research
As climate changes, one species faces extinction by becoming exclusively female
In some species of reptiles, gender is determined not by X and Y chromosomes, but rather by the temperature in the nest at a key period of development. So, as temperature warm, for the Painted turtles, that means a species that will become all female. And when that happens, the species will die out.
Scientist finds beauty in search for elusive dark matter
Dark matter makes up some 95 percent of our universe, according to physicists, but its proven elusive. Scientists at Columbia University are part of the team looking for this elusive component of the universe -- and creating unintentional art along the way.
Electric cars could produce efficiencies for national electric grid
Electric cars have large batteries that go mostly unused for hours at a time. But a team of researchers in Delaware are hoping to use these electric cars to improve how the national electric grid works. So far, the results are promising. And it could provide benefits to electric car owners, too.
U.K. researchers develop new grass type to better capture water runoff
A warming climate is likely to mean rising rainfall totals in part of the world -- which could lead to flooding. But scientists in the United Kingdom are hoping to ameliorate that somewhat, by producing a new kind of grass that helps the soil absorb more water.
Oregon to try paying pregnant women to quit smoking
Some 19 percent of U.S. adults smoke, some of them when they're pregnant. Oregon is launching a new program that will offer financial incentives to women who smoke and quit while they're pregnant.
Researcher pioneers low-cost means of storing energy
When it comes to storing energy, there are few simple solutions. But a group of Canadian scientists has changed an old technology to make it more convenient and cost effective to store energy on a large scale.
New Digital Public Library of America seeks to increase accessibility to treasured works
The Digital Public Library of America is seeking to build a large collection of digital archives that otherwise might not be widely available. It went online this week.
Humanoid robot shows off advances in technology, dances to Gangnam Style
At a Los Angeles Korean festival recently, attendees got a special treat. A humanoid robot from Virginia Tech was on of the shows -- and it performed the dance to Psy's Gangnam Style to roars of approval.
Supreme Court grapples with question of whether human genes can be patented
The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether a company can be issued a patent for a human gene. The company says it needs the patent to protect the genetic tests its developed; a group of doctprs says human genes are nature in action and should be ineligible for patent protection.
New research shifts model on how forests contribute to carbon sequestration
New research out of Sweden, published recently in the Science magazine, changes the way scientists view trees' contribution to carbon sequestration. Ecologist Karina Clemmensen learned that trees continue to store carbon in the environment for its entire life because of fungus growing on the tree roots.
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PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ... -
Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
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My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:08:23)Hi Carl-- We can't think of such a solicitation coming from The World — and The World typically airs Monday through Friday. Is it possible you ...