys, but eastern dwarf lemurs. These primates hibernate not to avoid the cold as in other mammals, but to avoid dry spells when resources are limited. Could this be forced in humans for hibernation therapy or science-fictiony needs? 3013 here I come! Cannibalistic Maggots! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22345811) In crowded laboratpry conditions, fruit fly larvae will often persue, attack, and consume one another. Despite the flies' herbivorous tendencies, if their parents, or even their parents' parents, were reared in hard times, their offspring would be more likely to cannibalise. Try going to sleep now, eh? Bluebirds favor boys (http://io9.com/among-bluebirds-playing-favorites-with-children-can-be-483783011) Bluebird parents favor sons over daughters, and favor bright colored sons over dull ones. Sure, everyone has favorites, but do other parents sarve their less-than-favorite offspring to death? I hope not... Antibiotic for men protects them from women (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2013/04/30/antibiotic-protects-men-from-being-too-trusting-of-attractive-women/) After using a placebo masked as antibiotics, men were more trusting of attractive women. However, those who took the real antibiotics were unbiased in relation to attractiveness. Do antibiotics affect thought processes? Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Island Dwarfism Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:43:27 http://www.twis.org/2013/05/17/1336/ http://www.twis.org/2013/05/17/1336/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 21:29:56 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1336 http://www.twis.org/2013/05/17/1336/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS The Mars Draft, Bird Flu News, Hobbitses, Vervet Mimics, Yay God, Near Death Hibernation, No Memory, Being A Genius, Radioactive Bacteria, Origin Of Limbs, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) The Mars Draft, Bird Flu News, Hobbitses, Vervet Mimics, Yay God, Near Death Hibernation, No Memory, Being A Genius, Radioactive Bacteria, Origin Of Limbs, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Want to Live (http://mars-one.com/en/faq-en/21-faq-selection/241-can-i-apply-to-become-an-astronaut) on Mars (http://mars-one.com/en/mars-one-news/press-releases/11-news/433-mars-one-starts-its-search-for-the-first-humans-on-mars)? 10,000 people have already thrown their hat in the ring to colonize Mars. It only costs $38 - what do you have to lose?! Bird Flu - Deja-vu? (http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/24/world/asia/china-birdflu/index.html) The new strain of bird flu, H7N9, has been called "one of the most lethal so far" by the World Health Organization. Time to break out the surgical masks, people! Hobbits don't come from the shire, they come from Indonesia. (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130418-hobbit-homo-floresiensis-brain-size-hominin-human-evolution/) Homo floresiensis, the hobbit-like relative to humans found in 2003 has been shrouded in mystery, until now. By looking at their brains, or rather their skulls, scientists identified island dwarfism of homo erectus as their origin. When in South Africa, do as the vervet monkeys do. (http://phys.org/news/2013-04-monkeys-conform-social-norms.html) Vervet monkeys have exhibited cultural change dependent on the habits of locals. Are they just trying to act cool, or is there an advantage to mimicking social norms? It's too soon to say... Playing God - Yay or Nay? (http://phys.org/news/2013-04-reverse-extinction-redo-dodo.html) Just because we can bring back extinct species, should we? Let's discuss... Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Near Death (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/04/consciousness-after-death/) A resuscitation scientist can tell us quite a bit about near-death experiences, and what it means to be "dead." He claims that consciousness continues for up to a few hours after death, although in a hibernation state. Creepy... Amnesia... what were we talking about? (http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/04/understanding-the-brain-of-a-man-with-no-conscious-memory/) A man dubbed E.P. suffered from viral encephalitis and as a result contracted amnesia reaching back to his 30's. Unconscious familiarity remained, but his life history and long-term memory were lost forever. What is memory anyway?! Einstein - Always right, Always a genius. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324743704578444913060125542.html) Radioactive bacteria attack cancer (http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/35255/title/Tumors-Fall-to-Radioactive-Bacteria/) Grandpa Coelacanth (http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/04/scientists-get-coelacanth-genome-and-a-hint-of-the-origin-of-limbs/) If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:35:42 http://www.twis.org/2013/05/01/1332/ http://www.twis.org/2013/05/01/1332/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 23:59:15 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1332 http://www.twis.org/2013/05/01/1332/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Life Gets Older, Better Cancer Radiation, Dog Lives, Dog Beds, Electronic Gene Zippers, Flying Insect Robots, Carnivorous Madagascar Dino, Super-Habitable Earth, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Life Gets Older, Better Cancer Radiation, Dog Lives, Dog Beds, Electronic Gene Zippers, Flying Insect Robots, Carnivorous Madagascar Dino, Super-Habitable Earth, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! How Old Is Life? (http://io9.com/moores-law-predicts-life-originated-billions-of-years-476129496) Using the basis of Moore's law, and observing current genomes, scientists have extrapolated that life is based on 376 million year jumps, instead of the 18 months related to computer processors. This would mean life is 9.7 billion years old. What the what?! Radiation therapy without side-effects (http://www.fiercebiotechresearch.com/story/new-cancer-radiation-treatment-has-no-harmful-side-effects-mice/2013-04-08) A Professor from the University of Missouri has successfully found a type of radiation therapy for cancer with no harmful side-effects. It targets the cancer cells and avoids the healthy cells. Go chemo! Dogs! ... Live longer when neutered... (http://phys.org/news/2013-04-uga-sterilized-dogs-longer.html) Not only do dogs live longer when sterilized, but they also succumb to different ailments. Does this apply to people, too? If so, is it worth it?? Share more than just your bed! (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417092140.htm) In a recent study, scientists found that parents share more icroorganisms with their dogs than with their children! But why? Are they kissing their dogs more than their own offspring? Time to prioritize your life, folks... Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Electronic Zippers on your Genes! (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/npl-ezc041813.php) University of Edinburgh has found a new way to zip and unzip your genes using electrochemistry. This could revolutionize medical care with biosensors and microarrays, making diagnoses cheap, easy, and fast! World Robot Domination - Flying Insects! (http://io9.com/roboticists-discover-the-secret-of-insect-flight-and-i-476242076) Robots learn to fly from real life insects! Scientists studied the hawk moth and have discovered exactly how the insects pull it off - their abdomens work like rudders - helping to steer. They then designed robots with the same technology - watch out for flying mothbots! Carnivorous dinosaur from Madagascar (http://esciencenews.com/articles/2013/04/18/new.carnivorous.dinosaur.madagascar.raises.more.questions.it.answers) Dahalokely tokana, the first new dino species from Madagascar in a decade, has filled a large gap in the fossil record. This dinosaur lived around 90 million years ago and was between 9 and 14 feet long. They belong to a group called abelisauroids, carnivorous animals from the southern continents - but, did they have feathers?! Super-Habitable-Earth! (http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/04/kepler-spots-two-super-earths-one-squarely-in-the-habitable-zone/) We've found a goldilocks planet! It's earth-like and isn't too hot, nor too cold. It's just right for sustaining life! That being said, don't go drawing up welcome banners for our alien brethren just yet... If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:21:17 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/30/1330/ http://www.twis.org/2013/04/30/1330/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:00:04 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1330 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/30/1330/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Transparent Brains, Lasers And Cocaine, Monkey In The Middle, Interview W/ Mark McCaffrey from the NCSE, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Transparent Brains, Lasers And Cocaine, Monkey In The Middle, Interview W/ Mark McCaffrey from the NCSE, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Transparent brains (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/10/stanford-transparent-brain_n_3055273.html) Stanford researchers have successfully turned a brain transparent. This could allow for amazing real time observations and breakthroughs relating to how the brain and it's neurons work. Lasers and Cocaine (http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/can-lasers-cure-addictions-with-a-few-well-placed-zaps/) Laser light therapy in rats has appeared to cure them of cocaine addiction. Interestingly though, when they treated non-addicted rats, they became addicted. Stay away from lasers, folks, it could turn you into a coke addict! It's tough to be in the middle (http://io9.com/monkeys-are-the-most-stressed-when-theyre-stuck-in-the-471089244) By testing the stress hormone levels in Barbary Macaque's waste, it appears that those in the middle of the social structure are the most stressed out. The intermediate females are more in the thick of conflict, as they challenge to climb the social ladder and are challenged by others often. No wonder you have so much stress, you're an ambitious primate! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Interview with NCSE (http://ncse.com/news/2013/04/evolution-climate-change-ngss-0014800)'s Mark McCaffrey! TALKING POINTS: NGSS (http://www.nextgenscience.org/) * Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core: similarities and differences? Both were developed by a consortium of states. Both are models for shared state standards. Common Core covers English and Math, and was ultimately adopted by 45 states. NGSS covers science and was developed by 26 states, with many more states "closely watching". Common Core had backing from the Feds and tie-ins to "Race to the Top". NGSS does not. (So far.) * NGSS isn't just about evolution or climate change. It covers all the sciences. The evolution standards (based on our look at the last NGSS draft) are in line with what's currently taught in many states. * The advantages of states adopting NGSS? Shared standards and shared assessments. NGSS would provide continuity across states (useful, given our mobile population), and coverage at all levels (K-12). Another good reason for states to adopt NGSS: it saves money. States won't have to write their own standards or update existing aged standards. * The Process Adopting NGSS won't magically transform science education overnight. From adoption to classroom could easily take a year or more. The likely steps: State adopts NGSS Develop/update textbooks Develop curriculum Train teachers how to teach climate change Classroom instruction * Where will climate change likely get covered? The basic science will likely be taught in middle school earth sciences classes. The impacts of climate change will likely be explore in high school life sciences classes. Headline from Justin (http://www.alienscientist.com/forum/showthread.php?4515-MIT-says-quot-ion-wind-quot-from-assymetric-capacitors-is-viable-propulsion-system) Ionic wind! If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:01:23 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/29/1326/ http://www.twis.org/2013/04/29/1326/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:17:16 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1326 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/29/1326/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Speed O'Light, My Brain Hurts, Human Cave Man, Healthier Fruit Flies, Fish For Fuel, NASA Sequester!, Men vs. Women, Bacterial Diet Plan, Bacterial Fun Ride, Snakebot, Jellybot, Jurassic Science?, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Speed O'Light, My Brain Hurts, Human Cave Man, Healthier Fruit Flies, Fish For Fuel, NASA Sequester!, Men vs. Women, Bacterial Diet Plan, Bacterial Fun Ride, Snakebot, Jellybot, Jurassic Science?, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! The speed of light (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-03/speed-light-vacuum-varies-slightly-study-finds) - perhaps not so constant It turns out the speed of light varies in a vacuum, though can you ever really have a perfect vacuum? How Learning Breaks Your Brain (http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/03/learning-hurts-your-brain/) - Researchers have found that learning tears DNA in your brain. The good news is, it fixes itself, making it better in the long run, much like how exercise rips muscle tissue only to be rebuilt stronger. Human-Neanderthal love child found! (http://io9.com/skeletal-remains-of-neanderthal-human-hybrid-found-461477461) No, it's not a headline from a tabloid, scientists found skeletal remains from a neanderthal-human hybrid in Italy. BY looking at mitochondrial DNA, it is clear that this individual came from a Neanderthal female and a human male. Foodee Fruit Flies (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-fruit-flies-fed-diets-healthier.html) Drosophila melanogaster showed improved health on an organic diet, both in longevity and fertility, pretty much the two most important things for a fly. Next time, maybe that organic banana is worth the extra 30 cents... Or is it?? Fuel your gadgets and automobiles with marine life (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-animal-eco-car.html) New Norwegian research identified a species of tunicate, ascidiacea as an alternative energy source and fish food. They claim the animal is not a part of the food chain, but is harvesting a wild animal for energy ever harmless? Write your Congress! (http://www.space.com/20411-nasa-education-sequester-petition.html) Due to the sequester, NASA has cut their education efforts. This will not stand! