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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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.

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