PBS Newshour - Science
-
Honoring Sally Ride's Legacy as Scientist, Trailblazer,...
President Barack Obama announced he would posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Sally Ride, the first woman in space. NewsHour's science correspondent Miles O'Brien reflects on Ride's legacy and her impact as an educator who encouraged young women to study science, technology, engineering and math.
-
Coding Skills Combine With Civic Consciousness to...
Code for America, a San Francisco nonprofit, enlists high tech professionals to work with local governments to create tools to help average citizens tackle hunger, blight and other civic problems. NewsHour correspondent Spencer Michels reports.
-
Yahoo Makes Bid for Reboot With $1.1 Billion Deal for...
Tech company Yahoo bought Tumblr for a reported $1.1 billion, adding the fast-growing social media site with more than 100 million blogs to its roster of assets. Jeffrey Brown talks with Rebecca Lieb, a research analyst for the Altimeter Group, about the appeal of the image-centric and mobile-friendly blogging platform.
-
Major Embryonic Stem Cell Advance Raises Ethical...
Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University have achieved a longtime goal. They cloned a human embryo to derive embryonic stem cells able to transform into tissues and organs genetically identical to patients who needs them. Jeffrey Brown talks to NPR's Rob Stein about the science as well as the ethical concerns.
-
Book Explores Societal Transfer of Power From Big...
Author Nicco Mele's new book, 'The End of Big,' explores how technology has made the world a smaller place, opening up new opportunities for local politics, small business and average citizens to wield influence. Political editor Christina Bellantoni talks to Mele about his work and the ways technology impacts our democracy.
-
News Wrap: Carbon Dioxide Level Hits Grim Milestone
In other news Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has reached a level not seen in millions of years. Also, the new skyscraper at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan now stands at its full height. The new structure will be the tallest in the U.S.
-
From Guatemalan Soil, Scientists Unearth Signs of...
In Guatemala, investigators using forensic science have compelling evidence that thousands of innocent indigenous Ixil Mayans were the target of extermination in the 1980s. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports on how murder, politics and science intersect in the genocide trial of former leader Efrain Rios Montt.
-
Hey, Look at This! San Francisco's Exploratorium Boasts...
San Francisco's Exploratorium, one of the nation's most successful science and technology centers, has just opened its brand new location. Spencer Michels reports on how the center's hands-on teaching approach peaks the imaginations of children and adults alike.
-
Google's Schmidt and Cohen Discuss Promise and Pitfalls...
Google's Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen explore the intersection of technology and democracy in their new book, "The Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of People, Nations and Business." Judy Woodruff talks to the authors about the promise and pitfalls of the digital future.
-
Crowdsourced Sleuthing Offers Extra Eyes and Ears, Some...
Sophisticated technology and crowdsourcing have helped police and the public work together in identifying the suspects in the Boston bombing. But some of the theories posited online have targeted innocent people. Ray Suarez interviews former deputy homeland security adviser Richard Falkenrath and Will Oremus of Slate.
-
Rise of Domestic Drones Draws Questions About Privacy,...
The increased domestic use of small unmanned aerial devices known as drones have spurred enthusiasm from law enforcement officials to amateur photographers. But the evolving use of the technology has also triggered privacy concerns. Hari Sreenivasan reports on the debate surrounding acceptable uses of domestic drones.
-
Supreme Court Tackles Case of Patent Law, Human Genetics
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case on whether a biotech company can patent a gene associated with cancer. Jeffrey Brown gets details from National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle, plus viewpoints from Ellen Matloff of Yale Cancer Center, a plaintiff in the case, and Kevin Noonan, an intellectual property attorney.
-
What Do Federal Spending Cuts Mean for Science and...
Major science organizations rely heavily on government funding, including top federal programs like the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and NASA. Jeffrey Brown talks to Matt Hourihan of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on how the sequester will impact researchers.
-
Generation of Tech-Savvy Toddlers Go for Tablets Over...
More and more, toddlers are grasping for tablets and smart phones over traditional toys. The Atlantic magazine explores this trend in its cover story, "The Touch-Screen Generation." Author Hanna Rosin joins Ray Suarez to discuss apps designed for kids, the impact of technology on childhood and whether parents should be worried.
-
Cyber War Over Spam Slows Access for Internet Users
A dispute between an online company that sends spam emails and a company trying to mitigate spam has led to the one of the largest reporter cyber attacks in history, creating slow access to common sites like Netflix for millions of web users. Hari Sreenivasan talks over the case with Nicole Perlroth of the New York Times.
-
Songs in the Key of Biology: Students Write Hip-Hop to...
