One team of researchers has discovered fungi that "eat" radiation, in a twisted version of how photosynthesis happens in green plants. "Our research suggests that melanin can use a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum—ionizing radiation—to benefit the fungi containing it," said Ekaterina Dadachova, one of the scientists on the project. We'll talk to her about the discovery.

A team of scientists reports that they are one step closer to crafting tiny biocomputers that could tap into a cells' signals and pick up signs of trouble. They've built a device of DNA, RNA, and proteins, that can perform logic operations within a culture of liver cells. "These biocomputers can translate complex cellular signatures, such as activities of multiple genes, into a readily observed output," said Kobi Benenson, one of the scientists behind the work. "They can even be programmed to automatically translate that output into a concrete action." We'll find out more.

Plus, we'll get the forecast for this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which starts next week. Scientists say last year's El Nino kept strong storms in check--but this year may see La Nina developing, bringing with it a bigger chance of more hurricanes. 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:
Ekaterina Dadachova
Associate Professor, Nuclear Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, New York

****************

Kobi Benenson
Bauer Fellow, Center for Systems Biology
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts

***************

Gerry Bell
Lead Seasonal Hurricane Forecaster, NOAA Climate Prediction Center
National Weather Service
Camp Springs, Maryland

Books/Articles Discussed:

Article: "Ionizing Radiation Changes the Electronic Properties of Melanin and Enhances the Growth of Melanized Fungi," PLoS ONE 2(5): e457. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.000045.

Article: "A universal RNAi-based logic evaluator that operates in mammalian cells." Nature Biotechnology, Published online: 21 May 2007; | doi:10.1038/nbt1307.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

Search by keywords:

This segment produced by Karin Vergoth