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Tuesday November 30, 2004

Research News

Study: Stress Linked to Chromosome Damage, Aging

November 30, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks with Rob Stein of The Washington Post about a new study that helps explain the link between stress and aging. Scientists believe stress shortens the tips of chromosomes in human cells, hastening the process of aging.

Study: Stress Linked to Chromosome Damage, Aging

Audio will be available later today.

Tuesday November 23, 2004

Research News

Source of Amphibian Fungus Pinpointed

November 23, 2004 • A researcher from South Africa thinks he's found the source of a mysterious fungus that has been killing amphibians since the early 1990s. The chytrid fungus has been linked to huge amphibian die-offs around the world. NPR's John Nielsen reports.

Source of Amphibian Fungus Pinpointed

Audio will be available later today.

National

Farm-Bred Turkeys Make Comeback

November 23, 2004 • Since the 1950s, breeds of turkeys that used to run around family farms have been replaced by a faster-growing type that's good for factory farming. But more farmers are rediscovering these older breeds that had all but disappeared. NPR's Chris Arnold reports.

Farm-Bred Turkeys Make Comeback

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Friday November 19, 2004

Education

Teaching Evolution

November 19, 2004 • A Pennsylvania school district has mandated that a theory called "intelligent design" be taught along with evolution in public schools. We take a look at that and other recent challenges to teaching evolution in public schools.

Teaching Evolution

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Anthropology Update: Spanish Scientists Discover Ape Fossil

November 19, 2004 • Researchers in Spain say they've made a fossil find that could be close to the last common ancestor of all great apes and humans. We'll find out about the new member of the family tree.

Anthropology Update: Spanish Scientists Discover Ape Fossil

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Richard Dawkins, 'Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution'

November 19, 2004 • We have a conversation with biologist Richard Dawkins, and make a pilgrimage back in time.

Richard Dawkins, 'Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution'

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Thursday November 18, 2004

Cat Cloning at Genetic Savings and Clone

November 18, 2004 • NPR's Laura Sydell reports on a company called -- no kidding -- Genetic Savings and Clone, that's developing a process to genetically clone cats. Though some scientists are skeptical, several pet lovers are willing to spend a reported $50,000 for the procedure.

Cat Cloning at Genetic Savings and Clone

Audio will be available later today.

Technology

NASA 'Scramjet' Streaks Across Pacific

November 18, 2004 • NPR's Noah Adams speaks with NPR's Ira Flatow, host of Talk of the Nation Science Friday, about the successful flight of a NASA prototype "scramjet," an unmanned experimental aircraft with a revolutionary new air-breathing engine that achieved a speed of nearly 7,000 mph in a recent test mission over the Pacific Ocean.

NASA 'Scramjet' Streaks Across Pacific

Audio will be available later today.

Where Science Meets Art

MIT-Trained Artist Blurs Technology and Art

November 18, 2004 • An artist educated at MIT has a unique perspective on his trade. Using lasers, heart monitors and other technological gadgets, Christopher Janney explores the nature of creativity and origin of the soul.

MIT-Trained Artist Blurs Technology and Art

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Wednesday November 17, 2004

Space

NASA Sets a New Speed Record

November 17, 2004 • A NASA research jet sets a new air-speed record for air-breathing engines by traveling nearly 7,000 mph, or 10 times the speed of sound. After its release from beneath the larger craft's wing, a booster rocket ignited, sending the X-43A on its way. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.

NASA Sets a New Speed Record

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Monday November 15, 2004

Radio Expeditions

Desert Locusts Plague West Africa

November 15, 2004 • Swarms of desert locusts many miles long descended on West Africa this summer and fall -- the worst invasion of these voracious pests in more than 15 years.

Desert Locusts Plague West Africa

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Where Science Meets Art

Music Helps Physicians Heal Themselves

November 15, 2004 • When they aren't seeing patients, many doctors moonlight as musicians. Doctors' orchestras exist in a handful of cities around the country. Many doctors say these groups help them unwind. Some think it makes them better physicians, too. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

Music Helps Physicians Heal Themselves

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Sunday November 14, 2004

Space

Mars Rovers Still at Work

November 14, 2004 • The two Mars rovers, Opportunity and Sprit, are showing signs of wear... not surprising, since their mission was expected to end in April. But they're still beaming signals to Earth. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Mars Rovers Still at Work

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Friday November 12, 2004

Environment

Climate Change Update

November 12, 2004 • A study out this week details the extent of global warming in the Arctic -- and it's greater than scientists thought.

Climate Change Update

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Thursday November 11, 2004

Environment

Study: Arctic Glaciers Melting at Alarming Rate

November 11, 2004 • NPR's Noah Adams talks to NPR's Ira Flatow, host of Talk of the Nation Science Friday, about a comprehensive study released this week that warns that Arctic glaciers are melting at an alarming rate.

Study: Arctic Glaciers Melting at Alarming Rate

Audio will be available later today.

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