SciFri Radio: Biotechnology

SciFri Radio: Diabetes News
In this segment, we'll look at new research in the battle against diabetes, and efforts to cure Type 1 diabetes by regrowing islet cells.

SciFri Radio: Tobacco Plants Grow Cancer Vaccines
Researchers report that they've been able to use tobacco plants as biological factories to manufacture specialized proteins needed for an...

SciFri Radio: A Real Computer Bug?
A group of scientists reports that they have created specially-modified E. coli bacteria capable of performing one specific type of calculation....

SciFri Radio: Gene Therapy for Blindness
Researchers report some success in using a gene therapy technique to treat one form of congenital blindness. We'll talk about the research.

SciFri Radio: Towards Test-Tube Meat?
This week, animal rights group PETA announced the group would offer a million-dollar prize for the development of commercially-viable 'test-tube...

SciFri Radio: Biofuels Research Roundup
Ira talks with several researchers looking at innovative ways to harvest energy from plant materials, including gasoline-like chemicals, ethanol,...

SciFri Radio: Genetic Testing
Genetic tests pointing the way to personalized medical care are one of the most prominent results of genetic sequencing research. But what...

SciFri Radio: Anticipating Synthetic Biology
As researchers draw nearer to the ability to design and grow new organisms from scratch, what planning and protections need to be in place to cope...

SciFri Radio: What Makes Stem Cells Stem Cells?
Joe Palca talks with stem cell researcher George Daley about the discovery of a protein that may help give stem cells their unusual multi-function...

SciFri Radio: Biofuels
What's going on in biofuels beyond ethanol from corn? In this hour, Ira and guests talk about different types of biofuels, including biodiesel from...

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Particles of Science

Free the River

SciFri guest Ivor van Heerden says that perhaps the best thing we can do to protect coastal Louisiana against hurricanes is to let the river run wild. Listen to van Heerden. This allows new wetlands to be created, which can reduce wave energy significantly.

Vaccine Safety

Wary of vaccinations? SciFri guest, Paul Offit, says vaccines are probably more rigorously tested than anything else we consume. Listen to Dr. Offit.

Itsy Bitsy Spacecraft

SciFri guest Aaron Rowe explains the advantages of smaller spacecraft: Listen. Find out about a new development in the micro craft design--a material that can change color depending on whether the craft is in sun or shadow to reflect or absorb light. Listen to Rowe.

This Just In: Cattail Fuel

Ethanol isn't all about corn. SciFri guest David Blume suggests fuel from cattails. Listen here. They also clean the water and grow like weeds. Learn more.