NPR: Science Friday PodcastScience Friday, as heard on NPR, is a weekly discussion of the latest news in science, technology, health, and the environment hosted by Ira Flatow. Ira interviews scientists, authors, and policymakers, and listeners can call in and ask questions as well. Hear it each week on NPR stations nationwide -- or online here!Fungi: The Good, The Bad And The Edible- September 15, 2008 Though fungi is essential in the production of bread, beer and some cheeses, it can also be a threat to human life in the form of deadly disease and infection. Fungus experts discuss the diverse and complex nature of the underappreciated "fifth kingdom" of organisms.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563054&ft=2&f=510221 Beer Yeast Separates The Ales From The Lagers- September 15, 2008 Different types of beers — ales, stouts, etc — are distinguished primarily by their yeast, but now these groupings might get even more complicated. Scientists have examined the genetic sequences of 17 unique lager yeast strains tracing variations in their genetic code back through time.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563049&ft=2&f=510221 'Spore': Does Evolution Really Happen Like That- September 15, 2008 In the new computer game, players create and control an entire species, directing their evolution from single-celled organisms into an interstellar civilization. An evolutionary biologist discusses the science behind the game with Will Wright, creator of "Spore."http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563046&ft=2&f=510221 Mutating Gene May Explain Human Dexterity- September 15, 2008 Scientists believe that a certain genetic sequence, which is uniquely unstable in human beings, may explain how humans became so good at using tools and walking upright. The gene sequence, named HACNS1, is thought to regulate both hand and limb formation in embryos.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563043&ft=2&f=510221 Tuna: A Favorite Fish Faces Dangerous Depletion- September 5, 2008 One of the biggest, fastest and warmest fish in the sea is also one of the most sought after, and one of the most threatened. Can bluefin tuna stocks around the world be saved Experts explain the history of the tuna, and discuss tracking methods that might help preserve the fish.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94299340&ft=2&f=510221 Google Launches 'Chrome' Web Browser- September 5, 2008 Internet search giant Google unveiled Chrome, a new piece of Web browser software on Tuesday. Danny Sullivan, editor-in-chief of SearchEngineLand.com, explains what Google's open-source browser can do, and why a search engine leader wants to get into the Web software market.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94299337&ft=2&f=510221 Can New Orleans Weather Another Storm- September 5, 2008 The levees of New Orleans held fast against Hurricane Gustav but several more storms — including Hanna, Ike and Josephine — are now forming. Hurricane expert Ivor van Heerden discusses the levee reconstruction project and how New Orleans will fare during what is expected to be an active hurricane season.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94299332&ft=2&f=510221 Voting Technology Evolves In Electronic World- September 5, 2008 Officials in many states are concerned about the reliability of electronic voting and are now moving toward systems that can provide a voter-verified paper trail. Larry Norden, author of The Machinery of Democracy, discusses the latest advances in voting technology.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94299327&ft=2&f=510221 Questionnaire Distills Candidates' Health Policies- September 5, 2008 A health research advocacy group recently sent a questionnaire to both campaigns asking for policy details on issues such as health care coverage, stem cell research, the Medicare prescription drug benefit, and funding for NIH, FDA and CDC. Mary Woolley, president of Research!America, talks about the candidates' responses.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94299324&ft=2&f=510221 |