Welcome to Materials Today podcasts, where we break free from the shackles of the written word and bring our coverage of emerging trends in materials science into the world of audio and broadcasting.

	A bright future inspired by nature The structural colors found in many birds, butterflies, and beetles have much to tell us about optical nanostructures, while moths may point us in the direction of more efficient solar cells. Richard Prum and Darren Bagnall (right) take time out of an Institute of Physics meeting to explain what's going on. April 17, 2008

	Coffee shop chat: introducing synthetic biology James Collins of Boston University talked to Jonathan Wood about synthetic biology – what it is and why materials scientists should be interested – in a well-known chain of coffee shops during the recent Fall meeting of the Materials Research Society. January 23, 2008

Quick guide

To listen to a podcast, use the audio player above. Or right-click on the title, and hit 'Save target as' to download the mp3 file and use an audio player such as Windows Media Player, iTunes , QuickTime, or RealPlayer.

We'll produce these shows throughout the year, including interviews with prominent researchers, profiles of new areas, and comment on topical issues. Make sure you subscribe to our e-alerts so that you know when they appear.