By Reeve Hamilton

The research projects explored in the newest episode of Why Not Change the World? The RPI Podcast sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it turns out they are as real as they are fascinating.

First, Shayla Sawyer, associate professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, talks about her work with metal-breathing bacteria — and how it can be used to transform electronics, biosensors, and more.

Then, Alexandros Tsamis, assistant professor in the School of Architecture and assistant director of the Rensselaer Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE), talks about the development of what he calls “Climate Adaptive Envelope Systems.” They are based on, of all things, a frog.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, or TuneIn.