http://news.stlpublicradio.org en http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/having-dog-may-mean-having-extra-microbes North Carolina State University biologist Rob Dunn and colleagues surveyed people's pillow cases, refrigerators, toilet seats, TV screens and other household spots, to learn about the microbes that dwell in our homes. Among the findings, reported in the journal PLoS One, homes with dogs had more diverse bacterial communities, and higher numbers of "dog-associated" bacteria. Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:00 +0000 26707 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/tackling-new-tech-golden-years Smartphones, tablets and computers could help seniors stay connected to their communities and families. But a hefty price tag, steep learning curves, and designs meant for younger eyes and hands could keep some older adults from logging on. Guests discuss the best ways for seniors to tackle new technology, and how devices can be adapted to accommodate older users. Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:00 +0000 26708 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/tracking-killer-tornadoes A series of tornadoes struck the central United States this week, including a powerful storm in Oklahoma that killed at least 24 people. Marshall Shepherd, the president of the American Meteorological Society, describes the ingredients of major tornadoes, and how they are predicted. Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:00 +0000 26709 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/read-down-memory-lane-lessons-your-former-self Writings from childhood — cards, stories and other notes — can hide for decades, like time capsules tucked away in boxes, old bedrooms, attics and journals. Writer Jim Sollisch talks about how old thank you notes from his youth foreshadowed his adult life. Thu, 23 May 2013 17:55:00 +0000 26670 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/look-ahead-flash-point-south-china-sea Beijing continues to pressure its neighbors over strings of disputed areas in the South China Sea that reportedly hold massive deposits of oil and gas. The ongoing disputes raise serious questions about China's goals in the region and how the United States should address escalating tensions. Thu, 23 May 2013 17:53:00 +0000 26669 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org