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Don't let the power go to your head, sir! (http://news.yahoo.com/men-ego-boost-workplace-power-145152422.html) Men tend to let power boost their ego out of control in the workplace more than women do. It's official then, women make better bosses! Losing Weight The Bacterial Way (http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34866/title/Microbes-Affect-Weight-Loss/) - In gastric bypass surgery, the bacteria in the gut change drastically. Is it the bypass or the different bacteria that cause the wait loss? Bacteria hitch a ride to your gut on fruits and vegetables (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130327190542.htm) Diverse groups of bacteria are found on the surface of the fruit and veg you buy at the market. Don't worry - they aren't harmful, in fact, they're beneficial! SnakeBot (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-robot-snake-automatically-thrown-video.html) Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Biorobotics lab have engineered a robot that can coil itself around poles and trees - finally, that's what my robot was missing! RoboJelly (http://esciencenews.com/articles/2013/03/28/researchers.unveil.large.robotic.jellyfish.one.day.could.patrol.oceans) The Navy is funding developments for the robojelly in hopes to use them for patrols. Should Hollywood Update Stories To Match Science? - (http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/27/4151992/no-feathered-dinosaurs-in-jurassic-park-4) The new Jurassic Park film is due for release soon. Will they change their dinos to match the current knowledge about these dinos, or keep to the standard? What should they do? If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:22:38 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/24/1324/ http://www.twis.org/2013/04/24/1324/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:59:10 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1324 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/24/1324/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Olive Oil Health, Algal Thieves, Dangerous Young Men, Cock-A-Doodle-Do!, King Of The Brain, Sports Science, Old Man Universe, Water Voles, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Olive Oil Health, Algal Thieves, Dangerous Young Men, Cock-A-Doodle-Do!, King Of The Brain, Sports Science, Old Man Universe, Water Voles, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Olive Oil (http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Brain-Health/How-Olive-Oil-Stops-Alzheimer-s/2013/03/21/id/495786) - News Flash - It's good for you! Scientists may have found out how Olive oil reduces the effect of Alzheimer's disease. So go ahead, pour it on everything! Look out! (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130307190643.htmhttp://) That algae is a gene thief! The red algae Galdieria is capable of withstanding extreme, varied environments, and it appears as though it has adapted to its crazy lifestyle by stealing genes from bacteria and archaebacteria. Isn't that cheating? Blair's Animal Corner Inexperienced men are dangerous! (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-sexually-naive-male-mice-fathers.html) Sexually naive mice showed aggression, sometimes to the point of murder, when introduced to mouse pups. However, male mice that had some experience and had fathered mice before fell right back into paternal habits. Scientists found that the vomeronasal organ in reaction with pheromones from the pups were to blame. Of course, it all coms back to hormones... Get Up-a-doodle-do! (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-clock-cock-a-doodle-doo.html) A new study out of Japan shows that roosters crowing is the result of circadian rhythms and not at all related to seeing the sun rise, but much research is needed to see why they crow at other times of the day. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Who's really in charge of your brain? (http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/03/19/3718808.htm) A new study out of Berlin has found that the unconscious part of our brains may make a decision up to four seconds before our conscious "makes" it. So, do we have a choice at all, or are we all slaves to our reptilian counterparts? Time to fix the NCAA! (http://www.gatech.edu/newsroom/release.html?nid=200851) The Georgia Tech's LMRC has chosen Florida to win out this year, so if you trust a computer, place your bets now! The Universe: (http://www.nature.com/news/planck-telescope-peers-into-the-primordial-universe-1.12658) even older than we previously thought The most detailed picture yet of the cosmic wave background came from the Planck this week. It turns out the universe is older than we previously though, at around 13.81 billion years. Happy belated birthday, universe! British water voles need a hand (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21804627) - or rather, a ladder... Water Voles in the UK have declined in number by 90% since 1970 due to habitat loss and genetic bottlenecking. Now, british scientists are building the voles ladders to reach new waterways and potentially meet up with other populations in order to diversify the gene pool and increase habitat space. Here's hoping they figure out how to use them! If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no http://www.twis.org/2013/04/16/1306/ http://www.twis.org/2013/04/16/1306/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:19:19 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1306 http://www.twis.org/2013/04/16/1306/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Mars Alive, Corona Danger, Bear Lineage, No More Animals!, Economical Cockatoos, Monkey Brains, South Pole View, Higgs Party!, HR8799c, Hole In The Ocean, Olive Oil Goodness, No Cancer E, 4-Winged Dino, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Mars Alive, Corona Danger, Bear Lineage, No More Animals!, Economical Cockatoos, Monkey Brains, South Pole View, Higgs Party!, HR8799c, Hole In The Ocean, Olive Oil Goodness, No Cancer E, 4-Winged Dino, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Used to be maybe life on Mars (http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/12/us/nasa-mars-rock) It appears as though at one point in time there was flowing water on Mars. What's more, all of the building blocks for life were present. Was there once life on Mars?! New corona virus? (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/novelcoronavirus/) A new corona virus has been detected. There have been 15 cases, 9 of which have been fatal, and most have come out of the Middle East. Be on the look out! Which came first, brown bear or polar bear? (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-dna-relationship-polar-brown.html) Scientists have found brown bears with polar bear DNA and visa versa. But why? And who mated with who? And how?! Blair's Animal Corner EU bans animal testing in cosmetics (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21740745) Banning cosmetic testing on animals sounds like a great idea, but what about detecting possible carcinogens? And what about the future of medical testing? This may be the start of a slippery slope to a BIG problem... Cockatoos are Economists! (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-business-parrot-goffin-cockatoos-nuts.html) Cockatoos in Vienna were able to hold a food reward in their mouths for up to 80 seconds and exchange it for a greater one, while ignoring the allure of instant gratification. If only these birds were running Wall Street... Monkey Brains (http://www.news.wisc.edu/21595) Researchers from Madison, Wisconsin successfully took skin cells from rhesus monkeys, regressed them to a stem cell state, convinced them to turn into brain cells, and transplanted them into the monkeys' brains. SCIENCE! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! News from the South Pole Telescope (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/uoc-dl031313.php) It turns out that what was previously thought to be interference on the telescope was actually the birth of 1000 suns a year starting from when the universe was a mere 1 billion years old. That many stars would definitely cause some interference... Higgs Particle... (http://news.discovery.com/space/higgs-boson-confirmed-130314.htm) Confirmed! Let the parties commence! HR8799c (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/mar/14/astronomers-planet-water-vapour) The huge exoplanet with this catchy name appears to have water vapor and carbon monoxide. It is described as "Jupiter-like," but does not have any methane, and with surface temperatures over 1000 C most likely cannot support life. There's a hole in the bottom of the sea (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/03/oceanic-crust-ecosystem/) Rocks and seawater interacted without sunlight in chemical reactions giving birth to a whole realm we know nothing about under the ocean floor! Olive Oil - Good for you - Surprise! (http://scienceblog.com/61239/olive-oil-the-key-to-feeling-full/) Olive oil helps you to feel full, so don't cut it out of your diet, even though it may be high in fat. Vitamin E may prevent cancer (http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-03-vitamin-cancer.html) Holy dino bird with 4 wings, Batman! (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/15/science/early-bird-species-had-four-wings-scientists-find.html?_r=0) If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no http://www.twis.org/2013/03/27/1304/ http://www.twis.org/2013/03/27/1304/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:44:58 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1304 http://www.twis.org/2013/03/27/1304/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Return Of The Hobbit, Citizen Science, Vostok Is Alive!, Gateway To The Nucleus, Anti-bacterial Wings, Picky Moms, TWITEOTW, Caffeine Boosting Bees, Pinky And The Brain, Wireless Brain Implants, TWIWRD, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Return Of The Hobbit, Citizen Science, Vostok Is Alive!, Gateway To The Nucleus, Anti-bacterial Wings, Picky Moms, TWITEOTW, Caffeine Boosting Bees, Pinky And The Brain, Wireless Brain Implants, TWIWRD, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no http://www.twis.org/2013/03/19/1302/ http://www.twis.org/2013/03/19/1302/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:22:54 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1302 http://www.twis.org/2013/03/19/1302/feed/ 2 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Is ENCODE All That?, Spinning Supermassive Black Hole!, Bacula Get Smaller, Colonic Antibiotics?, Rat Mind-Meld, Chemotherapy - Better Than Ever, Retire On Mars, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Is ENCODE All That?, Spinning Supermassive Black Hole!, Bacula Get Smaller, Colonic Antibiotics?, Rat Mind-Meld, Chemotherapy - Better Than Ever, Retire On Mars, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:24:07 http://www.twis.org/2013/03/07/1297/ http://www.twis.org/2013/03/07/1297/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:49:08 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1297 http://www.twis.org/2013/03/07/1297/feed/ 1 Dognition,Dr. Brian Hare,Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science Not So Random, Doomsday Higgs, Size Matters, Anxious Fish, Interview w/ Dr. Brian Hare About Dognition, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Not So Random, Doomsday Higgs, Size Matters, Anxious Fish, Interview w/ Dr. Brian Hare About Dognition, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:13:09 http://www.twis.org/2013/03/02/1295/ http://www.twis.org/2013/03/02/1295/#comments Sat, 02 Mar 2013 08:00:05 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1295 http://www.twis.org/2013/03/02/1295/feed/ 2 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Photosystem Engage, Cosmic Rays Run, Youngest Black Hole, Steamy Invertebrate Sex (Detachable Penis, The Way He Smells, Guppy Love), Horny Sparrows, King Tut's Mama, Life Beneath Ice, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Photosystem Engage, Cosmic Rays Run, Youngest Black Hole, Steamy Invertebrate Sex (Detachable Penis, The Way He Smells, Guppy Love), Horny Sparrows, King Tut's Mama, Life Beneath Ice, And Much More... Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer!!! Doctor Kiki, Blair, members of the chat room, my fellow Minions It is my task, to report on the state of science. To know what’s happening is the task of us all. Tonight, thanks to the grit and determination of scientists, there is much progress to report. After decades of grinding study, our brave men and women in lab coats are continuing to reveal new knowledge to the world. After years of grueling research, our researchers have created new discoveries by the billions We know the trending climate possess risks, that there are galaxies for every star we can see, and likely planets around most stars in those galaxies. We know more about the origin of life, the flight of birds, and the inner workings of the atom. We understand the mechanisms behind old diseases that have plagued mankind for thousands of years, and are developing new treatments to bring them to an end. Our gene therapies are healing, our stem cell studies are pluripotent in their potential, and the universe is being revealed in greater detail than many could have imagined. We have put robots on the moon, discovered dozens of earth-like planets and a probe we sent out a generation ago, is about to be the first man-made object to leave our solar system… We know better our own history as a species, and as a civilization. As more information comes to light about our shared ancestry with Neanderthal and Denisovians… and through homo-floriensis and the red deer cave people we see ourselves for the first time, as not the only branch of humanity to have lived on this earth, So, together, we have cleared away the rubble of non-secular thinking, and we can say with renewed confidence that the state of our science is stronger. But… we gather here knowing that there are millions of people whose bright minds and interest in science have not yet been informed of the progress that has already taken place, nor been given glimpses of the great progress that is in our future. Our show is adding minions, but too many people still can't find the science they need so we must continue to work together for a better... This week in science… Coming up Next. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:22:04 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/27/1287/ http://www.twis.org/2013/02/27/1287/#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:47:24 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1287 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/27/1287/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS The Ribbon Explained, End Of Dinos, End Of Neanders, No Signals, Clean Cockroaches, Test Tube Beagle, Immune Memories, Ch-ch-ch-changes From Cancer, And From Babies, Cheaper Solar, A Robo Booty Call, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) The Ribbon Explained, End Of Dinos, End Of Neanders, No Signals, Clean Cockroaches, Test Tube Beagle, Immune Memories, Ch-ch-ch-changes From Cancer, And From Babies, Cheaper Solar, A Robo Booty Call, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science… Coming Up Next. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:12:54 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/18/1279/ http://www.twis.org/2013/02/18/1279/#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:00:00 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1279 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/18/1279/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS TWIS Reviews The Top 11 Science Stories of 2012 And Makes Predictions For 2013 (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) TWIS Reviews The Top 11 Science Stories of 2012 And Makes Predictions For 2013 Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! The entire universe, and everything in it, is in the past… Now, is finally here at last. The now between everything that has ever happened, and everything that has never happened yet This now, like now’s past, is the one place where we can look backward and see the result of all human civilization… The culmination of our species turbulent trails and fortuitous forging on to futures past and futures not yet present We stand upon this high precipice of now, like a surfer atop a monster wave… Ready to ride to sandy shore, or wipe out and spitting salt water, try again… From this plucky perspective we are able to see clearly what once was invisible to the world, and have better insight into which mysterious unknowns might be uncovered next I do not say this lightly nor mean it to be taken literally when I say that we are standing at the highest point in human knowledge, are the most educated humans in the history of humanity, and have more resource of mind and material at our disposal than at any other time ever in the story of mankind… So let us make the best of it. While we can, while we are able, while we are willing and while we are tuned in to This Week in Science… Coming Up Next. Number 11!!! Simulations: The structure of the entire observable universe, the first complete computer model of a living organism, and 530 billion neurons and 100 trillion synapses on a supercomputer... Number 10!!! Origins: Red Deer Cave People, denisovian dna (http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-02-entire-genome-extinct-human-decoded.html), apes with spears, ancient lichen, and pushing back the age of life on earth… Number 9!!! Cloaking and Transporters: Scientists alter the speed of light to cloak an object from view for 40 trillionths of a second, successful "cloaking" of a three-dimensional object in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, a cloaking device capable of slowing light to a virtual halt, a highly efficient meta-material cloaking device capable of rendering objects invisible to microwaves, quantum teleportation to transmit photons over a distance of 97 kilometres, quantum teleportation over a record-breaking distance of 143 kilometres (89 mi) through free space, the first quantum teleportation from one macroscopic object to another... Number 8!!! 