In a New York City classroom, teachers use rap songs to teach complex science. Playlists are used as a metaphor to convey natural selection, and students compose raps songs to reinforce concepts. Ray Suarez reports on the effectiveness of this strategy and interviews hip-hop legend (and science geek) GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan.
-
Tennessee Is Home to U.S. Leader in Offering Fast,...
Chattanooga, Tenn., is home to American's fastest internet connection -- up to 200 times faster than the national average. Hari Sreenivasan talks with Sheldon Grizzle of The Company Lab and Richard Bennett from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation about whether Chattanooga offers a model for the rest of the U.S.
-
Decision Delayed on Dangerous Chemical Found in Drinking...
Science correspondent Miles O'Brien talks to scientists, members of the chemical industry and representatives from Pacific Gas and Electric about chromium-6 contamination in American drinking water. What is a safe level for humans to consume and why has the EPA stalled on setting a federal standard?
-
Protecting Americans From Danger in the Drinking Water
In part one of a two-part series Miles O’Brien travels to Hinkley, Calif., the town featured in the movie Erin Brockovich, for its multi-million battle over contaminated groundwater. O'Brien reports on the investigation into the chemical Chromium-6, the agency that regulates it and industry's influence on the process.
-
Researchers Aim to Unlock Genetic Data Goldmine for...
Researchers in the San Francisco Bay area believe genetic tests will help them find the best ways to treat and potentially prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, breast and prostate cancers. Spencer Michels reports on a giant data bank that houses genetic information on 200,000 people as part of a groundbreaking study.
-
Law Lags Behind in Defining Posthumous Protocol for...
What happens to your email, Facebook page and other digital property when you die? Naomi Cahn of the George Washington University School of Law, and Evan Carroll, co-author of "Your Digital Afterlife," talk to Jeffrey Brown about the legal and ethical quandaries of dealing with a loved one's digital assets after they're gone.
-
News Wrap: Jesse Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty to Campaign...
In other news Wednesday, Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to spending $750,000 of campaign funds on personal items. Also, the Obama administration launched a new strategy to fight cyber theft in light of a recent report showing a Chinese military unit hacked more that 140 U.S. computer systems.
-
U.S. Security Firm Report Says Chinese Hackers Targeted...
Though China denies the allegations, security firm Mandiant has issued a report detailing years of prolific cyber-espionage against the U.S. by a Chinese military unit. Mandiant's Richard Bejtlich and Christopher Johnson from the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Judy Woodruff to discuss what was stolen.
-
More Evidence Chinese Military Unit Hacked Hundreds of...
An intelligence report suggests that a secretive military unit in China has been hacking the computer systems of American corporations and organizations since 2006 and stealing information. President Obama highlighted the need for greater cyber security in his recent State of the Union address. Judy Woodruff reports.
-
Examining Cyber Security With Homeland Security...
Among the initiatives launched by President Obama in his State of the Union address was a comphrensive cyber security plan. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano talks with Ray Suarez about combating the growing threat of cyber attacks and the top three countries poised to launch cyber attacks against the U.S.
-
Cosmic Coincidence: Asteroid Careens by as Meteor...
On the same day as a meteor hit Russia, an asteroid careened towards Earth. Jeffrey Brown talks to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson about this cosmic coincidence, how the meteor and asteroid came so close to Earth, what risks it poses and why this is a 'wake-up call.'
-
Meteor Explosion of Atomic Bomb Strength Injures 1,000...
Paul Davies of Independent Television News reports that 10-ton meteor that fell over Russia with atomic bomb power. The meteor caused a fireball, blowing out windows and injuring 1,000 people.
-
What's Not to Like? Using the Facebook 'Like' to...
NewsHour's political editor Christina Bellantoni joins Daily Download's Lauren Ashburn and Howard Kurtz to discuss the ins and outs of 'liking' someone or something on Facebook as part of the NewsHour's continuing conversations about the digital world's cultural impact.
-
New Discoveries From NASA's 'Curiosity' Rover's Mission...
Spencer Michels has the story of NASA's newest rover vehicle, aptly named "Curiosity," and its mission to Mars. Curiosity has made some new discoveries, begging the age-old question, does life exist on the red planet?
-
New York Times Computer System Target of Lengthy Chinese...
The New York Times fell victim to a four-month cyber attack by Chinese hackers who cracked passwords to more than 50 email accounts, including those of top reporters. Ray Suarez talks with Times reporter Nicole Perlroth and Grady Summers, vice president of the cyber security company hired to investigate the attacks.
-
In Pre-Trial Hearings for WikiLeaks Case, Rulings on...
