Since 2006, ASPB has sponsored the radio program A Moment of Science (AMOS), which is produced by WFIU at Indiana University. AMOS answers a myriad of science-oriented questions about an array of natural phenomena. The program has archived* and can podcast** literally thousands of two-minute episodes, a subset of which focus on plant-related queries such as

• Can grass be turned into ethanol fuel?
• Does your lawn feel pain after being mowed?
• Could planting crops with waxier leaves reduce global warming?
• Why do plants flower when they flower?

AMOS maintains a careful balance between accuracy and approachability that appeals to both the general listener and the trained scientist. Researchers enjoy the thought-provoking break in the day provided by AMOS. Educators use AMOS to inspire scientific thinking in their classes for a wide variety of ages and courses. One listener reports, “The subjects are interesting and extremely well written . . . so much information [comes] across so concisely and so clearly.” With this feast of rich and easy-to-digest content, more people should have access to AMOS on their local radio station program menus.

Is AMOS on your local station? If you don’t see your station on the current AMOS stations list (sidebar) and would like to be able to listen to AMOS, here’s what you can do:

Retrieve the program manager’s contact information from your favorite station’s website. Call or e-mail to ask the manager to explore AMOS via http://www.amomentofscience.org and then add the show to their programming. Emphasize to the program manager that AMOS is available for free to public and commercial radio. Explain that it is easy to access via convenient FTP downloads. Be clear about why you like AMOS and why you think it will appeal to the station’s audience. Suggested points to share:

• It’s free!
• Everyone benefits when citizen-scientists receive correct information.
• Your listeners will enjoy fun and intelligent insights about science in their daily lives.
• You and your station will receive kudos for bringing clear and clever science to the airwaves.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact AMOS directly.

Also available:
*AMOS archives
**AMOS podcasts