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Daylight savings, wee shivers, the muchines
Science on Mornings, on triplej Why is daylight savings necessary? Why do ants seem to have unlimited energy? Where do flies sleep during the night?
Six ways the blue and black dress scrambles your brain
Great Moments in Science It's a very rare event when visual neuroscience and textile technology combine to take over the interwebs ... Dr Karl explains how the infamous 'blue and black dress' illusion works.
Hot springs on Saturn moon
StarStuff Podcast Evidence of hot springs discovered on the Saturnian moon Enceladus. Also; the Milky Way at least 50 per cent bigger than previously thought, and a new population of dwarf satellite galaxies discovered orbiting the Milky Way.
Dogs - bred to be our best animal friend - Science Show
Stanley Coren was the first to apply human intelligence tests to dogs. He suggests average dogs have the equivalent human intelligence of a child of 2 - 2.5 years. The most intelligent hounds are as smart as a three-year-old child. Recently Stanley Coren has been studying emotions in dogs trying to equate their feelings and behaviours to those of humans. Do dogs feel guilt when they soil the white carpet?� No says Coren, that emotion is too advanced. It�s a more primitive emotion, fear. They know there�ll be trouble when a human sees the soiled carpet. Stanley Coren discusses results of the latest research into dogs� brains and their abilities, including thoughts on how dogs became the way they are. He suggests we�ve bred dogs to be as we want them to be: showing friendship, communication and empathy.
New science prize to reward commercial success - Science Show
Turning Australia�s impressive results in the lab into commercial success has long been seen as the country failing at the final hurdle. Prime Minister Tony Abbott wants this addressed and so is adding a new award to the Prime Minister�s Prizes for Science. Worth ,000, the new prize will acknowledge an exceptional innovator or entrepreneur who has enhanced the Australian economy through the translation of scientific knowledge into substantial commercial impact. The Prime Minister�s Prizes for Science are announced in October. Applications close 26th March 2015.
New material for treating back fractures - Science Show
Osteoporosis causes bones to become spongy and softer over time. By age 80, all women have osteoporosis and one in four will fracture their back in their lifetime. Back fractures can�t be treated in the same way other bones are treated. Currently a plastic is injected to stabilise the bone. The plastic isn�t absorbed by the body and problems can develop. The body needs to heal by itself. Treatment is basically pain management. Brian Schlossberg is developing a new cement that will stabilise bone, stop the pain and help fractured bone heal.
Guidelines for computer use in the classroom - Science Show
When computers were introduced into classrooms, little was known how they should be placed and how their use would affect students� posture. It turns out computer use is often better for bodies than the use of traditional pen and paper, as students don�t slump and hunch over their desks. But too often students don�t move for long periods and this creates risk. Leon Straker has produced guidelines for computer use in classrooms. He is keen that good practice for posture and regular movement be adopted early in life as habits remain long after school.
�Renaissance of interest� in STEM - science, technology, engineering, maths in US students - Science Show
Unlike in Australia, publisher Dia Michaels reports a renaissance of interest in STEM subjects amongst US school students.� She attributes the growth to federal funding for learning centres outside school such as engineering programs, after school clubs, and technology centres.
AAAS reaches out to the next generation of scientists - Science Show
This year�s American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in San Jose included �Family Science Days�, where easily a hundred stands offered activities and inspiration for young minds. Pauline Newman spoke to some kids and their parents.
How babies react to vowel sounds - Science Show
Paola Escudero is studying how babies learn subtle sounds and intonations involved with language. She has observed different reactions to vowel sounds produced with different accents. Curiously her subjects find Australian vowel sounds fascinating compared to Canadian vowel sounds. Paola Escudero is looking for links between her observations with language development, broader development, and intelligence.
Call for politicians to share power for a workable democracy - Science Show
Democracy is struggling across the globe. Politicians as powerful as the US president spend their time in battles ending up in stalemate rather than producing results. And it is seen in local councils. Janette Hartz-Karp calls for a different approach to decision-making tapping the wisdom and interest of local communities. She cites success in Geraldton Council WA where the community was involved in making key decisions.
Beyond The Lab
Beyond the Lab Beyond the Lab is more than a program just for science nerds. Each month join David Murray for amazing stories about real people and the sometimes surprising way that science affects us all.
Farming vs Mining - triple j hack
Hack heads to North Western NSW, where the fight over land for mining and farming is raging.
