science
68-year-old explorer set to try never-before accomplished winter trek across Antarctica
British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is preparing an assault on Antarctica. He'll attempt to be the first person to successfully march across Antarctica on foot in the middle of winter. No person has gone more than 60 miles inland in winter.
New monkey species discovered in Africa, but future may be in doubt
Scientists are always discovering new species, but usually they're insects, or maybe a bird. Rarely are they a mammal. But that's exactly what they discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently: A new species of monkey, the Lesula.
Trio of U.S. researchers traveling the world, documenting ants
There are literally thousands of different species of ants around the world. A trio of American researchers are traveling the world, to museums and natural habitats, to take high-quality pictures of them, to preserve and make accessible their complex diversity for scientists around the world.
Researcher amplifies effectiveness of solar electrodes -- with spinach
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that we can harness a natural process -- photosynthesis -- to improve the effectiveness of solar collectors. By using a protein found in plants, electrodes can be made to convert more sunlight into energy.
Color of you skin makes a difference in how much Vitamin D you get
Doctors have been aware of the importance of Vitamin D for a few years now. The vitamin, which is more like a hormone that other vitamin, is partly responsible for a whole host of bodily functions, including regulating just how happy you are. But it turns out that it's a lot harder for black Americans to generate Vitamin D.
Computer scientist stages play to illustrate risk of overpopulation
A London-based scientist at Microsoft, and professor at Oxford University, was distressed that we never get a complete picture of the risks of climate change. But rather than merely talk about it, he turned the issue into a play that he's been performing solo in London and abroad.
Research into genetic modification of trees may enable more deforestation
Scientists are studying how to genetically modify desirable trees in order to make them more commercially beneficial. They say it will allow us to grow more productive trees on less land, protecting natural forests -- but environmentalists say it will just increase deforestation by giving businesses something better to do with the land.
Author argues U.S. must lead way on bioengineering
While perhaps not yet a majority — many parents says they would bioengineer their children if they could, to create the perfect, or more perfect child. Now, that parental dream is closer to reality, but no one is quite sure what the implications may be.
Sri Lankan scientists create renewable batteries powered by plantain trees
About a quarter of all people worldwide live without electricity. For them, evenings and nights are spent by candlelight or kerosene lamp. But a group of scientists in Sri Lanka say they have found a creative way to bring simple electric lighting to rural households.
To the Best of Our Knowledge Kickstarter Project
The folks at To the Best of Our Knowledge have launched a Kickstarter project: A comic book about the science of consciousness.
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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 ...