In today's computer obsessed society, codes have moved from the realm of espionage to the world of commerce. A newly developed encryption method has finally given the world a provably unbreakable code that can provide everlasting security.
How did life emerge from prebiotic chemistry on the early earth? Surprisingly simple collections of molecules may have been subject to the forces of Darwinian evolution, leading inevitably to the emergence of more complex cellular life.
Genomes represent a biologically heterogeneous landscape. Some portions are filled with genes actively engaged in cellular commerce, while others seem to be asleep on the job. How do they know what to do and when?
Scientists in the emerging discipline of bioengineering are borrowing tools from aircraft designers to create new templates for bone and cartilage regeneration. The field has taken off, but where are they headed?
Nature takes millions of years to make a diamond, then keeps it hidden deep underground unless perfect conditions send it erupting to the surface. Scientists, on the other hand, need only a few hours to do the job and like to show the result.
People all around the Earth gaze, sail, and make their living on the oceans every day, yet most of us know surprisingly little about them. Now we are finding that oceans are more valuable and more vulnerable than we realized.
We finally have a picture of conditions on Venus and it is not very inviting. Our closest neighbor turns out to have sulfuric acid clouds, crushing atmospheric pressures and temperatures hot enough to melt lead.
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF File)
Will gravity eventually slow down the expansion of the universe? Perhaps not. Remarkable new discoveries suggest that galaxies will drift further and further apart until they are lone islands in a limitless sea of space.
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF file)
What do "mad cows," people with neurodegenerative diseases, and yeast cells growing happily on a deadly antibiotic have in common? They all have misfolded proteins. This finding taught us more about genetics and may lead to better therapies for humans.
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF file)
Why are humans connected to all life? What triggered the incredible diversity of life on earth? How have complex life forms evolved? Is there direction to evolution? This film focuses on some of evolution's most important changes—among them the development of the four-limbed body plan, the journey of animal life from water to land, the return of mammals to the sea, and the emergence of humans. Driven by a combination of opportunism and a genetic "toolkit," these great transformations define the arc of evolution. And they suggest that every living creature on earth today, and every species that has ever existed, are variations on a grand genetic theme—members of the one and only tree of life. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Produced and directed by Joel Olicker. A co-production of WGBH/NOVA Science Unit and Clear B1ue Sky Productions.
Introduction and discussion with Dr. Maxine Singer, President, Carnegie Institution.
Supernovae, exploding stars that shine as brightly as a billion suns, are also tools to measure the history of cosmic expansion. Recent evidence from supernovae indicates that cosmic expansion has been speeding up.
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF file)
Genetic modification of food has the potential to end world hunger and dramatically improve the quality of life for billions of people. But to some people, the idea of tampering with the world's food supply poses unacceptable risks.
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF file)
Considering the many types of pollen blowing around outside, it is amazing that fertilization occurs only with the appropriate plant species. Plants are clearly better at finding mates than we are. How do they do it?
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF file)
How does language work? What is the trick behind our ability to share so many kinds of ideas merely by making noise as we exhale? Modern research in cognitive science delves into the mysteries of language and mind.
Suggested Reading List from Reiter's Scientific & Professional Books (PDF file)
Two years ago scientists achieved one of the greatest prizes in history: the decoding of the human genome. The story of that triumph's profound implications for medicine and human health is now being written.
