Science Beyond the Classroom podcast Alex Epperson

How do baboons communicate with each other? UNL Anthropology professor, Shimelis Beyene studied the biology and social behavior of two different types of baboons.  He found that by observing behavior, there were ways to tell a baboon's rank in society.  And, the way they communicate isn't too different from the way humans communicate.

How do paleontologists study fossils? What can fossils tell us about earth's past climates? What went into the creation of the Smithsonian Channel's documentary Titanoboa: Monster Snake? Titanoboa is the world's largest snake, it would have been 48 feet long and would weigh 2,500 pounds. Dr. Jason Head, Vertebrate Paleontologist, shares his experience in studying Titanoboa's fossils and what these fossils can tell us. The fossils are clues to scientists who can use them to reconstruct earth's history.

What all goes into the educational exhibits at museums? What are some innovative ways science is being presented through media? Dr. Judy Diamond, Professor and Curator for Informal Science Education, shows how a wide audience can engage in science through educational projects. One of these projects is called "World of Viruses." "World of Viruses" includes Soundprint radio documentaries, Carl Zimmer's "Planet of Viruses," an iPad app, an interactive website and a graphic novel called "World of Viruses."

Could biological factors influence whether we are liberal or conservative in our views? What can cognition - or, the way the brain processes information tell us about our behavior? What is the gaze-cueing effect? Cognitive Psychologist Dr. Mike Dodd had an experiment in collaboration with Political Scientists John Hibbing and Kevin Smith to get to the bottom of it.

What do rural sociologists do? What makes people decide to move from a big city to a small town, or vice versa.  How do migration patterns affect the economy?  Dr. Randolph Cantrell answers these questions, and more.