NOVA | PBS

In this podcast, NOVA scienceNOW correspondent David Duncan talks to Dr. Jeffrey Friedman of Rockefeller University about the connection between genetics and obesity. Audio editing by David Levin. Produced by Dean Irwin. Interview conducted by David Duncan. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW producer Joe McMaster asks our series host, Neil deGrasse Tyson, why everyone should know about the Permian extinction. Produced by Susan K. Lewis. Audio editing by David Levin. Interview conducted by Joe McMaster. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW producer Julia Cort talks to MIT geologist Sam Bowring about a mass extinction at the end of the Permian period and discusses whether it could happen again. Audio editing by David Levin. Produced by Susan K. Lewis. Interview with Sam Bowring conducted by Julia Cort. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University explains how bacteria can "talk" with one another, and even join together in coordinated efforts. Scientists are beginning to see these microscopic creatures-once thought completely asocial-in a whole new way. Podcast produced by Susan K. Lewis and edited by David Levin. Interview by Carla Denley. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW producer Chad Cohen describes a new study that may link longevity to a gene controlling a certain type of cholesterol. Produced by Chad Cohen and Lexi Krock. Audio editing by David Levin. Interviews conducted by Chad Cohen. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW host and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a birthday greeting to America's space agency. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Jón Björn Skúlason of Icelandic New Energy discusses the future of hydrogen-powered vehicles in Iceland. This podcast was produced and edited by David Levin. Interview by Joe Seamans. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit www.pbs.org/nova/car

Energy expert Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute thinks we may all be driving software-rich, really smart cars in the future. Listen in. Podcast produced and edited by Susan Lewis with additional editing by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/car

NOVA scienceNOW host and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson gives his "Cosmic Perspective" on what an alien civilization picking up radio signals from Earth might think. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Seth Shostak, senior astronomer for SETI, explains the organization's search for other intelligent life in the universe. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Andrea Kissack. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. You can visit us online at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Mark Siddall, a leech expert at the American Museum of Natural History, wants to change how you think about nature's most notorious blood-suckers. Podcast produced by David Levin. Original interview by Julia Cort. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Structural engineer Michael Todd describes the state of bridge monitoring around the world. Interview by Rima Chaddha. Edited by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW host Neil deGrasse Tyson gives his "Cosmic Perspective" on telescopes in space. Podcast produced by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa is a neurosurgeon and cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. In this podcast, hear the remarkable story of his career, which began as a migrant farm worker in southern California. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Robe Imbriano. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Geneticist Pardis Sabeti does it all -- she finished a PhD while working her way through Harvard Medical School, wrote a computer algorithm that is now widely used for studying evolution, and even finds time to make music with her band, Thousand Days. Podcast produced by David Levin. Original interview by Robe Imbriano. Music by Thousand Days. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the ethical issues raised by commercial genetic testing. Podcast produced by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW's Dean Irwin discusses what he learned about this new computer technology while producing his story on digital art authentication. Podcast produced by David Levin. Music by Jeff Allen. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

In this podcast, Dartmouth College computer scientist Hany Farid discusses his work on mathematical and computational methods for spotting digital forgeries. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Rima Chaddha. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

In this podcast, Dartmouth University computer scientist Hany Farid discusses his work on mathematical and computational methods for spotting digital forgeries. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Rima Chaddha. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

In this podcast, hear from MIT's Eric Lander and Li-Huei Tsai about new experiments that are exploring whether "lost" memories can be regained. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Betsey Arledge and Peter Standring. Music by www.animalhospital.com. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW host Neil deGrasse Tyson gives his "Cosmic Perspective" on dark matter and dark energy. Podcast produced by David Levin. Music by www.animalhospitalmusic.com. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

In this episode, historian of science Bill Newman explains how while Isaac Newton was busy discovering the universal law of gravitation, he was also searching out hidden meanings in the Bible and pursuing alchemical experiments. Podcast produced by Susan Lewis. Audio editing by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. For more on Newton's alchemy, visit us online at http://www.pbs.org/nova/newton

John Grunsfeld, an astronomer and astronaut, says that fixing the Hubble Space Telescope will be a delicate operation. In this podcast, he explains how astronauts will have to literally let their fingers do the walking when working on satellite -- and why the gloves of their space suits will play a major role in the mission's success. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Rush DeNooyer. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

NOVA scienceNOW host Neil deGrasse Tyson gives his "Cosmic Perspective" on bad news and uncertainty in science. Podcast produced by David Levin. Music by www.animalhospital.com. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Dark matter is a cosmic enigma. We can't see it or touch it -- so what is it? We asked MIT physicist Max Tegmark about the nature of this strange substance and why it remains so mysterious. Produced by David Levin. Interview by Julia Cort. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Dr. Judah Folkman, a pioneer in the field of cancer research, passed away in January 2008. In this podcast, he describes how a high school chemistry teacher inspired him to think big, and make unlikely connections. Podcast produced by David Levin. Music by The New You. Judah Folkman audio courtesy Oberlin College. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Energy expert Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute thinks we may all be driving software-rich, really smart cars in the future. Listen in. Podcast produced and edited by Susan Lewis with additional editing by David Levin. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/car

In this podcast, hear from MIT's Eric Lander and Li-Huei Tsai about new experiments that are exploring whether "lost" memories can be regained. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Betsey Arledge and Peter Standring. Music by www.animalhospital.com. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow

Anthropologist Barbara Macleod says that studying the ancient Maya language offers a unique window into the past. Podcast produced by David Levin. Interview by Rima Chaddha. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for "Cracking the Maya Code" is provided by the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional funding provided by The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this video podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more on translating ancient Maya, visit us online at http://www.pbs.org/nova/mayacode

NOVA scienceNOW's Dean Irwin discusses what he learned about this new computer technology while producing his story on digital art authentication. Podcast produced by David Levin. Music by Jeff Allen. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0229297. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For more fun science stories, visit our Web site at http://www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow