Under The Microscope

under the microscope

KBIA News brings you a look at health, science, and technology issues this week in mid-Missouri in Under the Microscope.

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2/25/10 From record snowfall on the Eastern seaboard to consistently cold temperatures in Missouri, it's been a wild winter. First, we take a look at why the winter storms have sparked debate on climate change. Plus, some Columbia residents are trying to grab Google's attention.

Web extra! Want to learn more about Google Fiber in Columbia?

Check out these web resources:

Google RFI
The Facebook Fan Page
The City of Columbia's Google Fiber Page

2/18/10 A former soccer player talks about suffering multiple concussions, as Missouri lawmakers consider a bill meant to protect young athletes from head injury. Then, new research is keeping unwanted veterinary antibiotics out of drinking water. (Pictured: With the help of his mother Kelley, 18-year-old Jonathan Aur made the decision to give up soccer after sustaining his eight concussion.)

Web extra! Click here to get an inside look at how KBIA's Shannon Whitney reported Jonathan Aur's story.

2/11/10 A local organization is helping Missourians living with HIV or AIDS. Plus, a study suggests parts of Missouri and six other states surrounding the New Madrid Fault Line are at risk of experiencing a high magnitude earthquake.

2/04/10 Proponents of a recently passed city ordinance announce plans to hold workshops for people who want to raise city chickens. Then, KBIA's Lauren Hasler reports on why Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman's various fitness initiatives are drawing national attention. And, KBIA's Karen Song explains how one woman was able to beat her drug addiction and become an advocate for local users. (Pictured: Darwin Hindman.)

Web extra! For more information on urban hens in Columbia, click here.

1/28/10 Once the territory of elite athletes, marathons now attract ordinary people whose only goal is to finish. We'll hear from John Elliot, founder of marathonguide.com. And then, KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer will explain what it's like to prepare for 26.2 miles. You can follow her progress this weekend at the ING Miami Marathon at her blog. (Pictured: Ted Corbitt is considered the "father of long distance running.")

1/21/10 Proponents of a recently passed city ordinance announce plans to hold workshops for people who want to raise city chickens. Then, KBIA's Lauren Hasler reports on why Mayor Darwin Hindman's various fitness initiatives are drawing national attention. And, KBIA's Karen Song explains how one woman was able to beat her drug addiction and become an advocate for local users.

1/14/10 Conservative legislators and activists voice concerns about the effect of the federal health care overhaul on Missouri's state budget. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

12/24/09 This week, how technology is helping reunite adopted children and their birth parents. ... Also, on a day when pastry flour is flying in kitchens across the country, one local woman is pouring almonds and dates into a food processer. Jane Smith blends the nuts and dried fruit until smooth, then presses the concoction into a pie tin — her "pie crust" will never see the inside of the oven. That’s because Smith is a raw foodist. KBIA's Celeste Miller reports on a new diet trend linked to lowered rates of obesity and hypertension. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

12/17/09 This week KBIA's Trey Conklin looks at research examining the interaction of over-the-counter medication with vaccines. Then, KBIA's Jim Leonard explains how a peculiar animal is being trained to help people in need. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

12/10/09 KBIA's Cyreia Sandlin reports on Movember, a global movement that encourages men to grow mustaches to raise awareness about prostate cancer. Then, KBIA's Rebecca Thiele reports on MU researchers' efforts to build a family tree for cattle. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley. (Pictured: Jake Engler and Mark Fowler grow moustaches to show their support of men’s health issues.)

Web Extra! Click here to visit the National Academy of Sciences’ Web site.

12/03/09 This week we take a look at domestic violence prevention in mid-Missouri. KBIA's Lauren Formica talks with Mary Beck, an MU professor inspiring law students to fight for battered women and children. Plus, listen to a conversation with Barbara Hodges, the executive director of Comprehensive Human Services, which runs The Shelter in Columbia. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

Web Extra! Listen to our full interview with Barbara Hodges here.

Click here for more information from The Shelter about preventing domestic violence.

11/26/09 A new training program designed to help law enforcement deal with the mentally ill ... and, the Missouri Humane Society tries to rehabilitate 400 pitbulls seized in a raid last year. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

11/19/09 A recently-released study suggests state wind speeds may be lower than what's shown on a regional wind map. Also, University Hospital has received a medal of honor for its organ donation program. KBIA's Julie Black reports on a Kirksville mother's decision to to donate her daughter's organs. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

11/05/09 KBIA's Rebecca Thiele reports from a Boone County soybean field, where heavy rain has kept one area farmer from harvesting his crop. Then, KBIA's Elizabeth McIntyre reports on a local group advocating for a smoke-free Fulton. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

10/29/09 The Department of Social Services has released a ranking of Missouri employers with the most employees on Medicaid — with serious implications for state workers. Then, KBIA's Ericka Roberts reports on services available to people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

Web Extra! Here are some Alzheimer's help links:

Click here for the State Plan Task Force information page on Gov. Jay Nixon’s Web site.
Click here for the Mid-Missouri Alzheimer’s Association.
Click here for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Click here for the World Alzheimer’s Report.

10/22/09 This week we talk to a group of Missouri physicians trying to shape the health care dialogue in Washington, D.C. Then, KBIA's Marc Steidler reports on the controversy newly redrawn floodplain maps of the Lake of the Ozarks are causing in Camden County. And, we take a look at a new study that links an increase in ragweed to global warming. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

Quarel 10/15/09 The University of Missouri is trying to cut its coal energy consumption, and miscanthus grass might make the move away from coal a little easier. Plus, amateur archeologists are working alongside trained professionals to excavate the home of John Quarel. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

10/8/09 Research being conducted at the University of Missouri is helping scientists better understand drug addiction. Also, the H1N1 virus may not be as prevalent in Missouri as some numbers suggest. And KBIA's Celeste Miller reports from the Jefferson City Apothecary, where medicine is still made to order. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

Web Extra! Find out more about the seasonal flu shot information from the Student Health Center and Boone County.

10/1/09 This week KBIA's Jashin Lin reports from the farmer's market, where produce is selected for its taste, not its appearance. And KBIA's Yannick Boussaert investigates how much sugar students consume in University of Missouri dining halls. What's on your plate? Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

9/24/09 The Chinese Mystery Snail, a newly identified invasive species, is threatening the ecological balance of the Niangua River. An anti-coal rally comes to the University of Missouri Campus. Plus, get a look at how local agencies are helping older people combat depression. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley. (Pictured: The Chinese Mystery Snail.)

Web Extra! Click here to see the Sierra Club's report.

9/17/09 KBIA's Amanda Bromwich reports on an ongoing study of the mourning dove population, which is giving state bag limits a boost. Then KBIA's Youn-Joo Park has an update on Columbia's Landmark Hospital. And KBIA's Kathleen Sprouse pays tribute to Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution. (Pictured: Norman Borlaug working in wheat fields, courtesy of the Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation.)

9/10/09 KBIA's Lauren Pinder reports on the Research Center for Human Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri, where veterinarians are trying to find out whether interaction with their owners helps sick dogs recover faster. And, Catherine Wolf looks at laboratories across the state trying to convert algae (pictured, right) to fuel. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley.

Web Extra! Watch video from MU's Research Center for Human Animal Interaction.

9/3/09 Drivers could now receive tickets for running red lights at two Columbia intersections, where new traffic cameras have been installed. Plus, we take a look at the University of Missouri's growing minority medical student population. And, get a close look at a unique fish that calls caves of Southeastern Missouri home. Hosted by KBIA's Elle Moxley. (Pictured: A pair of grotto sculpin in Thomas Moore Cave. The grotto sculpin is only found in six caves in Perry County, Mo.)

8/27/09 Flu Prevention tips for those living in tight quarters on campus. KBIA's Gretchen Mahan attended Senator Claire McCaskill's 8th healthcare town hall forum in Jefferson City on Wednesday, and has a report. And KBIA's Jashin Lin compares comments from participants from that forum with one earlier in the week in Moberly. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis. (Pictured: Senator Claire McCaskill in Jefferson City.)

8/20/09 KBIA's Megan Granger finds that Amish auctions create a rare partnership with the outside community. Plus, KBIA's Cassandra Clemens attends part of a three-day focus on science and technology at the Missouri State Fair. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis.

8/13/09 KBIA's Janet Saidi interviews a Missourian reporter about a series on classroom technology. Also, KBIA's Brent Davidson tells us about the heat island effect that accompanies urban sprawl. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis.

8/7/09 It's the middle of the summer and what that means for Missourians is it is also the middle of storm season. Storm chasers everywhere flock to the Midwest to observe and report these storms ... and, let’s be honest, they also do it for the adrenaline rush. KBIA's Brandon Spencer wanted to get in on the action. He spent some time waiting for the perfect storm, and when the time was right, he hit the road and went out on a chase with two local storm chasers. KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer hosts.

7/30/09 This week, KBIA's Austin Kim interviews Missouri's "most famous veterinarian," and Katie Dohse learns about grass that could solve soil toxicity problems, and then there's an outline of the different health care revamping plans that are currently in Congress. Hosted by Brian Lewis. (Pictured: Professor Chung-Ho Lin examines Eastern gamma grass in MU’s Forestry Department. Lin and Lincoln University Professor John Yang found that the grass has potential to remove explosive residue from soil.)

7/23/09 This week, President Obama's challenge to Congress to pass comprehensive health reform. A new recreation center in Centralia. And, a bit of Global Checkup. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis.

7/16/09 This week, you've heard our podcast pitches, "Technology makes everything better..." but, for some the internet causes strange new problems. Joe Garber investigates how internet addiction is treated in Missouri. Also, Justin Rottger speaks with a biologist about frog calls. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis.

7/09/09 This week, KBIA's Megan Granger has the story on invasive Bush Honeysuckle and those seeking to rid the forests of the plant. And, KBIA's Allison Clarke goes frog hunting, or 'gigging' at the beginning of frog hunting season. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis.

