Summary: It is the world’s largest single structure built by living organisms, but the Great Barrier Reef has lost half its size since 1985. This dismal assessment is part of a new study of the GBR that Washington Post environmental reporter Juliet Eilperin shares with Sam Litzinger. New York Times science reporter Benedict Carey has information about new research in which primate intelligence was enhanced via the use of a special brain implant. The procedure is being considered for application in human patients suffering from brain ailments. Also featured: BirdNote, our weekly exploration of living things with wings. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James
