Uncommon Knowledge

Time: Monday, 7:37 AM
Hosts: Janet Moore & Jay Ansher

This 2 ½-minute science program is produced by WGLT, the Illinois State University Department of Physics and the Challenger Learning Center at Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, IL. Uncommon Knowledge briefly explains everyday scientific events with a light, but rooted-in-science approach. Episodes can be heard Monday at 7:37 AM on our live stream or on the air in central Illinois at 103.5 and 89.1 FM.

 

 

 

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Recent Episodes


Sun Sneeze (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Some sneeze when exposed to bright light. Learn more about photic sneezes during this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

Bones (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008
Run Time: 2:20
You not only become less flexible as you age, you actually lose bones. Find out where they go.

Pi Day (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008
Run Time: 2:20
You may like cherry. On March 14 (3.14) some will celebrate a different kind of pi.

Leap Day (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Chance are you don't know ALL the rules about Leap Day. But Jay and Janet do and share in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

Asparagus Pee (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Sometimes it stinks...sometimes it doesn't. Depends upon your DNA, which can determine not only if you produce funny smelling pee after eating asparagus but your ability to smell it too.

How Soap Works (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008
Run Time: 2:20
You use it every day (or should), but do you know how soap cleans? Find out as Jay, Janet and an expert explains.

Winter Cold-Summer Hot (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008
Run Time: 2:20
There are reasons for the seasons...but it not because the earth is closer or farther from the sun.

Jellyfish Sting and Urine (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Find out if it's a myth that peeing on a jellyfish sting alleviates pain.

New Year's Day (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2007
Run Time: 2:20
Discover why the first day of the year falls on January first...and where other historic calendars place the first day of the year.

Frankincense and Myrrh (mp3)
Air Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007
Run Time: 2:20
Find out why Frankincense and Myrrh were among the three kings gifts the infant Jesus and why the two items are important in the story of His birth.

Astronaut Pilots and Lasik (mp3)
Air Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2007
Run Time: 2:20
Good vision is still a hurdle to jump before becoming a pilot or astronaut. However, new technology and new NASA rules makes perfect vision a non-issue.

Blood in Space (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007
Run Time: 2:20
Blood in Space is not the title of a new sci-fi series. Find out what astronauts have to deal with as they lose blood volume while orbiting the earth.

Swallowing Gum (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007
Run Time: 2:20
Just how long does chewing gum stay in your stomach? As you'll find out, a lot less time than a bubble gum pop hit will stay in your head.

Turkey and L Tryptophan (mp3)
Air Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007
Run Time: 2:20
When you get sleepy after that big turkey meal on Thanksgiving Day, it must because of the chemical properties of the turkey, right? Find out what's really going on to make you head for the couch after your holiday meal.

China and Globalization (mp3)
Air Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007
Run Time: 2:20
A butterfly flapping its wings in Asia won't create a hurricane in the Western Hemisphere, but goats grazing in China can pollute our air.

The Middle East (mp3)
Air Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2007
Run Time: 2:20
The term "Middle East" can be a little confusing. The phrase has been around for a little more than 100 years...and it's not going away.

Ice Cream Headache (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2007
Run Time: 2:20
It's the side effect of the tasty frozen treat and it's one of the most painful headaches you can get.

Dirty Money (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2007
Run Time: 2:20
We all want more of it. Money is not exactly clean...but it's not very dangerous either.

Hot Peppers (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2007
Run Time: 2:20
Discover what puts the hot in hot peppers, how it's measured and how you can cut the heat.