3-D Printing goes mainstream: an artificial jaw made using a 3D printer, a 3D printing method to construct complex microscopic structures out of individual molecules, the beginnings of printable robots that can be designed and made to order by the average person in less than 24 hours, the world's first 3D printer retail outlet, a tactical 3D printer to rapidly manufacture critical components on the battlefield, a novel hybrid printer for creating implantable cartilage, a 3D printer capable of manufacturing tools from lunar regolith... Number 7!!! We Will be Cyborgs: a robotic arm that can be precisely controlled by paralyzed patients, the United Kingdom's first successful ocular implant trial, the first implantation of an early prototype bionic eye, Number 6!!! Brains: a method of decoding thoughts by studying activity in the human brain's superior temporal gyrus, new scanning technology reveals that the human brain possesses a simple 3D grid structure with sheets of parallel neuronal fibers crossing one another at right angles, the Blue Brain Project identifies key principles that determine synapse-scale connectivity and make it possible to accurately predict the locations of synapses in the neocortex, a new brain-scanning functional magnetic resonance imaging device that allows paralyzed people to type out words using only their thoughts... Number 5!!! DNA: synthetic DNA compounds that demonstrate evolution, Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:09:36 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/15/1285/ http://www.twis.org/2013/02/15/1285/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:08:33 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1285 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/15/1285/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Airborne Bugs, This Week in Invertebrate Sex!, Homing Pigeons Lose It, Google Science Fair, Genes For Colds, Pruney Hands, Ear Worms?, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Airborne Bugs, This Week in Invertebrate Sex!, Homing Pigeons Lose It, Google Science Fair, Genes For Colds, Pruney Hands, Ear Worms?, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science… Coming Up Next. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:13:02 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/05/1275/ http://www.twis.org/2013/02/05/1275/#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:00:22 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1275 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/05/1275/feed/ 6 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Our Panda Saviors, Jumping Gene Me, Bonobo Social Networking, Need Yak Insurance?, WRD In Vomit, EOTW Confirmed, Jump For Life, Less Than Zero, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Our Panda Saviors, Jumping Gene Me, Bonobo Social Networking, Need Yak Insurance?, WRD In Vomit, EOTW Confirmed, Jump For Life, Less Than Zero, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science… Coming Up Next. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! And, then we made some predictions... If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:09:44 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/04/1271/ http://www.twis.org/2013/02/04/1271/#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2013 21:42:36 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1271 http://www.twis.org/2013/02/04/1271/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Wild Sex, Emerging From Rocks, Smarter Spiders, Lying Cheating Males, Rare Meteorite, New Matter, Engineering Algae, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Wild Sex, Emerging From Rocks, Smarter Spiders, Lying Cheating Males, Rare Meteorite, New Matter, Engineering Algae, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Visit by Carin Bondar (http://carinbondar.com) How we got life from rocks. (http://www.nature.com/news/how-life-emerged-from-deep-sea-rocks-1.12109) BLair's Animal Corner Just what we need - smarter spiders! (http://phys.org/news/2012-12-species-spider-fake-decoys.html) A new species of spider builds a decoy of itself to keep paper wasps from eating them. Forget world robot domination, spider domination! Male birds are liars! (http://phys.org/news/2012-12-birdsong-bluster-dupe-strange-females.html) Male zebra finches will trick unknown females with song to appear more fit than they really are. However, females that are already familiar with the males are not fooled. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Meteorite in the Sierras! (http://phys.org/news/2012-12-team-rare-meteorite-possibly-outer.html) New matter, new magnets. (http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/143782-mit-discovers-a-new-state-of-matter-a-new-kind-of-magnetism) Designing drugs to beat cancer. (http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressreleases/biologists_engineer_algae_to_make_complex_anti-cancer_designer_drug) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:10:08 http://www.twis.org/2013/01/06/1265/ http://www.twis.org/2013/01/06/1265/#comments Sun, 06 Jan 2013 20:11:37 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1265 http://www.twis.org/2013/01/06/1265/feed/ 4 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Rivers Of Hydrocarbons, Crashing Into The Moon, Kinky Fish, Nature Versus Nurture, Venomous Primates Found, Depression Neuroscience, Testing The Simulation, Cool It Down, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Rivers Of Hydrocarbons, Crashing Into The Moon, Kinky Fish, Nature Versus Nurture, Venomous Primates Found, Depression Neuroscience, Testing The Simulation, Cool It Down, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Rivers (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/12/hydrocarbon-river-flows-across-saturns-moon-titan/) of Hydrocarbons (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-12/mini-nile-river-flows-saturns-moon-titan-largest-river-ever-seen-another-world) Smashing the Moon (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-12/their-work-complete-nasas-twin-moon-orbiters-will-die-monday) BLair's Animal Corner Kinky Fish (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/20665161) Mollies are a fish species that exhibit "mate copying," this means that females prefer males that they have seen copulating before. What's shocking, though, is that it is equally advantageous for a male to "flirt" with a male as with a female in front of his target mate. Wow, nature, you are into the taboo... FYI, it's Nature and Nurture... (http://phys.org/news/2012-12-hatching-birds-behaviour.html) According to new research, hatching order effects the behavior of birds for their entire life. Zebra finches are more adventurous as their relative brood age decreases. Those that hatch later have to try harder to find food since their larger siblings can outcompete them. So next time you're being bothered by your big brother, tell mom that bullying from your siblings could effect you for the rest of your life! I did not know there were venomous (http://scienceblog.com/58485/three-new-species-of-venomous-primate-identified/) primates (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-12/new-species-slow-loris-discovered-borneo) Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Chipping (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/12/12/the-two-faces-of-depression-two-studies-switch-off-symptoms-in-mice-but-in-opposite-ways/#.UMpfB3PjkmQ) Away (http://thebrainbank.scienceblog.com/2012/12/10/ketamine-from-drug-of-abuse-to-anti-depressant) at Depression (http://scienceblog.com/58461/drug-briefly-eases-depression-rapidly-in-test/) We can test it (http://scienceblog.com/58400/do-we-live-in-a-computer-simulation-researchers-say-idea-can-be-tested/) Boxed wine goes in the fridge! (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-12/very-important-science-put-your-boxed-wine-fridge) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:13:45 http://www.twis.org/2012/12/18/1257/ http://www.twis.org/2012/12/18/1257/#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:06:33 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1257 http://www.twis.org/2012/12/18/1257/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Exo-planet Candidates, Better Solar Systems, Voyager Update, Martian Desert, Extraversion In Gorillas, Panda Pout, Smokin' Birds, SPAUN, World's Oldest Dino, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Exo-planet Candidates, Better Solar Systems, Voyager Update, Martian Desert, Extraversion In Gorillas, Panda Pout, Smokin' Birds, SPAUN, World's Oldest Dino, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Exo-Planet Candidates (http://www.space.com/18791-habitable-exoplanets-catalog-seven.html) Better Solar Systems (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/hotplanet.htm) Update on the Voyagers (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/12/voyager-1-spots-new-region-at-the-edge-of-the-solar-system/) No Life on Mars (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/12/no-bug-eyed-monsters-after-hype-nasa-finds-carbon-chlorine-on-mars/) BLair's Animal Corner News from Scotland: Extraverted Gorillas Live Longer (http://phys.org/news/2012-12-extraverted-gorillas-longer.html) Feeling low? Want to stay inside? It may kill you. In a broad long-term study out of Edinburgh, he more social, active, playful, and curious gorillas had a significantly longer lifespan. Finally, someone else upset about the "Panda Effect"! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-20588563) The rental of two pandas to the zoo in Edinburgh has brought in a 50% raise in visitors and profits, but is it for the good of the species? Or just a money-making scheme? Also (if time): Tobacco - Good for Baby Birds?! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-20607413) The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes turn out to be an extremely effective repellant for parasitic mites that may feast on baby birds. What's more the cellulose in the butts is a fantastic insulator. Was this a deliberate choice by the birds or a happy accident? Either way, I don't look forward to the hoarse, phlegmy bird calls in the morning... Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! TWIWRD - SPAUN (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/11/model-brain-with-2-5-million-neurons-configures-itself-to-problem-solve/) Oldest Dino? (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/12/06/fossils-from-the-oldest-dinosaur-yet-maybe/#.UMEt__k5zEM) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:21:55 http://www.twis.org/2012/12/13/1260/ http://www.twis.org/2012/12/13/1260/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:19:00 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1260 http://www.twis.org/2012/12/13/1260/feed/ 3 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,This Week in Science,TWIS TWIS is hosting 21 Hours of TWISmageddon in a knock-out, drag-down celebration of SCIENCE and the fact that world will not end on the 21st of December at 11:11 UTC. TWIS is hosting 21 Hours of TWISmageddon in a knock-out, drag-down celebration of SCIENCE and the fact that world will not end on the 21st of December at 11:11 UTC. Join us as we broadcast live for a stupid amount of time to talk science with people around the world!!! We will be joined by Tom Merritt, Joanne Manaster, Andy Ihnatko, Carin Bondar, and more! We'll be live on Google+ Hangouts and live on our YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/thisweekinscience). The fun all starts at 00:00 UTC (that's 4pm PST for me!)! Check your time zone here (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=TWISmageddon%21%21%21&iso=20121221T00&p1=1440&ah=21). Our chatroom lives at webchat.freenode.net (http://webchat.freenode.net), #TWIS. The Countdown to TWISmageddon (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?p0=1440&iso=20121221T00&msg=TWISmageddon%21%21%21 Official website:http://www.twis.org) is ON! Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 28 http://www.twis.org/2012/12/11/1255/ http://www.twis.org/2012/12/11/1255/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:18:55 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1255 http://www.twis.org/2012/12/11/1255/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Water On Mercury, LHC New Matters, Finding Waves, Vaccines Without Virus, Mantis Shrimp Mess, Life Abounds, This Week in The End Of The World, Horizontal Gene Transfer, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Water On Mercury, LHC New Matters, Finding Waves, Vaccines Without Virus, Mantis Shrimp Mess, Life Abounds, This Week in The End Of The World, Horizontal Gene Transfer, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Water Found on Mmm... Mercury? (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/11/craters-on-mercury-are-oases-for-water-ice-organic-molecules/) LHC Spawns New Matter ( http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-11/lhcs-latest-particle-collisions-find-some-unexpected-quantum-weirdness) Finding Gravitational Wave (http://www.technologyreview.com/view/507811/astrophysicists-on-the-verge-of-spotting-gravitational-waves/)s Vaccines Without Virus (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/11/flu-vaccine-no-virus/) BLair's Animal Corner Don't Mess with a Mantis Shrimp (http://phys.org/news/2012-11-muscle-powers-spearing-mantis-shrimp.html) Mantis Shrimp, previously mentioned in episode 373 as a critter with some amazing body armor, has another reason to be feared. The shrimp that employ a large club-like smashing mechanism actually have spring-loaded motion like a catapult, performing at a whopping 10-23 m/s, whereas those that spear their prey use shear muscle force at perform at 2-6 m/s. Watch out, little fishes! Isolated Bacteria Found! (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/11/isolated-patch-of-ocean-trapped-under-ice-sustains-bacterial-community/) Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! End of the World! Melting Glaciers (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20543483) Acid Butterflies (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/11/sea-butterflies-already-feeling-the-sting-of-ocean-acidification/) Fish Ear Climate (http://scienceblog.com/58065/fish-ear-bones-point-to-climate-impacts/) Who Needs Sex?! (http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1003035) Bdelloid rotifers have reproduced asexually for millions of years. How are they still around? By stealing genes from other organisms. Around 10% of their DNA is acquired through horizontal gene transfer. 