³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

When did species such pelicans with flip-top bin beaks diversify from their bird-like dinosaur ancestors? A new citizen-science study sheds light on the whole process.

Thirty nine million people world-wide are blind. In many rural areas the piece of equipment used to examine eyes - an ophthalmoscope - is not available. John Sandford-Smith discusses a new cheap, solar-powered version of the device.

Stephen Ramsey is one of only a few scientific glassblowers left in the world. Caroline Steel reports on the hope that an apprentice might be taken on in preparation for his retirement.

Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez used to be considered the world’s murder capital. The killings have decreased, but violence remains high. As Irene Caselli reports a rise in the number of suicides among young people has prompted a campaign to provide psychological support.

Alison Smith talks to Jim al-Khalili about algae's sometimes bizarre biochemistry; and about how we may become dependent on algae when the oil runs out.

Asi Burak is an advocate for using videogames to encourage empathy for people such as refugees in flight from war zones. Burak discusses videogames such as Peace Maker, as highlighted in his new book, Power Play.

(Picture caption: White pelicans try to catch fish with wide open beaks © Bernd Wustneck/AFP/Getty Images)

The Science Hour was presented by Gareth Mitchell with comments from ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Science Correspondent Jonathan Amos

Producer: Colin Grant

Show less