The Silk Road’s Turn Toward Biotechnology
Using a protein found in silkworm moth cocoons, researchers at Tufts University in Boston are developing a range of biodegradable materials and therapeutic devices.
Dissect a Silkworm Cocoon
Learn about the insect origins of silk by dissecting a cocoon and “degumming” it to reveal the protein that scientists use for constructing new materials.
17:33
What Is Sleep? A ‘Superpower,’ a ‘Power Cleanse’
In his latest “Flame Challenge,” Alan Alda asked people to answer the question: “What is sleep?” We talk with the winning respondents.
5:34
A Potential ‘Missing Link’ Between the Brain and Immune System
Researchers describe previously undiscovered lymphatic vessels in the brains of mice.
What Role Does the Sun Play in Vitamin D Synthesis?
The sun kickstarts a process that converts a vitamin D precursor into the active form your body needs.
The Medical Wonders Of Worm Spit
David Kaplan explains how bioengineers at Tufts University craft silk into a myriad of medical materials.
11:52
The Thirty-Meter Telescope, A Cancer-Killing Virus, and a Fossil Find
Hawaii Public Radio reporter Molly Solomon talks about a new proposal for Hawaii’s Thirty-Meter Telescope, and reporter Rachel Feltman sums up the week in science news.
9:19
In Your Skin, a Catalog of Sun-Induced Mutations
“Normal” human skin cells can contain a surprisingly large number of sun-induced mutations in their DNA, a new study has found.
12:10
‘Thrifty’ Metabolisms, Bad News Bees, and a Pricey Jar of Peanut Butter
Virginia Hughes of BuzzFeed News joins us for a roundup of her top science stories of the week.
12:12
Salty Antarctic Aquifers, Penguin Poop, and a 3D-Printed Splint
Salty aquifers deep under Antarctica could be a blueprint for where life might hide out on Mars.