39% of the DNA that codes for enzymes are from a foreign source. Who needs sex, indeed? If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:20:22 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/26/1252/ http://www.twis.org/2012/11/26/1252/#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:05:16 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1252 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/26/1252/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS SUSY Loses Support, Mice Sniffing Bombs, Fairy Wren Secrets, Total Solar Eclipse, A Wandering Planet, No Mo Cow Pee, Rocket Legs, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) SUSY Loses Support, Mice Sniffing Bombs, Fairy Wren Secrets, Total Solar Eclipse, A Wandering Planet, No Mo Cow Pee, Rocket Legs, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Punching (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20300100) the Physics Heavy Bag (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/nov/14/higgs-standard-model-boson) BLair's Animal Corner Israeli mice sniffing bombs (http://phys.org/news/2012-11-israeli-mice-vice.html) Mice in Israel have been trained to sniff out potential security threats. A blast of air blows a person's scent to a chamber with trained mice inside. If the mice smell something suspicious, they congregate in the "reporting compartment." Now that's an upgrade from a bomb sniffing dog - isn't it? Fairy-wren chicks have to pass a test for food (http://phys.org/news/2012-11-fairy-wren-babies-password-food.html) A fairy-wren is taught a single note from their mother that functions like a password for food. Cuckoos will attempt to act as parasites, but this system works as a fail-safe so the mother doesn't feed the invading chicks. Now that's fitness! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! A Wandering Planet (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/11/if-it-forms-like-a-star-but-looks-like-a-planet/) No Cow Pee For Me (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/11/12/new-research-cow-pee-can-spread-antibiotic-resistance-through-the-soil) World Robot domination (http://io9.com/5959713/this-new-artificial-limb-is-powered-by-rocket-fuel) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:26:56 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/15/1247/ http://www.twis.org/2012/11/15/1247/#comments Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:15:13 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1247 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/15/1247/feed/ 5 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Other Earths, Good Old Days, Touchy Crocs, Caffeine For Good!, Navel Gazing, Mucus Toothpaste, The End of India, And Much More… (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Other Earths, Good Old Days, Touchy Crocs, Caffeine For Good!, Navel Gazing, Mucus Toothpaste, The End of India, And Much More… Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! An Earth Not Like Ours (http://www.universetoday.com/98379/astronomers-find-tantalizing-hints-of-a-potentially-habitable-exoplanet/) The Good Old Days (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/11/universe-making-stars/) BLair's Animal Corner Touchy Crocodilians (http://phys.org/news/2012-11-thick-skins-alligators-crocodiles-surprisingly.html) Despite their heavy armored skin, crocs can be very sensitive to touch along their jaws. Scientists have often wondered what the tiny raised black dots along the jawline of crocodilians are used for, and new research indicated it is not to detect oil, salinity or magnetism, but the are extremely delicate touch receptors, more sensitive than human fingertips. So, when that crocodile bites you, he knows exactly what he's biting and how hard - comforting? Maybe not... Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Caffeine - the new antidepressant? (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-11/plos-cir110512.php) Caffeine enhances the processing of positive words, but not neutral or negative ones. So it makes you more productive AND gives you a better self-image. Sign me up! Navel (http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2012/11/07/after-two-years-scientists-still-cant-solve-belly-button-mystery-continue-navel-gazing/) gazing (http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0047712) The End of The World (http://io9.com/5958151/the-climate-disaster-that-destroyed-the-ancient-harappan-civilization-could-soon-destroy-india) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:17:02 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/13/1245/ http://www.twis.org/2012/11/13/1245/#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:11:43 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1245 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/13/1245/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Population Explosion, Sneaky Macaque Sex, Tough Crabs, Penis Worms, Lasers Break Habits, Space News Bits, And Much More… (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Population Explosion, Sneaky Macaque Sex, Tough Crabs, Penis Worms, Lasers Break Habits, Space News Bits, And Much More… Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Population Explosion! (http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2012/10/previously-unknown-population-explosion-of-human-species-40000-years-ago-discovered-.html) and related Reddit Discussion (http://www.reddit.com/comments/12chsa) BLair's Animal Corner Macaque sex can be sneaky... (http://updates.io9.com/post/34716675553/monkeys-of-various-ranks-like-to-have-sex-with-each) Alpha-male and female macaques do their best to keep lower-ranking monkeys from anything fun, including sex. However, when they aren't looking, those low-ranking monkeys take advantage, big time. New research out of the Netherlands suggest that this behavior is not tactical for premeditated, but instead these horny monkeys are just capitalizing on an opportunity that presents itself. It's tough out there for a crab... (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-hermit-crabs-socialize-evict-neighbors.html) Some animals form social groups for protection, others to improve food collection, but land-based hermit crabs do it so they can take advantage of each-other. These hermit crabs "remodel" the empty snail shells they live in by hollowing them out, but they are often evicted by other crabs when their remodel is complete by another crab who fancies it, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Penis Worms (http://news.discovery.com/animals/penis-worms-digestion-evolution-121030.html) Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Breaking (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-10/lasers-turn-bad-habits-rat-brains) Habits With Lasers (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/10/29/breaking-habits-with-a-flash-of-light/) Balancing Empathy and Logic (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-11/humans-cant-be-empathetic-and-logical-same-time) SPACE!!! Curiosity Analyzes Chemicals (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/11/sands-of-mars-taste-a-lot-like-volcano/) Dust Mote in Sauron's Eye Returns (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2012/10/27/the-return-of-saurons-planet/) Voyager Gets Wacky (http://news.discovery.com/space/voyager-1-detects-wierdness-at-solar-system-edge-121030.html) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:34:49 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/08/1243/ http://www.twis.org/2012/11/08/1243/#comments Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:40:17 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1243 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/08/1243/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Science On Trial, Really Cool Poop, Yawning At Puppies, Making Tractor Beams, Brain Food Cooks, Grandma Did It, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Science On Trial, Really Cool Poop, Yawning At Puppies, Electrical Diagnosis, Making Tractor Beams, Brain Food Cooks, Grandma Did It, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Science On Trial (http://ksj.mit.edu/tracker/2012/10/italian-seismologists-convicted-manslaug) BLair's Animal Corner Dung Beetles (http://io9.com/5954107/dung-beetles-like-to-chill-on-top-of-balls-of-poop-now-we-know-why?tag=biology) - the poop makes them extra cool! Sure, there are lots of good reasons to push around a giant ball of feces, but scientists just found another one. Dung beetles use the natural cooling atributes of dung balls (evaporative cooling - they are moist) to cool down their feet when walking on soil that can reach up to 60* C (140* F). Dogs (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-puppies-dont.html) are impressionable, but puppies aren't Dogs above 7 months will catch a yawn as if it is contagious from humans, but puppies under 7 months will not. This is surprisingly similar to the finding that human children reach full responsiveness to yawning around age four. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Making A Tractor (http://io9.com/5954567/physicists-demonstrate-an-actual-tractor-beam-in-the-lab)... Beam (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-physics-duo-tractor-dual-bessel.html) Brains And Lifespan Cook It (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/10/raw-food-big-brains) And Grow (http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/10/17/1206390109.full.pdf+html) Grandma (http://io9.com/5954427/computer-simulation-confirms-it-was-grandma-who-gave-us-longer-lifespans) Did It (http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2012/10/18/rspb.2012.1751.full) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:26:45 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/07/1239/ http://www.twis.org/2012/11/07/1239/#comments Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:54:21 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1239 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/07/1239/feed/ 3 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS A New Neighbor, Cosmic Energy Finding, Big Lake Bottoms, Housework Might Kill, Sounds You Hate, Catch The Sun, Rogue Canadian Dumping, The Quick And Dirty, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) A New Neighbor, Cosmic Energy Finding, Big Lake Bottoms, Housework Might Kill, Sounds You Hate, Catch The Sun, Rogue Canadian Dumping, The Quick And Dirty, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! We have a new neighbor (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2012/10/16/alpha-centauri-has-a-planet/) New cosmic find (http://www.interactions.org/cms/?pid=1032312) BLair's Animal Corner Hey Ladies, that housework MAY kill you! (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-extreme-housework-life-span-female.html) Female Komodo Dragons live half as long as males, most likely due to energy expended on egg production and parental care, as well as what scientists deem "housework." So next time you go to do those dishes, ladies, maybe let the men have a chance... Sounds your brain hates (http://scienceblog.com/57136/the-most-and-least-unpleasant-sounds/) Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Rogue Dumping (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/10/18/rogue-geoengineer-illegally-dumped-tons-of-iron-into-the-pacific-in-july/) in Canada (http://io9.com/5952851/the-canadian-government-knew-about-the-geohacking-project-off-its-pacific-coast) Pulsars Vs. Gravity Waves (http://www.technologyreview.com/view/429615/pulsars-gravitational-wave-detectors-on-the-cheap/) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:18:52 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/01/1237/ http://www.twis.org/2012/11/01/1237/#comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:16:54 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1237 http://www.twis.org/2012/11/01/1237/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Caffeine and Alzheimers, Pee-mouthed Turtles, Animal Hands, Slime Mold Memories, Bacterial Gut Viruses, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Caffeine and Alzheimers, Pee-mouthed Turtles, Animal Hands, Slime Mold Memories, Bacterial Gut Viruses, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Caffeine (http://io9.com/5950498/we-now-know-why-coffee-helps-to-stave-off-alzheimers-disease) - now we know why it slows down Alzheimers. Blair's Animal Corner A turtle pees out of it's mouth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19883278): you're welcome. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! We're not the only animal with handedness (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-predominance-right-handed-uniquely-human-trait.html) Slime moulds (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19846365) can remember how to find their way around without a brain Bacterium create (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-intestinal-bacteria-phages-weapons.html) their own bacteriophages within our gut If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:09:17 http://www.twis.org/2012/10/23/1235/ http://www.twis.org/2012/10/23/1235/#comments Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:28:50 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1235 http://www.twis.org/2012/10/23/1235/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Babies From Scratch, Dino Talk, Sneaky Banker Squirrels, Homeland Security Tech, Vitamin D Update, Neanderthal Dating Habits, TWIWRD, Some Quick News, And Much More… (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Babies From Scratch, Dino Talk, Sneaky Banker Squirrels, Homeland Security Tech, Vitamin D Update, Neanderthal Dating Habits, TWIWRD, Some Quick News, And Much More… Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! Babies from stem cells! (http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2012/10/03/science.1226889.abstract) Duck Billed Dinosaurs had teeth more effective than horses (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121004141753.htm ) Tiny Bird Dino (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19830486) BLair's Animal Corner Sneaky Banker Squirrels (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-fox-squirrels-long-term-investment-savvy.html) Squirrels are excellent bankers, according to new research out of UC Berkeley. Squirrels on their campus have over 1000 hiding places for nuts, and prioritize different stashes for different reasons. Maybe we should put our retirement in the furry hands of a bushy-tailed economist? Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Homeland Security Think Tank Decides which non-existent technology will be most useful in the future (http://phys.org/news/2012-10-wrist-radios-homeland-tank-high-tech.html) MS and Vitamin D (http://scienceblog.com/56927/low-vitamin-d-worse-ms/) Humans last got down and dirty with Neanderthals around 47,000 years ago (http://www.livescience.com/23730-neanderthals-modern-humans-interbreeding.html) TWIWRD More human than huma (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/unreal-tournament-bots-appear-more-human-than-humans/)n 50 hour genome sequencing (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-10/cmh-5wg092812.php) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:14:10 http://www.twis.org/2012/10/16/1229/ http://www.twis.org/2012/10/16/1229/#comments Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:53:40 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1229 http://www.twis.org/2012/10/16/1229/feed/ 0 Dr. Kirsten Sanford,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS French Science Scandal, Let Teens Sleep!, X-Men Mice, Putting The Male In Female, Vesta Rocks, Looking at Life, And Much More… (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) French Science Scandal, Let Teens Sleep!, X-Men Mice, Putting The Male In Female, Vesta Rocks, Looking at Life, And Much More… Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! French GMO research scandal! (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/09/anti-gmo-researchers-used-science-publication-to-manipulate-the-press/ ) Teens have yet another reason to sleep in! (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120929140234.htm) An extra hour of sleep in your teens could prevent diabetes by lowering insulin resistance. BLAIR - BLair's Animal Corner X-Men MIce? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19727622) African spiny mice have adapted to slough off large chunks of their skin to evade predators - what's shocking (and a little creepy) is that they often regrow the skin - hair folicles and all - scar-free. It turns out that these mice actually produce what is called a "regeneration hub" or "blastema," which is essentially a bundle of stem cells. This discovery may lead to medial breakthroughs in the future, which begs the question, who wouldn't want the regenerative powers of Wolverine??? The male in female (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/09/27/how-does-male-dna-get-into-a-womans-brain/) Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Asteroids with stretchmarks (http://phys.org/news/2012-09-asteroid-troughs-stunted-planet.html) may need some cocobutter... Taking (http://www.technologyreview.com/view/429380/biologists-replay-500-million-years-of-e-coli/) a look (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/09/22/are-biologists-watching-an-evolutionary-leap-one-life-form-absorbing-another/) at life (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22292-zoologger-the-cyanobacteria-destined-to-be-organelles.html) If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:11:39 http://www.twis.org/2012/10/09/1226/ http://www.twis.org/2012/10/09/1226/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:28:36 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1226 http://www.twis.org/2012/10/09/1226/feed/ 0 Dr. Kirsten Sanford,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS World Melt, Space Shuttle Fly, Old Galaxy Seen, Brain Like Mine, Crows Get Smarter, Misinformation Factoganda, Molecular Bonds, Dead Dentists, Superconductor!, Heat To Power, TWIWRD, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) World Melt, Space Shuttle Fly, Old Galaxy Seen, Brain Like Mine, Crows Get Smarter, Misinformation Factoganda, Molecular Bonds, Dead Dentists, Superconductor!, Heat To Power, TWIWRD, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science... coming up next! As the world turns (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/09/arctic-melt-bottoms-out-at-new-record-low/)... we melt (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/09/how-much-carbon-is-released-into-the-atmosphere-by-thawing-permafrost/) The National Snow and Ice Melting center has stated that we have reached a new record low for sea ice on our dear planet earth. We currently have 3.41 million square kilometers, or about half of the normal amount of sea ice. Also, thawing permafrost appears to be releasing a great deal of carbon dioxide. We don't yet know how much CO2 to expect, but any extra is not great. Talk about a positive feedback loop! Space Shuttle Fly By (http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/21/space-shuttle-idINL1E8KL0ON20120921) The space shuttle Endeavor is scheduled to fly over parts of California on it's way to a museum in Los Angeles. Here's hoping for a clear day over the Golden Gate Bridge! Oldest Galaxy ever seen! (http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/09/is-this-the-most-distant-galaxy-ever-seen-by-humans/262592/) The Hubble telescope has recently captured light that has traveled 13.2 billion lightyears, making it the oldest galaxy we've ever seen! Your brain is like mine (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-09/aifb-hbs091812.php) In creating a brain atlas, scientists have discovered that one brain appears to function the same as another. What's more, right brain and left brain appear to be fairly similar on the molecular level... Monkey brain prosthesis (http://the-scientist.com/2012/09/19/monkey-brain-booster/) Using an electrode array, scientists have successfully manipulated monkey brain function. In fact, they effectively improved their cognitive abilities by stimulating neurons used for problem solving. Brains without fear (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-09/uu-fcb092012.php) Using fear conditioning, scientists created and then effectively prevented lasting effects of fear. In the future we may be able to erase fear memories from the human brain. Memories Aren't Real (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-09/nu-ymi091912.php) Every time you recall a memory, you essentially rewrite it in your brain! Crows are Smart! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19626912) New Caledonian crows, crows that we have already shown to make their own tools for food retrieval, have now shown inference in lab tests. Scientists manipulated a stick on the other side of a hide near a food source for the crows, first when the crows could see a human enter and then leave, and again when no human appeared to come in or out of the hide. The crows appeared to expect a cause for stick movement, indicating reasoned inference. Crows remember faces - forever - and so do their friends! (http://io9.com/5942794/why-a-crow-will-never-forget-your-face) The links in crows' brains that allow them to remember faces appear to be similar to those that would help us remember. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Why Misinformation Sticks (http://www.healthcanal.com/mental-health-behavior/32373-Misinformation-Psychological-Science-Shows-Why-Sticks-and-How-Fix.html) Apparently rejecting a premise takes cognitive effort, where accepting information is almost effortless. So the misinformed are really just lazy? Imaging the small and near (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19584301) Researchers from Zurich have found a way to visualize atomic bonds! The process is called atomic force microscopy (naturally), and the image is breathtaking. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:15:31 http://www.twis.org/2012/09/18/1224/ http://www.twis.org/2012/09/18/1224/#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2012 23:17:28 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1224 http://www.twis.org/2012/09/18/1224/feed/ 7 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,Stewart Brand,talk,This Week in Science,TWIS Making Memories, Finding The Trace, Viral Tree Discovery, Deaf Gerbils, Ibuprofen Threatens Hearing, Smart Sharks, A New Monkey, Genome Uses, Physics Gets Weird, Stem Cell Protection, TWIWRD, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Making Memories, Finding The Trace, Viral Tree Discovery, Deaf Gerbils, Ibuprofen Threatens Hearing, Smart Sharks, A New Monkey, Genome Uses, Physics Gets Weird, Stem Cell Protection, TWIWRD, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! the wonderful world we live in is populated, largely it sometimes seems, with people who are determined to make misery out of their company... Whether through radicalized religious actions of the few, or the political propaganda of prejudices put forth as a party platform for the masses... Hatred, violence and righteous ignorance seem to abound around the world as a seemingly inexhaustible supply of ill-conceived thinking that serves no greater purpose than to sustain itself by inflicting suffering on humanity and inviting the same in return… And since the company you keep says a lot about who you are… The company of mankind defines us all, in some cosmic sense… the good, the bad, the woefully ignorant and the wickedly brilliant alike… What separates the terrorist from the string theorist, the dictator from the doctor of science… How do we keep ourselves separated from the miserable ruiners of reason From the inexplicably enthusiastic extinguishers of enlightened logic From the emotionally enslaved worshipers of medieval dogma dedicated to the extinction of intellectual pragmatism… What can we do to keep our minds out of the muck and mire these silly humans would have us wallow in? What would we do if not for… This Week in Science… coming up next. Making Memories (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/09/13/scientists-elicit-short-term-memory-in-slices-of-rat-brain/) Researchers at Case Western Reserve of Medicine have been working with the brain to figure out the mechanisms of short-term memory. They discovered that each cell in the hippocampus held a specific memory for up to ten seconds when stimulated with electrical current. Could this lead to short-term memory restoration in humans? Finding The Trace (http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/news/penn-team-finds-key-molecules-involved-forming-long-term-memories) Virus discovery messes with our family tree (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120913123520.htm) Why you should care about deaf gerbils (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19570024) Stem cell research with deaf gerbils provide hope for stem cell therapy in deaf humans. Why gerbils and not mice, you ask? I don't know, but they're so adorable... Ibuprofen could make you deaf (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-09/bawh-pp091212.php) In a study of almost 30,000 women results pointed to a possible link between taking ibuprofen two days a week and hearing loss later in life. That headache may be rough, but is getting rid of it worth your ability to hear in fifty years? BLair's Animal Corner Sharks: Not only deadly, but smart. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19484530) In a recent controlled experiment lemon sharks exhibited social learning. Researchers trained some sharks to perform a specific behavior to get a treat, and then put sharks ignorant to the behavior in a tank with the trained sharks. The naive sharks quickly caught on and performed the behavior, even once isolated from the trained sharks. Uh oh... what will helpless swimmers do once sharks have learned to work together?! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! A new monkey (http://news.yale.edu/2012/09/12/congo-rare-find-new-species-monkey) We only use 1% of our Genome, or do we? (http://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/press/2012/120905.html) 10,000 genes described! Physics Gets Weirder (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/09/too-many-heavy-particles-could-mean-trouble-for-the-standard-model/) Protect your stem cells during radiation therapy! (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120906123228.htm) TWIWRD: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:10:34 http://www.twis.org/2012/09/13/1222/ http://www.twis.org/2012/09/13/1222/#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:39:03 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1222 http://www.twis.org/2012/09/13/1222/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Genome ENCODeD, Why Buy Organic, Tiger Graveyard Shift, Bird Funerals, TWIWRD, Ancient Life Signs, And Much More… (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Genome ENCODeD, Why Buy Organic, Tiger Graveyard Shift, Bird Funerals, TWIWRD, Ancient Life Signs, And Much More… Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! When in the course of human events it becomes necessary to intervene with the path of humanity We hold these truths to be relevant: Science is a process, not a belief. Science can infuse human decisions with reason and logic. Learning the scientific method leads to independent thought. Let us be your gateway to thoughts Here on this Week in Science... Coming up next!!! Genome (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/09/05/encode-the-rough-guide-to-the-human-genome/) ENCODEd (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/09/cataloging-the-controlled-chaos-of-the-human-genome/) The genome has been encoded! Shortly after the human genome has been sequenced scientists started working tirelessly to figure out what all the elements of a genome code for. 30 papers have since been released, 6 of which appear in Nature. All suggest that around 80% of the genome are functional (code for proteins) as opposed to the 1.5% that we previously thought. VIDEO (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19202141) Organic (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19465692) for Health (http://scienceblog.com/56400/little-evidence-of-health-benefits-from-organic-foods/)? In a comprehensive comparison of hundreds of studies out of Stanford, California, it has come to light that organic food is not better for you. However, many organic vegetables and fruits are higher in phosphorus, and organic milk products are often higher in omega-3's. BLair's Animal Corner Tigers on the graveyard shift (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19464751) Wild tigers in Chitwan national park have altered their activity schedule to work around the humans who share their habitats. The question is, will this new adaptation to human sprawl effect tigers or other species? Bird Funerals (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19421217) Scrub-jays may, in fact, mourn the dead. Recent research out of UC Davis proved that wild scrub-jays called out warnings to other jays when they spot a dead fellow. What's more, they ceased foraging behavior for a day and gathered around the fallen comrade. Are they holding a bird funeral, or checking for threats to their own lives? Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! World Robot Domination: Fast Cheetah (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19506130) The pentagon has recently funded research to create a robot that can sprint like a cheetah. It has no head, but the four legs can run at 28.3 miles per hour, and has been modeled after the fastest land mammal. The aim is to assist war fighters, or perhaps a really really fast robot soldier Mind Controlled Leg (http://www.technologyreview.com/view/429086/first-mind-controlled-robotic-leg-put-through-its/) Researchers out of Long Beach, California, have created a prosthetic leg that can be controlled by a cap that detects the electrical impulses in your brain. Luke Skywalker's robot hand, here we come! Signs of Extremely Ancient Life (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/09/3-5-billion-year-old-organic-deposts-show-signs-of-life) We have previously found fairly unequivocal evidence that life existed 2.7 billion years ago. Recent analysis of sulfur isotope ratios indicates life at 3.5 billion years ago, only very shortly after the earth was still molten lava... Life always finds a way! If you love TWIS, please support us by donating below: Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:07:58 http://www.twis.org/2012/09/12/1220/ http://www.twis.org/2012/09/12/1220/#comments Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:42:12 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1220 http://www.twis.org/2012/09/12/1220/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Denisovan Genome, Bad Monogamy, In Your Face!, Slug Sex, Super Old Beliefs, TWIWRD, Shrew Senses, Blowing Smoke, Eat For Life, Eye Indicators, Bears And Blood, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Denisovan Genome, Bad Monogamy, In Your Face!, Slug Sex, Super Old Beliefs, TWIWRD, Shrew Senses, Blowing Smoke, Eat For Life, Eye Indicators, Bears And Blood, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! I'm sure Justin came up with something here... This Week in Science... coming up next!!! Denisovan Genome! (http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/30/13570175-new-technique-clears-up-mysteries-in-extinct-denisovan-human-genome) A small bone fragment estimated 74,000 to 82,000 years old has given us the most clear view of this extinct human species' genome. Additionally, it appears that they bred with both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Monogamy is bad for yo (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120830141405.htm)u More "proMOUSEcuous" mice have better immune systems. The bacterial communities within the females' reproductive tract varied greatly between the monogamous and polygamous mice. In Your Face!!! (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22227-rosacea-may-be-caused-by-mite-faeces-in-your-pores.html) Mites living in your pores may be causing rosacea by depositing fecal material on your face. They don't defecate, though, instead they mate on your face while you sleep and then crawl into your pores to deposit eggs and die. Stress makes mite food on your face, and increases mite activity, therefore potentially causing a flare-up. Talk about a positive feedback loop... BLair's Animal Corner Traumatic Insemination Fun for Hermaphroditic Slugs! (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22208-slugs-benefit-from-getting-stabbed-while-having-sex.html) When you are a hermaphroditic sea slug, it pays to be the male. Females are stabbed and injected with prostate fluid, then penetrated with a barbed penis that rips at their insides. This would lead scientists to believe that these sea slugs would only play the female when absolutely necessary, however, recent research tells us that the slugs will mate far more often than is necessary. Those slugs are into some kinky stuff... A Nasal Spray for Suicide (http://news.discovery.com/tech/nasal-spray-could-prevent-suicides-dnews-nugget-120830.html) Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, a naturally occurring hormone, could prevent suicide. The Army is currently funding the research. $1Mil for Tesla (http://news.discovery.com/tech/tesla-fan-raises-1m-for-museum-dnews-nugget-120827.html) A Tesla museum is on the way! $1 million has been raised so far for this house of science! Bill Nye in Creationist Soup (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/bill-nye-science-guy-creationism-evolution_n_1835208.html) The Science Guy came out this week stating that creationism should not be taught in the classroom. You go, Bill! Neil Armstrong RIP August 25, 2012 marked the passing of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. Truly a visionary, legend, and pioneer, he will be missed. