Cows may not feel guilty about the damage their waste does to the environment, but according to a behavioral scientist, they seem excited about potty training. Calves are learning to pee in a place where people can collect their urine in order to reduce the amount of it that pollutes the environment. When the calves successfully use the “potty,” trainers reward them for their efforts. Listen to learn more about how cow urine impacts the environment and hear how potty training a baby cow is similar to potty training a baby human.
Story Length: 3:18
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June 16, 2021
3:09
A visitor to rural Botswana might notice an odd sight: eyes painted on the rear ends of cows. It all began when farmers started complaining that predators, including lions and leopards, were killing their cows, which has contributed to the endangerment of the cats. Enter two Australian biologists with an unusual idea: painting eyes on the rumps of cows to confuse the predator cats. Listen to hear the scientists explain more about their novel idea and how well it worked.
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2021
1:37
The world's billion-and-a-half cows produce huge amounts of methane, a gas that contributes to global warming. Methane is made in cows’ guts as they digest their food. When they burp and fart, they spew the gas into the air. Now, scientists have found a simple, unexpected way to reduce methane production in cows. Listen to learn about a surprising solution to the problem of gassy cows and how it may help address climate change.
Read MoreNovember 16, 2018
1:36
Many teachers use food to reward students, but often these foods are unhealthy. Since childhood obesity is a growing problem nationally, there is concern that celebrating with junk food at school may be contributing to students’ poor health. Listen to hear why one California school district is discouraging the use of edible prizes in school and debate: Should teachers reward students with junk food?
Read MoreOctober 3, 2017
3:41
After Hurricane Harvey in Texas, many people evacuated their homes and are now living in shelters. Leaving home during an emergency was especially difficult for parents of small children. Even though they brought supplies when they left their homes, an essential item that runs out quickly is diapers. Toddlers need 6-8 every day, and infants need twice as many. Listen to hear more about how this issue is affecting families and how it is being solved.
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