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Uncommon Knowledge

Recent Episodes

Volcano Viscosity (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009
Run Time: 3:00
Uncommon Knowledge celebrates three years on the air during January 2009 with the first episode which aired January 15, 2006. Some Volcanos are more prone to exploding than others and the difference is as simple as the difference between peanut butter and ketchup.

Holy Light (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008
Run Time: 3:00
The star of Bethlehem wasn't a comet or a meteor. So just what was the light in the east the wise men followed?

Turkey and L Tryptophan (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008
Run Time: 3:00
You may get sleepy after a turkey dinner, but don't blame the turkey. Chance are it's your fault.

Northwest Passage Opening (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008
Run Time: 3:00
An open Northwest Passage would be a huge shortcut from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Most of the time, thick ice makes it impassible. Global warming may be changing that. WGLT and the Illinois Geographic Alliance are celebrating National Geographic's Geography Action with a focus on the Americas and this week on the Northwest Passage.

Disappearing American Languages (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Most of the cultures and languages in the Americas are gone. But despite that remains a surprisingly large number languages still spoken. WGLT and the Illinois Geographic Alliance are celebrating National Geographic's Geography Action with a focus on the Americas.

The Political River (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008
Run Time: 2:20
The Colorado river in the western U.S. is the most politicized in the country. As we celebrate National Geographic's Geography Action with the Illinois Geographic Alliance, find out why.

CFLs and Mercury Pollution (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Compact fluorescent light bulbs save energy, but can cause mercury pollution when not recycled. Coal burning power plants emit mercury, but emit less when powering compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Red Skies (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008
Run Time: 2:20
It’s an age old saying giving sailors a forecast of sorts. But does the color the sky really give sailors delight or warning? Hosts Janet Moore and Jay Ansher get to the bottom "red skies."

Talking to Animals (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Most animals don't have the brains for language. The ones that do, such as primates, don't have the vocal chords. But that doesn't mean they can't communicate.

Lead VS. Feathers (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008
Run Time: 2:20
You know a pound of lead and a pound of feathers weighs...a pound. But why does one FEEL heavier?

Caffeine (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Caffeine gives you that boost to wake you up or keep you going. Find out how it works in the body.

Photic Sneeze (mp3)
Air Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008
Run Time: 2:20
You hit the sunlight and you sneeze...or maybe not. Jay and Janet clue you in why bright light sometimes makes some people sneeze.

Fruit in a Bag (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Tired of waiting for that peach to ripen? There's a short cut. Learn more with this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

Lightning and Nitrogen (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Nitrogen is an essential for plants and lightning helps produce this nutrient.

Tanning to Prevent Burn (mp3)
Air Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Find out if getting a tan -- or a base -- will help prevent a sunburn.

Bones (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008
Run Time: 2:20
More or less, you have have about 200 bones in your body...depending upon your body's age. Jay and Janet explain.

Fireworks and Colors (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Fourth of July fireworks without colors would just be a series of loud bangs. Find out what puts the oohs and aahs in fireworks displays.

SPF (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008
Run Time: 2:20
There's more to protecting yourself from harmful UV rays than slathering on sunscreen. Jay and Janet tell you what kind you need to buy, how often you should put it on and what SPF numbers mean.

Food-Drug Interaction (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Some foods can affect the effectiveness of your prescription. Some interactions could be dangerous.

Good Tackle (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 26 May 2008
Run Time: 2:20
ISU's Head Football Coach Denver Johnson explains how to make a good tackle and Jay and Janet explain the physics behind the move.

Grounded Baby Bird (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 19 May 2008
Run Time: 2:20
Do you pick up a baby bird or leave it alone? Jay and Janet have the answer and tell you why.

HDTV (mp3)
Air Date: Mon, 12 May 2008
Run Time: 2:20
You may want to get a new TV soon. You may have to get a converter box soon. Regular, analog TV broadcasts cease in February 2009.