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Supernatural beliefs increase with age (http://www.utexas.edu/news/2012/08/30/merge-supernatural-scientific-beliefs-unknown-reasoning/) New research indicates that supernatural explanations for events are not replaced by scientific explanations with an increase in knowledge, education, or technology, and in fact, supernatural beliefs often increase with age. What's more, a large percentage of survey participants merge scientific and supernatural theories to explain things away. World Robot Domination A Light Twitch (http://phys.org/news/2012-08-light-activated-skeletal-muscle-video.html) Scientists at MIT have used techniques developed for optogenetics to move muscle using light. A Shrew's Sense (http://news.discovery.com/tech/shrews-whiskers-get-robotic-touch-120830.html) European researchers have developed touch sensors by modeling the behavior of shrews. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:29:47 http://www.twis.org/2012/08/28/1217/ http://www.twis.org/2012/08/28/1217/#comments Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:41:44 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1217 http://www.twis.org/2012/08/28/1217/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Supernova Science, More Milky Ways, It's Your Dad's Fault, Gibbons On Helium, Semen Superpower, Classroom Air Heads, Curiosity Update, Self-Aware Sentients, Science Turns Back Time, Space-Time Smoothie, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Supernova Science, More Milky Ways, It's Your Dad's Fault, Gibbons On Helium, Semen Superpower, Classroom Air Heads, Curiosity Update, Self-Aware Sentients, Science Turns Back Time, Space-Time Smoothie, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! I know Justin came up with something, but he didn't leave it in our wiki This Week in Science... coming up next!!! Supernova science (http://phys.org/news/2012-08-supernovae-brightness-vastly-cosmic.html#jCp) Palomar Transient Factory team, hailing from multiple institutions including scientists in Berkeley, Ca, has discovered a new type of supernova. They found a type 1A supernova that appeared to be like any other 1A supernova, but it has a much different origin from those we've seen before. And, Two More Milky Ways (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/08/milky-way-galaxy-systems) A 3D map of the local universe has helped to identify that two galaxies of the fourteen we can see appear to match ours almost identically, as far as we can tell. If they are in many ways identical, might they be able to support life, and if so, is there any hiding in there? Anxious? It's your father's fault. (http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/08/22/Offspring-of-stressed-mice-show-symptoms/UPI-12561345675970/?spt=hs?=sn) Stress in male mice can lead to changes in his sperm that can lead to psychological issues in their offspring, specifically daughters. So calm down, dad, you're going to give your future daughter an anxiety problem! Older fathers (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/health/fathers-age-is-linked-to-risk-of-autism-and-schizophrenia.html) may make children more prone to Autism and Schizophrenia Men over 40 are 2% more likely to have autistic or schizophrenic children. That may not sound like much, but these cases counted for 20-30% of all autism cases. Dads, just because you can have a baby at 50, doesn't mean you should... BLair's Animal Corner Gibbons on Helium - Opera Singers of the Wild (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19348123) Gibbons have been shown, once exposed to helium, to use the same complex vocal techniques as soprano opera singers. This upends a long-believed theory that humans and humans alone have evolved the sophisticated method of matching the resonance of their vocal chords with the resonance of the sound they create. Normal White Handed Gibbon Call (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HO3-99m7FY) Semen's Superpower (http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2012/08/semens-secret-ingredient.html) Seminal fluid has a compound in it that stimulates ovulation in females. New research has found NGF (nerve growth factor) in bull semen, and has been identified as the guilty party - OIF (ovulation inducing factor). Talk about a double-whammy! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Carbon Dioxide in classrooms (http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112680580/new-device-that-detects-carbon-monoxide-and-keeps-classroom-air-cleaner/) With more crowded classrooms, longer school days, and more tightly-sealed rooms, carbon dioxide levels are a growing concern. A new device could help to detect the CO2 levels that make children drowsy as the school day crawls along. Update (http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-248) on (http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-251) Curiosity (http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-256) The Curiosity science laboratory currently on Mars has some news from the "chem cam", a laser and camera that can determine rock materials. Unfortunately we don't have any new information yet, but can confirm that it is calibrated to perfection! Curiosity has also done some calisthenics, stretching it's arm, which is also in tip-top shape. Last, the "rover" is now successfully roving the planet's surface. In short, Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:27:23 http://www.twis.org/2012/08/21/1215/ http://www.twis.org/2012/08/21/1215/#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:20:59 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1215 http://www.twis.org/2012/08/21/1215/feed/ 1 http://www.twis.org/2012/08/14/1212/ http://www.twis.org/2012/08/14/1212/#comments Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:35:51 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1212 http://www.twis.org/2012/08/14/1212/feed/ 2 Dr. Kiki,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Science Is Curiosity, Slow And Sneaky, Growing Family Tree, Dolphins Got Culture, Booster!, LHC Update, TWIWRD, Bacterial Babies, Mean Tweets, Digital Sarcasm, And Much More!!! (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Science Is Curiosity, Slow And Sneaky, Growing Family Tree, Dolphins Got Culture, Booster!, LHC Update, TWIWRD, Bacterial Babies, Mean Tweets, Digital Sarcasm, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! People today... Don't want to do algebra because it's too hard. What will they use it for anyway? Oh, what's that? Maybe there is an intrinsic value in learning to think in abstractions? And, while we're on it... Why do doctors need to learn physics? Huh? Maybe learning to break down a problem into smaller parts in order to learn about a larger system will help them learn to not kill the wonderful human system they work on? Maybe. Or, maybe we should all just go back to watching Olympic beach volleyball while NASA lands a laser wielding robot the size of a Mini Cooper on Mars. Maybe you're just too old. Or, maybe... this is... This Week in Science... coming up next!!! Mars Curiosity!!! Entry (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2012/08/06/video-of-curiositys-descent-from-the-rover-cam-itself/), Descent (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2012/08/09/first-color-360-degree-panorama-from-curiosity/), Landing (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2012/08/02/curiositys-chem-lab-on-mars/)! Oops, Morpheus (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/09/us-usa-nasa-accident-idUSBRE8781A220120809) SPERM: It's best slow and sneaky (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120801143728.htm) In a study with fruit fly sperm, the slowest samples were best at out-competing other sperm for space in storage for later insemination. See boys? Faster isn't always better! The Human Family (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/08/new-fossils-complicate-human-family-tree/ ) Tree Grows (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/08/09/new-fossil-finds-confirm-that-human-ancestors-were-not-alone-in-east-africa/) Blair's Animal Corner Dolphins are Snobs (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-dolphins-sponge-culture.html) Dolphins have been observed exhibiting what scientists are calling "culture," meaning that they form associations with one-another based on their interests. In this case, the interest is "sponging," or using a sea sponge to help find prey amongst pokey rocks. These "spongers" make up about 5% of the population, and dolphins appear to be able to identify fellow "spongers" even if they haven't been seen using one. Those elitist dolphins... And while we're anthropomorphizing (http://io9.com/5933023/nope-these-birds-are-not-lesbians) We need to be careful about the words we use when talking about animal behavior. However, it is still important to be interesting enough for the public to be curious, or the entire endeavor is useless... A quick note (http://blogs.plos.org/bodypolitic/2012/07/26/a-forgotten-but-crucial-cause-for-the-pertussis-epidemic/ ) - Get your pertussis booster shot! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! The LHC Boson papers are out (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2012/08/03/higgs-papers-out/ ) A Robot Hand (http://phys.org/news/2012-08-dextrous-robotic-thumbs.html) We have a face, some lips, a butt, skin that can feel, and now a hand. We are well on our way to a robot frankenstein! Context and bacteria (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/08/02/are-those-the-gut-microbes-of-an-unhealthy-person-or-a-pregnant-one/) Celebrities don't always help endangered species (http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/07/28/157528291/why-blake-sheltons-animal-cruelty-tweet-matters)... Should we be upset that famous people with many faithful followers make jokes about animal cruelty in the social media info sphere? No, I'm asking YOU... ..and a quick word in memorium (http://phys.org/news/2012-08-world-oldest-hippo-dies.html) for the oldest Hippo ever... Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:43:23 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/29/1210/ http://www.twis.org/2012/07/29/1210/#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2012 03:05:12 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1210 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/29/1210/feed/ 2 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS A Moment Of Remembrance, Spaciness, Invertebrate Noise Making, Percolating Life, Sloth Sex, Stale Pop, Mummy Colds, Greenland Melts, Writing Eyes, Clever Gorillas, Being Human, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) A Moment Of Remembrance, Spaciness. Invertebrate Noise Making, Percolating Life, Sloth Sex, Stale Pop, Mummy Colds, Greenland Melts, Writing Eyes, Clever Gorillas, Being Human, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! THIS is the moment you've been waiting for. THIS is the instant when it all comes to a head. THIS time is yours. You're ready. You've been ready. THIS is it. THIS is ... This Week in Science... coming up next!!! Ride on Sally... (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2012/07/23/sally-ride-1951-2012/) The first female astronaut passed away this week. Space news - Moon ideas (http://www.technologyreview.com/view/428628/moon-formed-in-interplanetary-hit-and-run/) - Where did the moon come from? Dark matter keeps hiding (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2012/07/20/dark-matter-still-hiding/) - Dark matter isn't where we expect it to be. Uh oh. Move over LHC (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/26/us-science-cern-universe-idUSBRE86O1JQ20120726) - Particle detector in space!!! Bats can tell when flies are getting conjugal! (http://io9.com/5928452/bats-can-hear-when-flies-are-having-sex-and-get-two-meals-for-the-price-of-one?tag=biology) Flies emit a burst of broadband when mating. They are also distracted and find themselves active at night (when they are usually inactive). Bats have fine-tuned their ears to be able to hear fly copulation, in order to grab an easy-to-catch meal that's two-for-one. Percolating life (http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2012/07/nasa-researchers-discover-the-origin-of-a-major-aspect-of-creation-of-life.html) Blair's Animal Corner Sloth sex is slow, but sneaky! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18953393) Scientists recently conducted a study in which male and female sloths were located, tagged, and genetically tested, and the results surprised them. Through paternity testing and mapping the researchers discovered that these animals were not monogamous, but were not entirely promiscuous, either. Pop Music is Stale (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/26/us-science-music-idUSBRE86P0R820120726) Spanish researchers have published a study stating that pop music has gotten louder and sounds fairly uniform. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Mummy had a cold (http://commcgi.cc.stonybrook.edu/am2/publish/Medical_Center_Health_Care_4/Stony_Brook_Scientists_Detect_Immune_Response_of_a_500-year-old_Mummy.shtml) It's a "Zombee" apocalypse!!! (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-citizen-scientists-sf-state-zombee.html) San Francisco State researchers recently discovered "zombie-like" bees who were infected with a parasite. ZomBeeWatch.org asks citizen scientists to collect bees that appear to have perished near outside lights, and watch for larva exiting out of the head region. Uploaded photos and location information will help scientists to map out this epidemic and better understand what is happening to our precious bees! The site is set to launch in August. This Week in the End of the World Greenland's Thaw (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/greenland-hit-by-dramatic-ice-thaw/) Learn how to write... with your eyeballs (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-07/cp-wic071912.php) Jean Lorenceau of Université de Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris has discovered that a person can train themselves to control fine smooth eye movements good enough that one could draw or write just with their eyes. This is a remarkable discovery especially for those who have lost the use of their arms and legs, or the ability to speak. Clever Gorillas - Surprise, surprise! (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-gorillas-amazing-feat-intellectual-ability.html) Gorillas have been videotaped systematically dismantling snares set by poachers. They were seen going right up to the snare, Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:16:46 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/26/1205/ http://www.twis.org/2012/07/26/1205/#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:12:09 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1205 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/26/1205/feed/ 4 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/23/1202/ http://www.twis.org/2012/07/23/1202/#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:44:18 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1202 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/23/1202/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Iron At Sea, More Invertebrate Sex, Water On Earth, Blair's Animal Corner, Shower Spies, Women Getting Smarter, Magnetic Bonds, TWIWRD, And Much More!!! (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Iron At Sea, More Invertebrate Sex, Water On Earth, Blair's Animal Corner, Shower Spies, Women Getting Smarter, Magnetic Bonds, TWIWRD, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! It is Blair, the animal tamer Though we're here without twit And it's not just a bit You won't find us any the lamer. It's Justin, Blair, Kiki and Kai-ance Tune in your computing appliance We've got lots to discuss Log on in, chat with us Coming up, it's This Week in Science This Week in Science… coming up next Iron at Sea (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jul/18/iron-sea-carbon) When fertilized by iron, algae releases carbon-rich material that sinks to the ocean floor. The question is, can we reduce carbon in our atmosphere with some simple iron fertilization of the oceans? More invertebrate sex! Dumpling squids are exhausted after copulation: (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-promiscuous-squid-fatigued.html) Both males and females of this tiny squid species find themselves exhausted after sex, causing reduced mobility for up to 30 minutes. This means they lose their ability to protect themselves or eat after "scoring." Bummer... Castrated male spiders are actually better off! (http://io9.com/5926731/orb-web-spiders-become-better-fighters-without-their-massive-genitals?tag=biology) As we have previously discussed, male orb weaver spiders who are lucky enough to escape cannibalization by their mate are often castrated. It turns out that this reduces their body weight by around 9% and therefore greatly increases their physical endurance and agility. What Brought Us Water? (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/meteorites-not-comets-may-have-brought-water-to-earth/) When looking at the amount of deuterium in potential water-donating candidates, it appears that meteorites, and not comets, delivered this essential life source to earth. Blair's Animal Corner Big brained animals best equipped for survival (http://www.nature.com/news/mostly-the-big-brained-survive-1.11027) Animals with greater brain-to-body size ratios have shown to be more successful and avoid extinction, particularly those of the smaller variety. Similar success was shown with animals introduced to new areas or habitats; big brains mean more adaptability. The question is, do we use this information to save the big brained critters, or assume they can save themselves and focus on the dunces of the animal kingdom? Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! How to spy in the shower (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/technique-gets-clear-images-from-light-reflected-off-blank-paper/) Using a spacial light modulator, scientists have found a way to see things disturbed by a thin scattering medium, such as say, a shower curtain, or even better, skin! Let's just hope it doesn't fall into the wrong hands... Women now smarter than Men!!! (http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-07-authority-women-higher-iq-men.html#ajTabs) James Flynn, one of the foremost experts on intelligence testing, has announced that women have finally surpassed men on standardized IQ testing. You go girls! Predicting bonds (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/new-type-of-chemical-bond-may-form-in-extreme-magnetic-fields-of-stars/) A new chemical bond has been discovered (maybe). A gigantic magnetic field, in the thousands of teslas, is required for this new bond. For reference, x-rays are around 7 teslas. This new bond type is called paramagnetism, and is based solely on magnetic fields. World Robot Domination! A kissing robot? (http://io9.com/5927328/this-creepy+as+hell-kissing-device-will-let-you-send-a-smooch-over-wireless) Now all I need is a roButt... Surprisingly out of the UK and not Japan, scientists have developed an interactive device that aids in "telepresence." You guessed it, Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:12:51 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/21/1199/ http://www.twis.org/2012/07/21/1199/#comments Sat, 21 Jul 2012 21:52:34 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1199 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/21/1199/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS World Gone Viral, California Happy Cows, New Plutonian Moon, Seducing Fireflies, Arsenic Life Update, Breast Size Determination, Brains, TWIWRD, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) World Gone Viral, California Happy Cows, New Plutonian Moon, Seducing Fireflies, Arsenic Life Update, Breast Size Determination, Brains, TWIWRD, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! Like sands through the hourglass This is the end of a chapter in TWIS's life. But, never fear, for we are here and will continue to be This Week in Science… coming up next It's a virus world The HPV Herd (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/just-6-years-later-hpv-vaccine-may-already-provide-herd-immunity/) The HPV vaccine may have provided partial herd immunity in human women! However, the amount of non cancer-causing HPV is increasing. Still, a winning scenario... Immune (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/07/12/chicken-vaccines-merged-to-form-live-viruses-and-caused-outbreaks-of-irony/) to outbreak (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/viruses-used-in-vaccines-can-recombine-and-get-virulent/) A version of the herpes virus that has attacked chickens reduces egg laying capabilities, so naturally scientists looked to develop a vaccine. Unfortunately, combining the three vaccines brought to market led to a stronger, deadly version of the virus. Happy Cows DO Come from California! (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-climate-stressed-cows-southern.html) Climate change appears to be affecting milk production in dairy cows, but moreso in hot, humid climates, such as in Florida. If climate change effects agriculture heavily enough, perhaps we can get more people on board to turn things around! New Moon on Pluto? (http://www.astronomy.com/~/link.aspx?_id=3295d61c-a026-4a6a-8d3a-51cc82099241) The Hubble telescope has potentially discovered a new moon on pluto, donned "P5." However, it's physical attributes have yet to be affirmed. This means though that Pluto has five moons, but is still not deemed a "planet," whereas Venus and Mercury have none of their own. Poor Pluto... Blair's Animal Corner Female Fireflies - They're Material Girls! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18736948) Male fireflies produce a series of flashes to seduce females. It turns out though, that females are more interested in the gifts the males might bestow upon them. The bigger the "present," the more willing the female. What's odd is that these "presents" are actually spermatophores, and size is everything, even though the fireflies internally fertilize. It sure is odd what some animals are into! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Arsenic (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/new-papers-deal-huge-blow-to-nasa-backed-finding-on-arsenic-based-life/) Life (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/07/09/two-new-studies-published-in-science-find-no-evidence-of-arsenic-life/) Update (http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/08/12628012-two-studies-show-weird-life-microbe-cant-live-on-arsenic)! Two new papers published in Science strike a serious blow against research thought to indicate a new arsenic-based life-form. Scientists previously reported a microbe found in Mono Lake, called GFAJ-1, that withstood high levels of arsenic and possibly incorporated the element into its DNA in place of phosphorous. The new studies confirm that the bacterium is able to withstand high environmental arsenic concentrations, but reject the conclusion that arsenic is the basis for its unique physiology. However, this is not the last word on the topic. Genes for Breast Size Found (http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/genes-determining-breast-size-found_17795.html) The seven genetic markers responsible for bra and cup size were found through research from users of 23andme. Two of the seven were also associated with breast cancer risk. Brains!!! Poker on the brain (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/this-is-your-brain-on-poker/) Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:17:25 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/19/1197/ http://www.twis.org/2012/07/19/1197/#comments Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:33:38 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1197 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/19/1197/feed/ 2 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS The Higgs Found?, Outer Space Magic, Blair's Animal Corner, Worm Tales, Diabetes Brain Drug, Antibodies Against, Collapsing Corals, Eternal Youth?, Dark Matters, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) The Higgs Found?, Outer Space Magic, Blair's Animal Corner, Worm Tales, Diabetes Brain Drug, Antibodies Against, Collapsing Corals, Eternal Youth?, Dark Matters, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science… coming up next The Higgs (http://public.web.cern.ch/public/) The Higgs Boson has been found! Or has it? Physicists at the LHC have discovered a particle that fits the energetic profile of a Higgs, and is definitely a Boson. Much more data is needed though before we can definitively say it is the Higgs. Outer Space Magic Tricks? (http://www.space.com/16426-star-dust-missing-disk-mystery.html) A distant star's dusty disk disappeared, with no explanation. Enough dust to fill a solar system disappeared in just 2 years, after remaining fairly constant for two and a half decades. The only hypotheses astronomers could come up with so far would not explain the rapid recession they have observed, which leaves the scientists somewhat stumped. Now you see it, now you don't! But why? How? Blair's Animal Corner (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-scientists-bees-reverse-brain-aging.html) Bees can be tricked into changing their brain chemistry and essentially reverse aging by doing the chores of younger bees. The question is, if I make grandpa do chores, will his dementia disappear? Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Worm tales (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/07/05/worm-kills-insects-by-vomiting-hulk-like-bacteria/) The tiny worms by the name Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, often used to control garden pests, are famous for vomiting bacteria that kill the insect and pre-digest it for them. These bacteria have two forms: one is peace-loving, the other is killer. It turns out the difference is a random switch, and both are required for them to live harmoniously with the worm. Diabetes drug that grows brain cells: (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/diabetes-drug-triggers-neuron-growth-potential-to-regenerate-brain-cells-study-161446395.html) Metformin, a popular drug used to treat type II Diabetes, appears to encourage stem cells to create new brain cells. This could lead to a treatment for Alzheimer's, or any brain injury for that matter. Antibody injection for type I diabetes (http://www.sciencecodex.com/antibodies_reverse_type_1_diabetes_in_new_immunotherapy_study-94539) Scientists at the University of North Carolina have recently found that antibody injections could reverse the onset of type I diabetes. Looming collapse of corals (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/researchers-believe-a-coral-reef-collapse-is-looming/ ) Eastern Pacific coral reefs may be in trouble, according to how corals responded to climatic changes in the Holocene. However, it appears that they did eventually bounce back, though it did take two millennia... The key to eternal youth, you say? (http://scienceblog.com/55391/the-key-proteins-to-self-renewing-skin/) Researchers at UC San Diego have explored exactly how epidermal progenitor cells and stem cells control transcription in order to avoid premature aging of the skin. This could potentially lead to the secret behind smooth skin available to us, on shelves everywhere! Dark Matters (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/neutron-stars-and-black-holes-illuminate-dark-matter/) The "stuff we can't see," or Dark Matter, might be less elusive than we had thought. A new researcher from Denmark has been watching neutron stars to see how they react with dark matter, and has found out a bit more about what characterizes it. A group of different astronomers have also found out that dark matter makes up the filaments (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/dark-matter-is-the-thread-connecting-galaxy-clusters/) between galaxies. Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:16:09 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/07/1194/ http://www.twis.org/2012/07/07/1194/#comments Sat, 07 Jul 2012 20:42:42 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1194 http://www.twis.org/2012/07/07/1194/feed/ 7 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS TWIWRD!, Dirty Diesel, Warm Dinos, Lonesome George Memorial, Hurricanes And Standing, Germline Edits, You Carb Girl!, Nano-Drug Factories, Grass Eating Ancestors, Lab Photosynthesis, A Curious Mind, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) TWIWRD!, Dirty Diesel, Warm Dinos, Lonesome George Memorial, Hurricanes And Standing, Germline Edits, You Carb Girl!, Nano-Drug Factories, Grass Eating Ancestors, Lab Photosynthesis, A Curious Mind, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! Despite everything you may have heard… There is much more to the story than anyone has reported… It doesn’t matter what story, on which subject or how carefully illustrated… What does matter is that you fully appreciate that no matter what we know or how well we know it, there is always more knowing left unknown… The level of complexity within any single point of data is by its nature a massive over simplification of a broader symphony of data points, each with their own complex ecology of factoids and on and on it goes… A universe so complicated in its construction, yet so symmetrically simple in it conclusions… A world of information, vast and infinite, flowing in every direction of time and scale and yet decipherable to finite degrees and in the right hands… the information becomes a tool a tool for building, curing and innovating the world around us… that tool is our greatest accomplishment as a species and the main subject of conversation each week here on… This Week in Science… coming up next World Robot Domination and Machine learning! (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/26/technology/in-a-big-network-of-computers-evidence-of-machine-learning.html) A research team out of Google linked 16,000 processors and presented 10 million thumbnails from youtube to the "computer," without giving it any directions for what to do with them. Naturally, it found and identified cats. In fact, they never told the computer what a cat was, but the computer "cat"egorized the felines in a group on it's own. I can haz robot brain? Diesel - not so clean after all (http://thesciencebulletin.wordpress.com/tag/soot-particles/) After analyzing soot particles of different origins, scientists discovered that particles from diesel exhaust leave around half of their brethren behind when you exhale. By contrast, only 20% of soot particles from wood fires stay in your body, as opposed to diesel's 50%. Perhaps it isn't a cleaner fuel after-all... Blair's Animal Corner - Extinct Edition! Dinosaurs - they may have been warm blooded (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18602965) We don't know a lot about dinosaurs' flesh and blood (and it's temperature) but we know quite a bit about their bones. Dino bones show lines of arrested growth, or "Lags," which previously we could only ever find in other ectotherms. In a recent study of mammal bones to see how they coped with past climate change, scientists stumbled upon a discovery - every mammal species they looked at had Lags on their bones. This throws the main point of argument for the cold-blooded nature of dinosaurs into question, leaving us to ask, were they actually warm-blooded? And on a sad note, we said goodbye to Lonesome George this week (http://phys.org/news/2012-06-rare-tortoise-die-lonesome-george.html): Lonesome George, the last remaining Pinta island giant tortoise, passed away this past Sunday at over 100 years old. Lonesome George was discovered in 1972 when his subspecies was thought to already be extinct, and has since served as a spokes-turtle for endangered species everywhere. Even in his absence, he has made an impact - his death inspired an international workshop set to take place in July to help restore tortoise populations around the world. He will be missed. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Standing while pregnant - Dangerous! (http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/2774-pregnancy-working-baby-growth.html) Standing or working for long hours during pregnancy could stunt fetal growth, according to a new study. Working women had healthier babies, Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:14:52 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/27/1182/ http://www.twis.org/2012/06/27/1182/#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:20 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1182 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/27/1182/feed/ 3 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Space Madness, Clicking Plants, Sensitive Birds, Counting Bears, LHC Excitement, Drones Against Poaching, TWIWRD, Ancient Cowherds, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Space Madness, Clicking Plants, Sensitive Birds, Counting Bears, LHC Excitement, Drones Against Poaching, TWIWRD, Ancient Cowherds, And Much More... Disclaimer,... Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:10:45 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/26/1180/ http://www.twis.org/2012/06/26/1180/#comments Tue, 26 Jun 2012 22:49:01 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1180 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/26/1180/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Dating Caves, Good Old Dad, The Human Bacteriome, Love A Bat Today, Poison For Toads, Bonobo You, B For Better, A Courage Pill, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Dating Caves, Good Old Dad, The Human Bacteriome, Love A Bat Today, Poison For Toads, Bonobo You, B For Better, A Courage Pill, And Much More... Disclaimer, Dis... Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:12:12 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/22/1171/ http://www.twis.org/2012/06/22/1171/#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:00:28 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1171 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/22/1171/feed/ 2 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Coffee, Cigarettes, Vampire Spiders, Birds Of A Different Color, Ants Working For Mark Zuckerberg, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Coffee, Cigarettes, Vampire Spiders, Birds Of A Different Color, Ants Working For Mark Zuckerberg, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! Thi... Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:06:29 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/19/1168/ http://www.twis.org/2012/06/19/1168/#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:07:29 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1168 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/19/1168/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS The Great Dying, Falling Civilizations, Superfast Supervolcanoes, Tuatara Teeth, Old Smells Good, Alphabet For Life, Soviet Moon Water, Canadian Jupiter Moon, Neutrino Whirlpools, Curing Paralysis, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) The Great Dying, Falling Civilizations, Superfast Supervolcanoes, Tuatara Teeth, Old Smells Good, Alphabet For Life, Soviet Moon Water, Canadian Jupiter Moon, Neutrino Whirlpools, Curing Paralysis, And Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! The following hour of programming delves into the brightest prospects of our already promising future… Through forensic analysis of the past and present world, SCIENCE! will guide us as it always has… from question to answer from problem to solution from ignorance to understanding and from wondering to wonderful discovery And while not every path we wander down in life will lead to our desired destination, the journey we take for an hour here each week will never leave you where you started on This Week in Science… coming up next The Great Dying and the slow recovery (http://news.discovery.com/earth/extinction-event-recovey-120529.html) Around 250 million years ago, approximately 90% of all life on earth died. New estimates indicate that it may have taken up to 10 million year for life to recover, but why did it take so long? It turns out that climate change may have been involved... Isn't it always? The fall of civilization (http://news.discovery.com/history/collapse-river-civilization-harappan-climate-change-120529.html) Approximately 4,000 years ago a civilization called the Harappans lived in what we now call India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Climate change, once again, may have been responsible for their demise. A culture dependent on flooding and rampant monsoons for their agriculture, most likely fell when the 2,000 year wet period dried up. Super fast Supervolcanoes (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18269593) "Supervolcanoes" were previously thought to take up to 200,000 years to form, but new research suggests they can form within just a few hundred years. That's bad news, since one is currently forming under Yellowstone National Park that could cover over half of North America in molten magma. Blair's Animal Corner Holy Tuatara Teeth, Batman! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18249270) The Tuatara may look like a lizard, but it's not. It is a reptile, however, and so scientists were very surprised to discover that they exhibit mastication previously exclusively seen in mammals. It was previously understood that complex chewing abilities were limited to those animals with higher metabolisms, which makes sense, since chewing food would require less time for digestion. It turns out though that the New Zealand natives have debunked this long supported correlation. The scent of age (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-05/mcsc-tss052412.php) In a study where scientists collected body odor from subjects placed into young, middle-aged, and old test groups, evaluators were able to distinguish the three groups. In fact, the "old" age group scent was found to be less intense and less unpleasant, but there is a distinct smell to old age. Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Alphabet for Life (http://news.yale.edu/2012/05/30/tiny-genetic-variations-led-big-changes-evolving-brain) New research from Yale indicates than changes in just three genetic letters among millions led to the development of the mammalian motor sensory circuits. These neural circuits connects to the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for fine motor skills including those that led to tool use and speech. Soviets found water on moon (http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/27883) The last solviet mission to the moon found water, but the thing is, it was in 1976. Luna-24 took sample from the moon's surface, and found that 0.1 % of the sample was water. Unfortunately, western scientists have glossed over this discovery for decades. Canada, just like Europa Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:10:25 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/19/1173/ http://www.twis.org/2012/06/19/1173/#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:00:48 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1173 http://www.twis.org/2012/06/19/1173/feed/ 82 http://www.twis.org/2012/05/30/1165/ http://www.twis.org/2012/05/30/1165/#comments Thu, 31 May 2012 00:24:49 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1165 http://www.twis.org/2012/05/30/1165/feed/ 1 Justin Jackson,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Carbon On Mars, Video Game Skillz, Autism Gets Hot, Rangy Orangutans, Dropping Pills On Cancer, Bacteria In Living Color, Bees Needs, Stop Snoring Now, And, Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Carbon On Mars, Video Game Skillz, Autism Gets Hot, Rangy Orangutans, Dropping Pills On Cancer, Bacteria In Living Color, Bees Needs, Stop Snoring Now, And, Much More... Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!! This Week in Science… coming up next Carbon on Mars (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143450.htm)Molecules containing large chains of hydrogen and carbon have been discovered on meteorites hailing from Mars, indicating the possibility of life. New research indicates that these carbon chains did come from Mars, but that they are not biological. Bummer... Shooting To Win (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-05/sp-vvg052112.php) A new study shows that playing violent video games with gun-like controllers and humanoid targets can improve shooting accuracy by up to 33%. Shockingly though, the video game-exposed subjects targeted the head 99% more often. Sounds like video game nerds will be our new secret weapon in warfare! Autism and Fever (http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/23/news/la-heb-fevers-pregnancy-autism-20120523) Women who reported having a fever during pregnancy were more likely to give birth to autistic children. Inflammatory factors or just simply body temperature could be to blame. Either way, knowing this correlation could warm mothers to treat their fever early and perhaps save their children's brains! Blair's Animal Corner (http://io9.com/5911826/orangutans-hold-off-puberty-by-up-to-10-years-just-to-be-more-attractive) Sumatran Orangutans delay puberty by up to ten years to increase their chances with females. Male orangutans can monopolize a group of females for weeks at a time, so there can be intense fighting in order to assert dominance and gain control. It makes sense then for males to want to get as large and strong as possible before duking it out with other males for the prize, however these orangutans are so far the only primate known to exhibit this phenomenon. Resilience = Happiness? (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523114726.htm) Some people never recover from intense loss, but those who do will tend to enjoy life more. In short, people who are more resilient tend to be more satisfied with their life. That means those bumps in the road could be good news to the you a few miles down! Get a free audiobook at Audible.com (http://www.audiblepodcast.com/twis)! Psychiatric Drug kills Cancer Stem Cells?! (http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2012/05/psychiatric-drug-may-kill-cancer.html) A team of Canadian scientists recently tested a wide range of drugs combinations to target cancer. Surprisingly, they found a drug currently on the market for schizophrenia targeting cancer stem cells. Surprise! A potential cancer cure form an anti-psychotic drug! Seeing in Color (http://phys.org/news/2012-05-genetic-mutations.html ) We may see more colors than dogs, but far fewer than birds, reptiles and insects - but why? Our bacterial ancestors could sense the different between shorter (blue) wavelengths and longer (red) wavelengths. All color vision is an outgrowth of that system, and simple copy errors of those genes developed "cones" that respond to specific wavelengths. It makes you think a lot about human perception, and what it really means for something to be "blue" or "green"... My brain hurts now... Picky Bees (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092926.htm) A small dose of pesticide make honey bees "picky eaters." Unfortunately this effects their ability to recruit mates and also causes them to pass up what would otherwise be perfectly good sources of food. These picky bees prefer sweeter nectar, and refrain from alerting the colony to the presence of any nectar at all. The colony therefore gets less sustenance in the long run. No wonder our bee colonies are collapsing! Snoring could increase cancer risk five-fold! Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:12:29 http://www.twis.org/2012/05/22/1163/ http://www.twis.org/2012/05/22/1163/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 23:30:22 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1163 http://www.twis.org/2012/05/22/1163/feed/ 0 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Body Clock Origins, Giant Turtle, Gila Monster Spit, Crows Know, Whale Ears, Happy Parent-ville, Superflare Fun, Bionic Eyes, Dolphin Speaker, Zebrafish Gene Mix, Ring Of Fire, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Body Clock Origins, Giant Turtle, Gila Monster Spit, Crows Know, Whale Ears, Happy Parent-ville, Superflare Fun, Bionic Eyes, Dolphin Speaker, Zebrafish Gene Mix, ... Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:10:45 http://www.twis.org/2012/05/15/1158/ http://www.twis.org/2012/05/15/1158/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 01:06:26 +0000 Kirsten Sanford http://www.twis.org/?p=1158 http://www.twis.org/2012/05/15/1158/feed/ 1 Dr. Kiki,Justin Jackson,Kirsten Sanford,news,podcast,radio,science,talk,technology,This Week in Science,TWIS Supernovas Differentiate, Indoor Sex Work, Pond Skaters And Warehouse Pirate Bugs, Mistakes Were Made, Kids Health, Scanning Brains, Mayan Calendar Find, The Vagina Microbiomes, And Much More... (http://www.twis.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/TWIS_podcast_logo-e1277863172926.jpg) Supernovas Differentiate, Indoor Sex Work, Pond Skaters And Warehouse Pirate Bugs, Mistakes Were Made, Kids Health, Scanning Brains, Mayan Calendar Find, The Vagin... Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media no 1:14:33