Computerized systems for labeling photos should save digital image uploaders a lot of time, and cause many more pictures to be found during web image searches.

Mice with slightly cooler core body temperatures live significantly longer than average.

More vampire news: a newly published mathematical analysis (geometric progression) says that if vampires existed all humans would be gone by now--but that analysis fails to take into account more complex predator-prey mathematics (coupled differential equations).

Two touted antismoking measures--media campaigns aimed at parents and ventilation systems to protect nonsmokers in restaurants--may actually increase exposure to smoke.

In this episode, journalist Larry Tye talks about his new book, SHOCK, written with electroshock patient Kitty Dukakis, wife of former governor and presidential candidate Michael Dukakis. Following Tye, Charles Welch, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital electroconvulsive therapy program, discusses the treatments knowns and unknowns. Then Scientific American editor Christine Soares shares some insights about an unusual stem cell research conference held last week in New York City. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned on this episode include www.egrandslam.com; www.sciam.com/news; blog.sciam.com.

Guest commentator Thrush Limbo (or someone dressing up their voice as such for Halloween) discusses the disconnect between science and politics.

Alcohol consumption is linked to oral and other specific cancers. New research pins down the molecular evidence that a chemical compound formed in the metabolism of alcohol is really to blame.

As recently as the 1890s, some New Englanders believed that their dead relatives were vampires, feeding on the living. And, in fact, the dead could look better when exhumed than they did while still alive. Now we know why. http://users.net1plus.com/vyrdolak/NEFolkbelief.htm

Studies of smokers in a hospital intensive care unit found that they are probably better off going cold turkey than being given nicotine replacement therapy to deal with withdrawal while hospitalized.

Three stories from the Geological Society of America's annual meeting: a 5600-year-old corral; 75-million-year-old stomach worms; health impacts of global warming.

In this episode, evolutionary biologist Sean Carroll talks about his new book, "The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution." Even without fossils or comparative anatomy, vast amounts of evidence for evolution and its mechanisms exist in the genomes of the organisms alive today. Carroll discusses immortal genes, fossil genes and repetition in evolution, as well as environmental issues in light of evolutionary understanding. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned on this episode include www.seanbcarroll.com; www.egrandslam.com; www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/babies; www.sciam.com/news; www.sciam.com/podcast

A test of isotopes found in a patient's hair reveals recent changes in diet and body chemistry associated with anorexia and bulimia.

Sunlight drives the chemistry of life on the surface, but a microbial community found deep underground relies on uranium radiation to fuel life.