Pre-trial hearings against Army Pfc. Bradley Manning have ended. Manning is accused of "aiding the enemy" by leaking thousands of classified military documents, many of which were published on WikiLeaks. Hari Sreenivasan talks Arun Rath, a reporter for PBS' Frontline and PRI's The World, about what happened in the courtroom
-
Internet Innovator and Activist Aaron Swartz, 26, Faced...
Aaron Swartz, prodigy co-developer of RSS code and the website Reddit, faced federal charges for distributing articles from a subscription-based database. Swartz committed suicide at the age of 26. Margaret Warner talks to Wired magazine's Kevin Poulsen about Schwartz's advocacy to make data available to the public online.
-
Glimpsing Gadgets, Cutting Edge Technology at Consumer...
The annual International Consumer Electronic Show, one of the largest tech gatherings in the world, was held in Las Vegas this week. Ray Suarez talks to Washington Post reporter Cecilia Kang about technology improvements and new designs, from 3D printers to ultra HD televisions to mobile devices.
-
Talking Robots Play Part in Therapeutic Treatment for...
Researchers at University of Notre Dame and University of Southern California have found that robots can be less intimidating than humans to some patients. Ray Suarez reports on how researchers are using machines as nontraditional therapists to treat conditions such as autism in children and strokes for seniors.
-
Scientists Say Bottoms Up to Find the Connection Between...
Scientists have not found one master alcoholism gene in DNA but rather several that may affect a person's susceptibility. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien goes under the influence to examine the genetic science behind alcoholism and other addictions, and how the answers point to great challenges in curing substance abuse.
-
How to Protect Against the Dangers of Mobile Apps That...
Investigations are underway to see if companies that make apps are violating the privacy rights of kids by collecting personal data and sharing it with advertisers. Ray Suarez talks to Jessica Rich of the Federal Trade Commission and the Association for Competitive Technology's Morgan Reed on how to ensure privacy for children.
-
Grand Canyon May Be 60 Million Years Older Than...
A newly published study renews an old debate about the age of the Grand Canyon, positing a possibility that the geographical formation could be tens of millions of years older than current wisdom suggests, dating back to the time of dinosaurs. Margaret Warner talks to science correspondent Miles O'Brien about its significance.
-
Protecting New York From Future Superstorms as Sea...
As thousands of residents continue to clean up from Hurricane Sandy, many are anticipating future disasters and considering how New York will cope with rising seas and potentially more devastating flooding. Hari Sreenivasan reports on options like barriers that could protect the region from future storm surges.
-
The Power of Sleep: Why Humans Can't Stop Snoozing
Sleep deprivation can cause serious health and cognitive problems in humans. In short, it can make us fat, sick and stupid. But why do humans need so much sleep? Science correspondent Miles O'Brien talks to scientists on the cutting edge of sleep research and asks if there's any way humans might evolve into getting by with less.
-
Apple and Google Compete to Build, Maintain More Perfect...
In the business of modern mapmaking, there are high stakes for customer satisfaction. When Apple released its iPhone5, it replaced Google Maps with its own mapping technology -- and users were not happy. Spencer Michels reports on the challenges of creating digital maps and how crowdsourcing is making them more accurate.
-
Political Campaigns Target Off-the-Grid Voters with...
As Americans watch less broadcast television and spend more time online, political campaigns face difficulty reaching voters with traditional methods. Hari Sreenivasan reports how the Romney and Obama campaigns, with the help of new tools to gather data and target voters, may have cracked the code to reach off-the-grid voters.
-
How Campaigns Amass Your Personal Information to Deliver...
Political advertisers now have unprecedented access to online browsing data, and the presidential campaigns are using gathered information to slice and dice the electorate and engage with voters on issues that are most relevant to their lives. Hari Sreenivasan reports in collaboration with Frontline, Marketplace and Pro Publica.
-
With Windows 8, Microsoft Makes Big Shift Away From PCs...
Microsoft has revealed its biggest makeover so far to the operating system found on nine out of every 10 computers in the world. Ray Suarez talks to Forrester Research's Charles Golvin about how Microsoft's decision to focus on tablet-style computers will impact consumers and the greater tech industry.
-
Digital Technology Helps Researchers Hear Earliest...
The recording is just 78 seconds long, featuring a cornet solo and a man reciting nursery rhymes. Dated back to 1878, experts say it may be the oldest playable recording of an American voice. Ray Suarez talks to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Carl Haber who helped uncover the significance of this tiny piece of tin foil.
-
Could the U.S. Face 'Cyber Pearl Harbor'? Protecting...
