Elkhorn coral larvae. image courtesy Alina Szmant (UNCW)

It's an annual event off the Florida Keys -- a few nights after the August full moon, coral begin to spawn. In the once-a-year reproductive event, eggs and sperm are released from the living coral. Many different species of coral spawn at the same general time, including some rather rare ones. The reproductive cells float freely, allowing coral from different colonies to interbreed. Spawning season lures scientists to the reefs to study the process, and to gather samples to attempt to re-settle coral elsewhere. We'll talk with one of the scientists about this year's Florida coral spawning.

Two elkhorn larvae after metamorphosis into polyp stage. image courtesy Alina Szmant (UNCW)

Then, we'll turn our attention to new research in stem cells. Scientist reported this week that by fusing skin cells with fetal cells, they were able to 'reprogram' the skin cells to yield stem-cell-like material. We'll talk about the work, and whether it may allow scientists to sidestep ethical concerns over other types of stem cell research.

Finally, we'll look back at the life and work of Robert Moog, who passed away this week. Moog was the inventor of the first commercially successful electronic synthesizer -- a musical instrument that provided a unique sound to artists from the Beatles to Emerson Lake and Palmer, and set the foundation for much of electronic music today. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Margaret W. Miller
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Marine Biology and Fisheries Division
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
Benthic Ecologist
NOAA-Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Miami, Florida

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Mark Noble
Professor of Biomedical Genetics and of Neurobiology & Anatomy
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, New York

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Lawrence Fritts
Associate Professor, Area Head of Composition and Theory
Director, Electronic Music Studios
School of Music
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth