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SciTech Now

SciTech Now captures the latest breakthroughs in science and technology. Each week we talk to the innovators at the forefront of their fields and explore the mysteries of the scientific world.

Episodes

sonification

Episode 335

Posted on August 29, 2017

In this episode, discover the world of sonification where Penn State Professor turns data into sound to gain new insights. Also, learn what scientists are doing to find new habitats for Vaux's swifts, take a look at Darwin's unseen manuscripts, and more! Continue »

 

Robotic arm holding bottle of water

Episode 334

Posted on August 29, 2017

Discover IVER, an autonomous underwater vehicle being developed by a diverse team of engineers, programmers, and a mathematician at Penn State. Also, take a look at researchers adding robotic arms to wheelchairs with the mobility enhancement robotic wheelchair or MEBot. And learn about how employers are working with colleges to bring more skilled workers into the tech industry. Continue »

 

Solar Eclipse

Episode 333

Posted on August 28, 2017

A group of Penn State scientists led by Bo Cheng are trying to figure out how insects like flies, fly. Also, a stunning snapshot of a solar eclipse. And finding every species of fish. Continue »

 

Young adult female assisting grade school child with science experiement

Episode 332

Posted on July 26, 2017

Visit the Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, a hands-on museum that seeks to inspire young minds to become scientists and innovators of the future. Also, researching cockroaches, making sustainable guitars, and more! Continue »

 

Snake Guy

Episode 331

Posted on July 17, 2017

On this episode, we show you a rattlesnake hunt. Learn more about how important snakes are to ecosystems. Also, visit outdoor classrooms on an island for a different kind of immersive learning. Then discover how engineers are using data to help robots walk more like humans, and more! Continue »

 

SciTech Now

Episode 330

Posted on July 13, 2017

In this episode, learn about a science contest that’s helping scientists better communicate the complexity of their work. Also, discover what scientists are doing to search for life on the distant moon Europa, developing aspirin of the future, and more! Continue »

 

Mike Zeman

Best Of

Posted on July 3, 2017

Enjoy some of the best segments we produced for SciTech Now, here at WPSU! Continue »

 

Zena Cardman

Episode 329

Posted on June 27, 2017

Watch our interview with Zena Cardman, a Penn State grad student in microbiology, who was selected to NASA’s 2017 class of astronauts! Also, learn about women who do coding, and the regenerative powers of the hydra. Continue »

 

middle school students

Episode 328

Posted on June 19, 2017

On this episode, see innovation and creativity at the Huntington Middle School STEM Fair. Also, learn more about India’s first interplanetary mission, how seniors are using virtual reality, and more! Continue »

 

Andrew Nyblade, professor of geociences, Penn State

Episode 327

Posted on June 12, 2017

At Penn State, learn about a network of 30 motion sensors that continuously monitors Pennsylvania for seismic activity. Also, finding the speed of light with peeps, and discover how forests use water. Continue »

 

Botanists looking at plant samples

Episode 326

Posted on May 23, 2017

Discover the Penn State Herbarium where dead plants gain a new life. Also, learn about acoustic architecture. And see how researchers are tracking pelicans with solar power. Continue »

 

man riding bike

Episode 325

Posted on May 19, 2017

The science behind riding a bike. Making new material from mushrooms. Perfecting photosynthesis. Continue »

 

scientists studying plants

Episode 324

Posted on May 12, 2017

Discover how scientists are trying to avoid food shortages by applying high tech science to traditional farming. Learn about a company in New York Producing microgrids, a therapy tool for post-traumatic stress, and watch a clip from WPSU's Managing Risk in a Changing Climate. Continue »

 

People building structure out of canned food.

Episode 323

Posted on May 9, 2017

Learn about the engineers, architects and construction professionals taking part in a unique competition in State College called Canstruction. Also, a way to track a football with electromagnetic waves. And the mysteries of squid ink. Continue »

 

SciTech Now

Episode 322

Posted on May 5, 2017

In this episode of SciTech Now, we visit a Penn State lab that’s working on making batteries last longer, especially for electric vehicles. Also, discover the field of biomedical gerontology in a Google chat with Aubrey de Grey, who’s on a crusade against aging. Continue »

 

JeffTech classroom

Episode 321

Posted on April 26, 2017

In this episode of SciTech Now, we visit JEFFTech Vocational-Technical School. Learn about what this school is doing to keep up with industry trends. Also, see an innovative wheelchair with extraordinary mobility. And discover art and science of brewing beer. Continue »

 

Distillery

Episode 320

Posted on April 7, 2017

Discover the science of distilled spirits where a whole host of complex chemical reactions take place in the barrel. See fireflies play follow the leader. A learn about a new one-woman show called “The Climate Monologues.” Continue »

 

Cheraine Stanford on the set of SciTech Now

Episode 319

Posted on April 7, 2017

It's a women in science takeover featuring some of the brightest minds in central Pennsylvania. Also, learn about the story, behind the story, of NASA's hidden figures. Continue »

 

woman looking at technical software on computer screen

Episode 318

Posted on March 24, 2017

Meet a woman with a hacker mentality who wants more people to learn the international language of math. Also, a Penn State professor and entrepreneur with a vision of a wireless world using both science and art, and more. Continue »

 

snow boarder sitting down at top of ski slope

Episode 317

Posted on March 3, 2017

Local ski slopes need to make snow to survive but you need more than cold air and water to keep the mountains white.  SciTech Now takes a look at the atmospheric conditions needed to produce the best powder. Plus the science behind spicy foods. Continue »

 

skulls and other bones on lab table

Episode 316

Posted on March 3, 2017

On this episode, learn how our bones have changed over human history as our lifestyles became less physically demanding. Also, white pelicans are finding their way to western Washington due to climate change. And learning STEM with Cyberchase. Continue »

 

many bundles of different size and species wood boards

Episode 313

Posted on February 3, 2017

Long forgotten, a wood collection at Penn State is getting a second look. Now, one professor is dedicating his time to organizing it and unlocking its secrets to help advance science. Plus, as the climate changes, the outcome for winter sports is unclear. That’s where fat bikes come in. Continue »

 

Crowd of attendees at the Consumer Electronics Show

Episode 312

Posted on February 2, 2017

SciTech now goes to the Consumer Electronics Show to explore some of the hottest new inventions of the year. Plus, scientists examine the fascinating regenerative properties of lizards. Continue »

 

sunset

Episode 311

Posted on January 23, 2017

Discover the world of sunset forecasts being done by Penn State students. Also, see the science inside the biggest recycling plant in New York city, and the ultimate game of memory. Continue »

 

Penn State student standing in front of specrometer

Episode 310

Posted on January 18, 2017

On the this episode of SciTech Now, learn more about how scientists are developing 2D materials, and a tool that lets you talk to fireflies, Also, the driverless car dilemma. Continue »

 

Coffee being filtered into a pot

Episode 309

Posted on December 19, 2016

The science behind coffee, a guide to childhood imaginary friends, and how elephant genes hold clues for cancer research — see these stories and more on this episode of SciTech Now. Continue »

 

Field of Elk

Episode 308

Posted on December 12, 2016

By 1867, settlers wiped out the native elk population in Pennsylvania.  Today, the animal is in the midst of an amazing comeback thanks to conservation officers and the science gathered during a limited hunting season.  Other stories include women in science, creating your own invisibility cloak, and virtual reality under water. Continue »

 

Man holding a snowboard standing in front of an airstream trailer covered in decals

Episode 306

Posted on November 15, 2016

See how a pair of Pennsylvania inventors use geometry and physics to build what they call the most advanced snow boards on the planet. Continue »

 

person sitting in front of 3D printer

Episode 305

Posted on November 9, 2016

The United States Military is taking a major interest in 3D printing and a lab at Penn State is playing a major role in the progress. Plus, how veterans and scientists are teaming up to put cutting edge prosthetics to the test. Continue »

 

person kayaking along river surrounded by fall foliage

Episode 304

Posted on November 3, 2016

Take a walk in one of Pennsylvania’s most diverse habitats.  The bog at Black Moshannon State park is home to three unique carnivores, and that’s just the plants. Continue »

 

Group of people at an insect fair

Episode 303

Posted on October 24, 2016

Come for the bugs, stay for the science. SciTech Now takes you to the Penn State Great Insect Fair. Find out why some scientists call insects the key to developing a sustainable food source for a growing population. Continue »

 

Weather World studio

Episode 302

Posted on October 11, 2016

See how scientists at Penn State produce and plan an award winning show that educates an audience and develops future standouts in the world of meteorology; Epidemiologists in North Carolina track the evolution and geographic spread of Zika; Science Friday shares insights about the mysterious octopus; and much more! Continue »

 

Videographer shoots video of turf grass

Episode 301

Posted on October 3, 2016

Penn State scientists are studying turf to improve performance and keep athletes safe. Science Friday looks at a desert phenomenon in Death Valley; how technology and new voting apps are impacting our journey to the polls; how studying craters left by meteors and asteroids can help us understand what killed the dinosaurs; and more! Continue »

 

More from WPSU

Thrift Shop Chef

Thrift Shop Chef

Posted on November 8, 2017

Host Satchel Mantz finds unique kitchen devices in area thrift shops and then uses those tools, along with locally-sourced ingredients, to create incredible meals that you can prepare in your own home.

 

Moving Vietnam Wall

A Time To Heal

Posted on March 14, 2022

This WPSU documentary explores the impact of the Vietnam War on the lives of Pennsylvanians who fought, protested, or prayed for their loved ones to come home alive.