As U.S. financial institutions continue to be attacked, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warns of a "cyber Pearl Harbor." Michael Leiter, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Neustar, Inc.'s Rodney Joffe talk with Margaret Warner about why banks are vulnerable to disruptions, theft and destructive threats.
-
Austrian Daredevil Lands on His Feet After Supersonic...
Felix Baumgartner jumped from 24 miles above the earth to break a 52-year-old record for the highest successful free fall jump. Hari Sreenivasan talks to science correspondent Miles O'Brien who explains what scientists can learn from this jump, especially about the survival of the human being in the face of extreme risks.
-
From Rooftop to Alleyway, Chicago Fights Extreme Urban...
One of Chicago's most beautiful and hidden gardens is located on top of City Hall, part of an effort to 'green' roofs in order fight rising temperatures. Hari Sreenivasan reports on the actions the city of Chicago is taking to mitigate climate change in an urban landscape.
-
New Scan Improves Time Frame for Diagnosing Genetic...
A new strategy helps doctors cut the diagnosis time for genetic diseases in infants from weeks to days, greatly increasing the chances of being able to offer sick babies some kind of treatment. Margaret Warner talks to Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, who led the research team at Children's Mercy Hospitals in Kansas City.
-
Among Some 2012 MacArthur Fellows, a Focus on Looking at...
The MacArthur Foundation announced 23 'genius grant' award-winners for 2012, including a mandolinist, an astronomer and an economist. Judy Woodruff profiles An-My L?, a photographer, Laura Poitras, a documentary filmmaker, and David Finkel, a journalist, all of whom have created work about war.
-
Storms, Starfish and Warmer Waters Wiped out Half of...
A new study finds that in the last 27 years, half of Australia's Great Barrier Reef coral has died. Gwen Ifill talks to Nancy Knowlton, a coral reef biologist and chair of Marine Science at the Smithsonian Institution, about ecological and economical consequences of the collapse, as well as measures to help mediate the decline.
-
Synthetic Street Drug Camouflaged as Bath Salts Has...
It's a trendy street drug which is cheap, readily available and lethal. And it has dangerous and bizarre side effects including paranoia, agitation, violence and hallucinations. Judy Woodruff talk to Virginia Commonwealth University's Louis de Felice about the uptick in abuse of bath salts as a recreational drug.
-
Earth Loses Its 'Air Conditioner': Arctic Ice Cap...
This September, the arctic ice cap melted the most ever recorded, with only 24 percent of the Arctic Ocean covered by ice. Ray Suarez talks to Walt Meier, a scientist at the U.S. National Ice and Snow Data Center about the new evidence and how a lack of arctic sea ice affects ocean currents and changes weather patterns.
-
Climate Change Skeptic No Longer Doubts Human Role in...
Physicist Richard Muller was one of the scientists who denied climate change and humans' role warming the earth. But after spending years researching and analyzing countless studies, Muller concluded climate change scientists were right, that humans had contributed to the rise in the earth's temperature. Spencer Michels reports.
-
Majestic Forests in Oregon at Risk from Timber Industry...
With 30 million acres of forestland, Oregon has a lucrative timber industry that makes $13 billion each year. But some residents are worried about health and environmental risks posed by a common practice to increase tree growth: chemical spraying. Correspondent Ingrid Lobet reports for the Center for Investigative Reporting.
-
Apple Unveils iPhone5 Amid Fiercely Competitive...
Though Apple remains a giant in the smartphone and tablet industry, the company unveils the new iPhone5 in a fiercely competitive market. Jeffrey Brown talks to the Washington Post's Cecilia Kahng and Forrester Research's Charles Golvin about the challenges Apple faces to stay at the top of the pyramid in the tech world.
-
Neil Armstrong: Reluctant, Modest Hero Who Inspired...
Though known for making a "giant leap for mankind," when Neil Armstrong stepped on the surface of the moon, he later said that he "didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small." Science correspondent Miles O'Brien remembers the life of one of the most inspiring astronauts in U.S. history.
-
News Wrap: Apple Asks Judge to Ban Sale of Some Samsung...
In other news Monday, after a federal jury awarded Apple over $1 billion for patent infringement, Apple has asked the court to ban the U.S. sale of eight Samsung smartphone models. Also, Margaret Warner reports on how the Syrian conflict between rebel opposition and the Assad regime has triggered violence in neighboring Lebanon.
-
News Wrap: Mitt Romney Makes Energy Independence by 2020...
In other news Thursday, Mitt Romney unveiled his energy plan in New Mexico, which aims for complete energy independence in the U.S. His plans calls for increased oil and gas drilling, including offshore of Virginia and North Carolina, two states where drilling is currently banned.
