Not believe in UFOs? You might as well not believe in fairies. Or, as Francis P. Church also wrote to young Virginia O'Hanlon, "In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge." (Photo from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")

A plague is stalking bats and needs to be countered. As biologist George Johnson explains, the bad reputation of the winged mammals is entirely unwarranted. They help control insect pests, pollinate plants and and can be important to people medically.

The report that 8 percent of Americans now have diabetes mirrors an explosion of the disease worldwide. Biologist George Johnson looks at the parallel rise in obesity and the research that is being done and outlines the promising findings of studies with mice.

The collapse of honeybee colonies has increased attention on the insects, bugs and even reptiles that pollinate plants. A program coordinated by the University of Illinois and the St. Louis Zoo is trying to get an idea of how large the local bee population is.

Yellowjacket photo by Rachel Heidenry | The Beacon 

Some risk factors are easier to detect than others. Science is now looking at a molecule called C-reactive protein. Professor George Johnson discusses whether people should have a test for CRP.

That's Albert Pujols, not Einstein. Ever watch the slugger lift a long one into the bullpen and wonder what goes into making a batted ball a home run? Professor George Johnson explains. 

Photo Copyright St. Louis Cardinals 

In an ironic twist, concern over the environment may help revive the nation's long dormant nuclear power industry. For the first time since 1978, applications for new licenses are being submitted, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission had extended the licenses of roughly half the plants on line. But have the environmental issues that helped derail nuclear power in the '80s been resolved? Image from SXC.HU

In Korea, tens of tousands are demonstrating while the prime minister and cabinet have tendered their resignations in an attempt to calm the public outcry. Why? Fear of American beef and mad cow disease. George Johnson explains the disease and the danger.

Photo from USDA