Mon, Oct 22, 2018
In the Amazon Rain Forest trees act like geysers each releasing water into the air to draw nutrients from the soil. But when there's not enough moisture in the soil they release chemicals into the air around which water droplets condense. The condensation not only causes rain but creates a low pressure region that draws moist air from over the Atlantic Ocean generating even more rain.
Sun, Apr 18, 2021
Ocean current are caused by cold salty water sinking near the poles causing warmer water to flow North. An example is the Gulf Stream which has kept Europe warm for the past few millennia. But there is concern that if the Greenland ice melts to quickly it may stop the Gulf Stearm and cause a cold snap in Europe.
Tue, Jul 20, 2021
Scientists now recognize that culture is not limited to humans. Animals also have learned knowledge and behavior that is specific to a family, herd, or region within a single species. Joe begins by observing the wisdom of elephants. The he meets with researchers who observe sparrow bird song changing in real time.
Mon, Sep 6, 2021
Joe considers an age old question that originated with Plutarch: If you replace the parts of something piece by piece when does it become a replica? Joe asks the same question about our bodies with are constantly being replaced. But that's hard to answer without first addressing some more difficult questions such as; What parts of you are actually you? and How do you tell if part of you is actually alive?
Tue, Sep 21, 2021
Biologists' understanding of how animals produce patters in there fur began with Alan Turing. He developed mathematical equations that combined the concepts of diffusion and reaction, activators and inhibitors, which, to the surprise of biologists, created patterns. And not just the patterns in fur but all sorts of patters including fingers and toes.