Month: October 2011
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Fossils & Myths: Intro
There is now evidence that creatures in Greek mythology were not entirely mythical.
October 28, 2011Science Diary: Flavor – Ingredients
By understanding and synthesizing chemicals found in food, flavor scientists have a powerful taste-tool at their disposal.
October 27, 2011Natural Radio: Whistlers
Radio waves created by lightning can be heard from halfway around the planet.
October 26, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Running Roaches
Cockroaches might love junk food, but that’s not why they’re running on treadmills.
October 25, 2011KSC 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 24, 2011Antpitta: The Reserve
A rare species of bird is protected in its forest habitat, high in the mountains of southern Ecuador.
October 21, 2011Antpitta: Discovery
How does one discover a new species of bird? Listen up!
October 20, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Adhesive Cloth
To develop a fabric that can adhere to any surface, scientists are looking to geckos for clues.
October 19, 2011KSC 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 18, 2011Paralysis Technology -Brain Power
Soon paralyzed patients my be able to grasp objects with a device that is controlled by their own thoughts.
October 17, 2011Paralysis 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 14, 2011Paralysis Technology – FES
Electrical stimulation is enabling quadriplegic patients to grasp objects.
October 13, 2011Geologist – Mapping
We know a lot about the world around us, but how much do we know about the ground beneath us? Geologists are mapping it out.
October 12, 2011Geologist – Senses
To identify a rock, geologists have been known to smell and even taste their specimens.
October 11, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Gecko Adhesion
Gecko feet aren’t sticky, but they adhere to almost any surface.
October 10, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Neuromechanics
For animals, movement is second nature, but otherwise sophisticated robots have to calculate every step.
October 7, 2011Mites: Controlling
Scientists are testing botanical compounds to help control honeybee mites.
October 6, 2011Mites and Bees
An epidemic of mite infestations is threatening North American bee colonies.
October 5, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Novel Robots
Robots can be so, well, robotic. But bio-inspired engineering is pointing the way to a new and nimble breed of robots.
October 4, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Pogo Stick
If you’ve bounced on a pogo stick, you’re already well on your way to understanding how animals run.
October 3, 2011KSC Biomimicry – Wasps
Without so much as a diet, wasp waists are incredibly thin; and their structure is inspiring engineers to create a new kind of packaging.