WGLT-FM: Assorted stories from WGLT-FM : NPR

You've tested positive for a disease. The chances you actually have the disease could have more to do with "conditional probability" than medical science. Jay and Janet explain in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

Weather in the southern Pacific can affect precipitation and temperatures in central Illinois. Jay and Janet explain the El Niño-La Niña phenomenon.

A listener asked last week, "Why do I sneeze when I go into the sunlight?" We have the answer...from an episode first aired in April 2008.

One of the biggest sources of water pollution is runoff after a storm. But as Jay and Janet learn there are things Illinois State University is doing to naturally filter storm water.

It's getting harder to blame big business and industry for water pollution. In this episode of Uncommon Knowledge, Jay and Janet explain how to stop pollution at home.

The problem of water pollution is solved? Well, not quite. Learn more in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

Cold season is finished. But as you know, you can catch a cold anytime of the year. Listen as Jay and Janet explain what causes the common cold, why it's probably called a "cold" and what you can do to avoid catching a cold.

Myth or truth: It can get so cold it can't snow. Jay and Janet help explain the meteorological truth in this seasonal episode.

We usually think of practices upstream having an effect downstream...but rivers are two way "streets" and what happens downstream can also have a big effect upstream. In part four of a month long series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance. Jay and Janet explain what happens downstream can have a big ecological and economic impact upstream.

Life downstream of a reservoir is controlled in part by whoever is in charge upstream. In part three of a month long series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance. Jay and Janet explain the consequences and benefits of reservoirs.

In some states, just because rain falls on your property doesn't mean the water belongs to you. In part two of a series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance, Jay and Janet skim the surface of...water rights.

The earth is practically covered with water, but without an expensive process, none of it is very useful. In the first part of a series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge is celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance. Jay and Janet explain the problems with desalination.

A mole is animal which burrows underground. It's a spot on your chin you have to shave around. It's also a unit of measurement. Jay and Janet celebrate Mole Day in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

Producing some coins in the U.S. cost more than the coin is worth. What's up with that? Jay and Janet explain.

The earth may be unique...but it is not the only planet in our galaxy. Astronomers are finding more and more thanks to an eye in the sky. Jay and Janet have the latest on the search for planets and what scientists have already found.