Month: October 2009
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Natural Radio: Whistlers
Radio waves created by lightning can be heard from halfway around the planet.
October 29, 2009Antpitta: The Reserve
A rare species of bird is protected in its forest habitat, high in the mountains of southern Ecuador.
October 28, 2009Paralysis Technology -Brain Power
Soon paralyzed patients my be able to grasp objects with a device that is controlled by their own thoughts.
October 27, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Running Roaches
Cockroaches might love junk food, but that’s not why they’re running on treadmills.
October 26, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Gecko Tails
A gecko’s tail is used for gripping and gliding; engineers are building its attributes into a new breed of miniature robots.
October 23, 2009Antpitta: Discovery
How does one discover a new species of bird? Listen up!
October 22, 2009Paralysis Technology -Controlling the Hand
Quadriplegic patients can now do common tasks with the aid of a device that uses shoulder movements to control their paralyzed hands.
October 21, 2009Kids’ Science Challenge: Biomimicry – Gecko Inspired
If scientists are able to successfully mimic the adhesive properties of a gecko’s foot, the uses for such material will be limitless.
October 20, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Adhesive Cloth
To develop a fabric that can adhere to any surface, scientists are looking to geckos for clues.
October 19, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Gecko Release
When geckos release from a surface they’re climbing, their feet act as tiny party favors, enabling them to adhere to practically anything.
October 16, 2009Paralysis Technology – FES
Electrical stimulation is enabling quadriplegic patients to grasp objects.
October 15, 2009Mites: Controlling
Scientists are testing botanical compounds to help control honeybee mites.
October 14, 2009Geologist – Senses
To identify a rock, geologists have been known to smell and even taste their specimens.
October 13, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Gecko Adhesion
Gecko feet aren’t sticky, but they adhere to almost any surface.
October 12, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Neuromechanics
For animals, movement is second nature, but otherwise sophisticated robots have to calculate every step.
October 9, 2009Dragonflies – Cape May
Where’s a great place to watch dragonflies migrate?
October 8, 2009Dragonflies – Mating Strategy
One of the world’s most venerable insects has developed a sucessful means of reproduction.
October 7, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Cardboard Robots
Robots may be high-tech, but the materials used to make them can be quite ordinary.
October 6, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Mini-bots
Miniature robots: going where no person can.
October 5, 2009KSC Biomimicry – Pink Sweat
Pink sweat? That’s not the half of it. Hippopotamus sweat has an array of uses.
October 2, 2009Dragonflies – Wired
Tiny transmitters may help unlock the mysteries of dragonfly migration.
October 1, 2009Dragonflies – Riding the Wind
Unfortunately for dragonflies, they’re not the only creatures who migrate riding wind currents.