7/02/09 This past May the city cleared a two mile section of brushy and trees to widen Scott Boulevard. Although the project will improve traffic conditions for Columbia residents, the clearing of the construction was likely fatal for some local migratory birds and, it could be in violation of federal law. Plus, this week Major League Baseball has a big fat controversy cooking over a new billboard for the All-Star Game.

6/25/09 In Missouri nearly 300,000 people with insurance have spent more than a quarter of their pre-tax income on out-of-pocket health care costs. This highlights a problem: Even people with insurance are not protected from high medical bills. (Pictured: GRO members discuss health care options.)

Web Extra! KBIA's Meg Burcke presents this video profile about uninsured mother Cassondra O'Black.

6/18/09 This week on Under the Microscope: KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer reports about the probability that Gov. Nixon will cut funding for Ellis Fischel Cancer Center from the state's budget. Also, Lisa Hoscheidt brings news of a new MU Orthopedic Institute. And, KBIA's Shane Hoffman looks at how children learn new words.

6/11/09 This week we have an update on the case of active tuberculosis, or TB that was announced earlier this week in Columbia. KBIA's Brandon Spencer tells us how rain gardens may be a solution to run-off carrying away your yard. Also, KBIA's Cassandra Clemens has a story in the same, meteorological vein, about new research that provides a more effective means of measuring the size of hail. Hosted by Brian Lewis.

6/04/09 Some are calling Ida, the 47 million year old fossil unveiled by Doctors Jorn Hurum and Phil Gingrich, the missing link between humans and early primates. Host Brian Lewis sits down with University of Missouri biological anthropologist Dr. Matthew Ravosa to find out what's important about Ida and what's hype. Also, KBIA's Jennifer Elston brings us a story about a disease vector unique to bats. (Left: Ida, Atlantic Productions)

Web Extra! Listen to the full interview with Dr. Ravosa and hear about another researcher who's uncovered what seem to be tiny proto-humans in China here .

5/28/09 This week, KBIA's Rachel Moten explains about a new program in Boone County targeting the risk factors for stroke. Also, Joel Walsh talks poisonous snakes with a herpetologist. And, Missouri Science Roundup features plants that are just too healthy. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis.

5/21/09 This week, KBIA's Bobby Meeder goes down to the River at Rocheport with volunteers to clean up the Mighty Mo. Also, KBIA's Ken Boehlke reports from Hartsburg about a once-injured bald eagle being released into the wild. Finally, the debut of Missouri Science Roundup, with an exploration of rock star paleontologist. Hosted by KBIA's Brian Lewis. (Pictured left: Tom the Bald Eagle facing freedom again.)

5/14/09 Laura Xiao tells us about how running may be all the strength training you need. Then, Nina Moini has more on the history of viruses. And finally, host Kevin Lorenz gives his farewell to KBIA.

5/7/09 Elle Moxley has more on broadband internet, or the lack thereof in some areas in rural Missouri. Later, Gretchen Mahan sits down with Jerry Taylor, one of the scientists who helped sequence the bovine genome. Hosted by Kevin Lorenz.

4/30/09 An in-depth look at the H1N1 flu issue. First, Phil Brooks tells us about Missouri's first suspected swine flu case. Later, Ashley Crimaldi has more about how pork farmers are hurt by the term "swine flu," Brad Fischer tells us about Mid-Missouri's pandemic preparedness, and Boone County's Genalee Alexander clears up some Swine Flu confusion. Finally, how has the Capitol dealt with the fear of the H1N1 virus? The Global Checkup reveals that scoop. Hosted by Kevin Lorenz.

4/23/09 Austin Coates tells us about a familiar tree species invading Missouri. Later, Justin Rottger has more on efforts to preserve Missouri's prairies. And finally, are teachers unfairly targeting gum chewers in the classroom? Hosted by Kevin Lorenz.

4/16/09 Carolina Astrain tells us about an iTunes-like film distribution program for independent films, and Brian Lewis reports on a local Missouri farmer trying to become self-sustaining. Hosted by Kevin Lorenz.

4/9/09 The U.S. government instituted the largest-ever federal tobacco tax on April 1st. The 62-cent jump raised the tax from 39 cents to $1.01. Steve Weinman took it to the streets of Columbia to get reactions from smokers. Dr. Drew Pinsky, 20-year host of "Loveline" and more recently VH1's "Celebrity Rehab" and "Sober House," visits MU's campus. Ashley Moore talks to Dr. Drew and gets student reactions to "the hook-up." Also, the Missouri House approves a measure requiring drug tests for welfare recipients. Rebecca Beitsch reports on debate this caused on the Capital. And on this week's Global Check Up, NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets clinch their first ever playoff spot with the help of a new addition ... a little love and support? Hosted by Kevin Lorenz.

4/2/09 The Missouri Department of Heath and Senior Services is trying to set better nutrition guidelines for day-care centers. Joe Garber met with a local pre-school director to discuss the Eat Smart program. Also this week, Tim Lloyd reports on how couples are using social networking sites to help build their families. Hosted by Maureen McCollum. Check out a video of Maria and Nathan Kwarta.

To access archives of Under the Microscope features in streaming audio, click on year: