For more than a decade, scientists have been discovering ways in which the molecules of DNA could be used to solve computational problems. Theoretically, this could lead to fully functional computers based on DNA logic. But more likely, it will enable us to build DNA-based nanostructures that will be able to perform amazingly useful feats at the nanoscale. What are the implications? How is this technology likely to impact our lives? Keep listening to find out.

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Clean, renewable alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal get a lot of play. But, wave power and its cousin, tidal power, seem to offer many of the same benefits without some of the problems. So where does this technology stand? What is its potential? What opportunities might it present for investors? We’ll explain.

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China has become known as the “world’s factory.” But the focus on ever-cheaper products at ever-higher volumes has led to serious product quality problems that not only impact the contract manufacturers, but brands in the U.S. and the EU for which they manufacture. How is this trend likely to develop? What will China and its competitors do to resolve this problem? What can you do as a manager, consumer, and investor to avoid becoming a victim of future defective product crises? We’ll give you the answers.

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Blood transfusions have been a crucial part of medicine for more than 80 years. However, they remain subject to many of the same constraints they started with: limited supply, limited shelf life, risk of contamination, and the need to be stored in a carefully controlled environment. Fortunately, we now seem to be on the verge of practically eliminating all of these constraints with so-called “synthetic blood.” What is synthetic blood? What are its strengths and weaknesses? How close is it to commercialization? What are the likely implications? We’ll show you.

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OPEC and Russia have enjoyed an unprecedented influx of cash since oil prices began to rise sharply in 2005. But after peaking at $147 a barrel, prices have plummeted. What are the implications for the net importers of oil? What are the implications for the major exporters? What’s the long-term outlook? Keep listening to find out.

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Globalization took off with the collapse of the Berlin Wall and it’s now come a long way from where it was in 1989. However, as the recent financial crisis showed us, it’s time to evolve past the de facto roles that have been played by various national economies. What are the implications? What are the threats and opportunities? We’ll explain.

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Everywhere you look, people seem to be trying to spend less. It started when the average national gasoline price hit $4.00 per gallon. Then, frightened by a fall in 401(k) assets, the collapse of housing prices, and a weakening in the availability of financing for big-ticket purchases, consumers suddenly turned very cautious. Even the elite were hit. What’s going on? Why is this happening? What are the implications? When, if ever, will this “new frugality” come to an end? We’ll show you.

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Not since the end of World War II has there been so much uncertainty and instability in the world. Tensions and imbalances that have been building since the end of the Cold War suddenly reached the crisis stage in recent months, and government, business, and individuals alike have had to deal with the fall-out. What’s going to happen to the global financial system? What do you need to know to make the most of the changes ahead? We’ll explain.

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