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b'(repeat) Fir tree needles embedded in carpet are a holiday headache.\\xa0Why not decorate a genetically-modified, needle-retaining tree instead?\\xa0It\\u2019s just another way that science is relevant to the holidays.\\xa0We have more.\\nHow about science experiments on fruitcake?\\xa0There\\u2019s a competition that includes launching it with a pneumatic device, running a heavy electric current though it, or blasting it with a blowtorch.\\xa0Meanwhile, physics provides insight into those tricky how-does-he-do-it questions about Santa\\u2019s delivery rounds.\\xa0\\xa0\\nFinally, step away from the relatives and consider the implications of the winter solstice.\\xa0\\nEnjoy a better holiday through science!\\nGuests:\\n\\n\\n Jenna Gallas\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Special Event Coordinator, Manitou Springs Chamber of Congress, Colorado\\n\\n\\nLaura Kramer\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Manager of Science Conductors, Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond\\n\\n\\nLilian Matallana\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Research Associate, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh\\n\\n\\nBen Orlin\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Math teacher, and author of \\u201cMath with Bad Drawings: Illuminating the Ideas That Shape Our Reality\\u201d\\n\\n\\nEthan Siegel\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Theoretical astrophysicist and owner of \\u201cStarts with a Bang!\\u201d blog\\n\\n\\nAndrew Fraknoi\\xa0\\u2013\\xa0Astronomer and educator, author of \\u201cIntroduction to Astronomy\\u201d\\n\\n\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'