Science

Christy O'Donnell, who has advanced lung cancer, is one of several California patients suing for the right to get a doctor's help with prescription medicine to end their own lives if and when they feel that's necessary.

California Judge Throws Out Lawsuit On Medically Assisted Suicide

5:35pm July 27, 2015

by April Dembosky

The superior court judge says questions raised in the case should be decided by legislatures or voters, not the court. The terminally ill plaintiffs say they'll appeal his decision.

Almond orchards across California are dealing with trees showing signs of stress from the drought, such as smaller nuts and salt-burned leaves.

Salt Is Slowly Crippling California's Almond Industry

4:48pm July 27, 2015

by Ezra David Romero

California's ongoing drought has forced many almond growers to use groundwater on the thirsty crop. The problem: That water is high in salt, and it's killing almond trees.

A daily habit of sugary-sweetened drinks can boost your risk of developing the disease — even if you're not overweight.

Even If You're Lean, 1 Soda Per Day Ups Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

10:53am July 27, 2015

by Allison Aubrey

A daily habit of sugary-sweetened drinks can boost your risk of developing the disease — even if you're not overweight. And diet soda might not be doing you any favors, either.

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During a wildlife survey in Madagascar, Mayor discovered a new species of mouse lemur. "[It] weighs less than two ounces, fits in the palm of your hands," she says.

Science
Arts

Trading Pom-Poms For Field Boots: Mireya Mayor's Big Break

9:58pm July 25, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

The explorer's life plays out like an adventure film. But before she ever went diving with great whites, she was cheering for the Miami Dolphins — until a required science course changed her plans.

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As Lightning Strikes Spike, Myth-Busting Often Means Safety

9:42pm July 25, 2015

by Jeff Brady

Deaths from lightning strikes are up sharply this year, according to the National Weather Service. Here are some myths about lightning, or avoiding it, and tips on how to actually stay safe.

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Amid Lingering Skepticism, A Primer On What Bland's Autopsy Can Tell Us

7:42pm July 25, 2015

Medical examiner Dr. Judy Melinek explains what forensic examiners saw in the autopsy of Sandra Bland, who was found dead in a Texas jail.

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Despite losing his sense of taste and smell to Alzheimer's disease, Greg O'Brien says grilling supper on the back deck with his son on a summer evening is still fun.

When Alzheimer's Steals Your Appetite, Remember To Laugh

5:59pm July 25, 2015

by Rebecca Hersher

Fresh grilled swordfish now tastes like rolled newspapers to Greg O'Brien, an unexpected effect of his Alzheimer's. And shopping without a grocery list is futile. But summer barbecues are still sweet.

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Retracing Ralph Waldo Emerson's Steps In A Now 'Unchanged Eden'

8:22pm July 24, 2015

by Brian Mann

A century and a half ago, the poet and philosopher headed to New York's Adirondack Mountains with some notable pals. Today, we follow his journey with a new crew, the help of a painting and a book.

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Science

New Discoveries From NASA’s New Horizons Mission to Pluto

4:56pm July 24, 2015

by Shawn Fitzmaurice

SciWorks Radio is a production of 88.5 WFDD and SciWorks, the Science Center and Environmental Park of Forsyth County, located in Winston-Salem.

On July 14th, NASA's New Horizons space probe raced past the dwarf planet Pluto at 44 thousand miles per hour. Loaded with an array of science instruments, the sturdy little probe gathered data which will be sent to us over the next 16 months. This episode was recorded before NASA's recent press conference, but keep an eye on http://sciworks.org/pluto for up-to-date mission information. You'll also find a special web-only episode about the mission, and details specifically for this episode. What have we learned from New Horizons since the encounter?

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Public health threat, or just a very odd animal you're likely to see in the southern United States?

Leprosy From An Armadillo? That's An Unlikely Peccadillo

3:16pm July 24, 2015

by Nancy Shute

Yes, health officials in Florida have reported nine cases of leprosy so far this year. And yes, armadillos can transmit leprosy. But scientists say we needn't fear the armored mammals.