Scientists Create Magnetic Soap

Yes, magnetic soap. No, it's not the latest designer product for the reality TV star who has everything.

Scientists at the University of Bristol hope their soap will help clean up disasters such as oil spills. Listen in to The World's Tech Podcast to hear more.
Scientist Warned of Japan Tsunami

Japanese paleontologist Koji Minoura had found evidence that a huge tsunami hit Sendai in the year 869.

So, long before the tsunami hit Japan last year, he had cautioned that a similar disaster was overdue.

Learn more in the latest episode of the World Science Podcast.
Building a Better Ash Detection System

In 2010, a volcanic eruption stopped almost all air traffic in Europe for days. Millions of passengers were stranded, and billions of dollars were lost.

Now, some scientists are working on ash detection system that may help avoid such massive disruptions. Listen in to this week's edition of The World's Technology Podcast.
The Toaster Project

Thomas Thwaites had a simple idea. Build a toaster. From scratch.

This modest goal led to a grand experiment.

Thwaites recounts his successes and failures in an interview with The World's Marco Werman.
An Explosive Lake

Rwanda's Lake Kivu contains vast amounts of dissolved methane.

The gas poses a danger to people who live nearby, but it's also a potential energy source.

Hear how Rwanda is trying to tap the lake's riches -- safely.

Listen to Our Podcasts

technology podcast #355

Scientists Create Magnetic Soap

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Scientist Warned of Japan Tsunami, Gabon’s Eco-Tourism Efforts

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Building a Better Ash Detection System

technology podcast #353

Sweden’s File-Sharing Religion

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Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

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Life and Work at the South Pole

Harrison January 16, 2012 at 1:33

Hello my name is Harrison and I just have a couple question. What would I have to go to school for to go on one of those arctic expeditions? And my other question is do you guys get free time there to...
Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

MPennock October 14, 2011 at 19:04

Thanks to everyone for the great comments. There is some very serious international momentum building around the idea of happiness-based frameworks of progress. We can thank Bhutan for throwing the fi...
Does Corruption Make Earthquakes Deadlier?

Roger Bilham October 14, 2011 at 9:43

Check out this article for a fuller discussion http://cires.colorado.edu/~bilham/MalletMilneXIIBilham.pdf
Does Corruption Make Earthquakes Deadlier?

Sarah Cox October 13, 2011 at 7:09

Very interesting theory indeed. But there are other factors that are much more relevant to earthquakes. You have to admit that some of the most developed countries at present are situated in areas wit...
Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

Hillary October 12, 2011 at 7:58

What a great study, post, and discussion. It seems to me it's long overdue that happiness is one of the things that we as a race focus on. I'm not a college graduate, I'm not wealthy, and I live in OH...
Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

MPennock October 11, 2011 at 15:24

There has been an exponential growth in publications and books on happiness during the past decade so it is hard to recommend specific books or articles. Anything recent by Ed Diener, Martin Seligman ...
Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

MPennock October 11, 2011 at 14:50

Not aware of any locations. The Victoria survey was just completed for a second time, almost three years after the original version. They plan on doing it every two years so the effects of one adminst...
Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

John Magana October 9, 2011 at 15:21

Dear Mr. Pennock, Perhaps I'm too late to participate in this discussion... Could you please recommend some good source material for what makes people happy? ...Or perhaps share some of your own...
Promoting Happiness as Public Policy

Al October 9, 2011 at 14:07

Hi Mr. Pennock, Have there been locations where the same happiness survey has been repeated? I'm wondering if the publication of the results itself has an influence on future surveys of the same p...
Seth Mnookin's 'The Panic Virus'

Sue Mahany October 6, 2011 at 11:37

The vaccination decision has been the most stressful decision I have made as a parent. A naturopath told me to do tetanus and make sure to ask for a single dose vial. I do personally know a mother of ...

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