Blood Falls is named for the red, iron-rich material seeping from Taylor Glacier. New research in the journal Science shows how the iron also sustains a mix of bacteria in the sub-glacial water. Microbe expert Jill Mikucki explains how bacteria survive in this harsh environment.
Luther Burbank invented over 800 varieties of plants — edible and ornamental. His Burbank potato is still the most widely grown commercial potato. Jane S. Smith, author of a new book about Burbank, describes his contributions to horticultural science and the food we eat.
In End Days, playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer takes on science, religion and Elvis. Laufer explains how she uses scientific theories to explore human nature in her writing and why she wanted the same actor to play Jesus Christ and Stephen Hawking.
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Ira Flatow and guests discuss the future of algae-based energy — including plans for a new algae-fueled power plant in Venice, Italy. Biologist Jerry Brand explains why biotech companies are snapping up samples from his extensive algae collection at the University of Texas at Austin.
How do nocturnal creatures see after sundown? New research in Cell shines light on the mystery. Physicist Jochen Guck, of the University of Cambridge, explains how a difference in the physical structure of eye cells allows nocturnal animals to navigate the dark.