Show 37 – First broadcast 23th Jan 2009

LISTEN TO A PODCAST OF SHOW 37 HERE

Science in the News

Green Petrol on the horizon: “The best fuels are the ones that closely duplicate gasoline, diesel and jet fuel so automakers aren’t forced to adapt to new fuels,”

New sensor almost ready to go into space to increase our understanding of how aerosols affect the climate.

New Sperm shaker can test sperm non-destructively for IVF treatment and give hope to childless couples. Noel talks to the lead research on the project, Dr. Alistair Eflick of Edinburgh University’s School of Engineering  – PRESS RELEASE HERE

Sheffield Researchers shed light on bacterial resistance. Ross Drayton talks to the lead researcher on the project Professor Robert Poole. PRESS RELEASE HERE

Feature: What noise annoys you?

Acoustic Engineer Professor Trevor Cox of Salford University give Noel a sound talking to. Does a duck’s quack echo? What is the worlds most annoying noise. You can hear Trevor singing badly and out of tune. Later you can hear what happens when he uses electronic tuning. It makes his voice in tune but does it improve the quality.

The Science Fiction Serial: Second Variety part 3

This (longish) short story by Philip K. Dick was adated for the move Screamers starring Peter Weller, Roy Dupuis and Jennifer Rubin (1995). The movie takes it title from the deadly attack robots shown in the picture – these were called “Claws” in the original story.

The story takes place in a harsh futuristic environment in which American Block governments are in a state of war with Russian forces. During the first year of conflict, the American block people escaped to the moon, leaving a few survivors in Canada and South America.  Russian parachutists landed and managed to wipe out many of the survivors, until they too were forced to evacuate to the moon – along with the last of American production; leaving behind a relatively small number of troops. It is only after this crisis, that the so-called “Claws” become a force to be reckoned with – as they start to exterminate lone Russian soldiers and even make their way into the Russian bunkers. For a while, it looks as if the tide is turning in favour of American forces – but there is a new danger for both sides.

Music on the show

Intro: Sound of Silence, Beastie Boys followed by Polar Bear

News: Mathew Herbert

Feature: Hideaway played by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers (Clapton on Guitar)

Intro to the serial was tic by Niall Griffith

Outro: Locomotion by John Coletrane Quartet