The magnitude-9.0 megaquake that struck Japan on March 11th, 2011 induced many more earthquakes across country, some of them in places where quakes almost never happen. In addition, there are twenty Japanese volcanoes that rumbling more since megaquake. A mass of data on these quakes and volcanoes is being studied for clues as to where the next megaquake will strike, and what we can do to mitigate the damage. What exactly has been happening underneath Japan? We report on the latest science.

There is an amazing world beneath our feet, from earthworms and woodlice to countless tiny bacteria. And we don't know very much at all about how 99% of these creatures actually live. Scientists are learning how symbiotic relationships between the creatures of the soil form complex ecosystems. Organisms called endophytes that live inside plants are attracting particular attention. Soil ecology is a deep and fascinating field. What are some of the extraordinary features of the soil and its ecosystems? The latest science is uncovering the universe hidden beneath the soil.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in Japan. Among the many new cancer treatments currently being researched, a method that uses viruses to kill cancer cells is attracting particular attention. This surprising method, using a pathogen to fight cancer, is made possible by a very common virus: herpes. The genes of the herpes virus are recombined to render it harmless to healthy cells, but deadly to cancer cells. In animal experiments, scientists altered just three of herpes's genes, but this small change created a virus with powerful anti-cancer properties. Human clinical tests are now underway. Will this method become a common form of cancer treatment? Join us as we investigate.