Month: September 2008
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Science Diary: Caterpillars – Secrets of Finding
Signs of caterpillars are easy to spot, but how do you locate the caterpillars themselves?
September 29, 2008Science Diary: Caterpillars – Parasitoids
In Costa Rica’s banana plantations, parasitoids can keep hungry caterpillars in check.
September 26, 2008The Moon: Face
Who is that man on the moon? If you’re a scientist, that face isn’t much of a mystery — it’s a record of the moon’s history.
September 25, 2008The Moon: Earthquakes
The gravitational pull of the moon causes our tides to rise and fall, and scientists think that it may have an influence on earthquake activity as well.
September 24, 2008Antibiotics in Ancient Bone: Tetracycline
Scientists have discovered traces of tetracycline in preserved human bones from Sudan that date back more than 2,000 years.
September 23, 2008Science Diary: Caterpillars – Alien
Nature can be harsh, and in the case of caterpillar-eating parasitoids, it’s downright gruesome.
September 22, 2008Science Diary: Caterpillars – Many Types
In Costa Rica’s rainforest, the diversity of caterpillars rivals the diversity of the plants they consume.
September 19, 2008Antibiotics in Ancient Bone: Beer
Take two beers and call me in the morning? Scientists now think that some ancient civilizations may have used bread and beer as a source of antibiotics.
September 18, 2008Antibiotics in Ancient Bones
Traces of tetracycline have been found in the bones of people who lived more than 2,000 years ago, and scientists think that their diet may have been the cause.
September 17, 2008Kartchner Caverns: Clean
Recently opened, Kartchner Caverns is a place where park officials try their hardest to keep the cave clean, which means that the only thing humans leave behind are footprints.
September 16, 2008Science Diary: Galway – Sediment
By analyzing samples of sediment from the sea floor, Irish scientists can map underwater ecosystems.
September 15, 2008Science Diary: Galway – Explore
Most of Ireland’s land mass is well below sea level, and that’s why mapping the ocean floor is a high priority.
September 12, 2008Katydids and Crickets – Thermometer
Out in the woods and wondering what the temperature is? You might give listening a try.
September 11, 2008Katydids and Crickets – Heard
Crickets and katydids sing for their mates, each species calling for love with a different tune.
September 10, 2008Katydids and Crickets – Noise
There’s more to a cricket chirp than you might realize! We take a closer listen.
September 9, 2008Science Diary: Water – Pharmaceuticals
Dive into the ocean, and you may be swimming in more than just salty water!
September 8, 2008Science Diary: Water – Metals
A beach sign warns against swimming due to water contamination. But is that notice up to date?
September 5, 2008Katydids and Crickets – Chorus
An entomologist gives us a tour of the insects singing along a creek one hot summer night.
September 4, 2008Katydids and Crickets – Discovery
Scientists learn something new about crickets and katydids when they stop looking and start listening.
September 3, 2008Cone Shells – Poison Tongued
Cone shells use a powerful venom to immobilize their prey
September 2, 2008Science Diary: Water – Moon
You may want to think twice before taking a dip in the ocean during a full moon.
September 1, 2008Science Diary: Water – Fingerprints
Bodies of water have unique identifying characteristics that enable scientists to trace pollutants to their source.