-
Tech Stock Ebb and Flow: Apple Dominates Wall Street...
Apple became the highest valued company ever when its stock reached a new high. Meanwhile, Facebook stock has lost about half its value since its May IPO. Jeffrey Brown discusses the Apple boom and the Facebook bust with Ted Schadler of Forrester Research and Richard Sylla from the New York University Stern School of Business.
-
U.K. Threatens Ecuador's Diplomatic Status for...
For the more than 50 days, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has taken refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. But British officials are determined to extradite Assange to Sweden, where he faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Independent Television News' Jonathan Miller reports.
-
Seeing Through the Fog of War: Monitoring Human Rights...
The ongoing battle in Aleppo between Assad regime troops and the Syrian Free Army has left civilians caught in the crossfire. Margaret Warner talks to Amnesty International's Scott Edwards and American Association for the Advancement of Science's Susan Wolfinbarger on how satellites are documenting human rights abuse in Syria.
-
A Perilous Cyber World: Guarding Personal Information...
When tech writer Mat Honan's iCloud account was hacked, he lost control over his emails, phone, and personal computer, losing correspondence, photos of family members and more. Jeffrey Brown gets a lesson in protecting personal information online from Mat Honan of Wired magazine and Peter Pachal of Mashable.
-
Weighing Benefits and Pitfalls of Increased Oil and Gas...
Two years ago, the U.S imported two-thirds of its oil. Now, imports are less than half of U.S. oil needs. Jeffrey Brown talks to National Resources Defense Council's Kate Sinding and the Manhattan Institute's Robert Bryce about increased domestic energy production and whether economic benefits outweigh environmental concerns.
-
Utah Makes Deal For Private Gas Drilling on Pristine...
White River, Utah, attracts adventurers for its gorgeous vistas and rare solitude. But proposals to drill for natural gas on the public land worry environmentalists and Native American tribes. Ray Suarez tells of efforts by energy companies and the federal government to strike a deal to drill and protect the environment.
-
Critical U.S. Infrastructure Vulnerable to Cyber Attack,...
Since the internet has become so critical to daily life, systems like the electrical grid and water supply have become vulnerable to cyber attacks. Margaret Warner looks at Congress failed attempt to pass legislation that would beef up cyber security and talks with Joel Brenner, former senior counsel at National Security Agency.
-
Coal-Powered Colorado Undergoing a Natural Gas...
In Colorado, coal and natural gas producers are fighting for energy dominance. Ray Suarez reports on the battle in a state that's also weighing what will be the most sustainable energy solution for the future.
-
North Dakota Boomtown Suffers Growing Pains Trying to...
As domestic oil production increases, towns like Williston, N.D., struggle to meet demand for workers, housing and improved infrastructure. For some communities experiencing the benefits of an energy boom, rapid expansion comes with serious trade-offs. Ray Suarez reports.
-
NASA Study Links Extreme Summer Heat to Climate Change
A new statistical analysis from NASA reveals that the extreme summer heat felt by many Americans this year is the result of global warming. Hari Sreenivasan talks to Columbia University's James Hansen who says the greatest barrier to public recognition of human-made climate change is the natural variability of local climate.
-
For NASA Rover Team, Many Years of Work and 'Seven...
It only took minutes for Curiosity to land on Mars. But the celebration of the successful landing -- and the mission itself -- will last much longer. Judy Woodruff talks to science correspondent Miles O'Brien and John Grunsfeld of NASA about Curiosity and the years NASA scientists spent planning the journey to Mars.
-
James Hansen: Extreme Heat Events Connected to Climate...
Dr. James Hansen of NASA, tells the Newshour there is now enough evidence to connect global warming to some of the extreme weather events of the recent past. There is now a 1 in 10 chance of extreme heat events like the 2010 Texas/ Oklahoma droughts, the 2010 heat wave in Russia and possibly even the current heat wave in the US.
-
Privacy in a Digital Age: When Twitter Followers Can...
When New York Times tech reporter David Pogue lost his iPhone, he turned to his 1.4 million Twitter followers for help. And the online crowd responded, tracking his phone down in just a few hours. Though the story had a happy ending, the experience revealed real questions about modern privacy. Hari Sreenivasan reports.
-
Mission to Mars: Anticipating NASA Rover 'Curiosity'...
NASA will soon attempt to land the rover Curiosity on the surface of Mars. If all goes as planned, Curiosity will enter the Martian atmosphere, slowing its descent by releasing a parachute, and lower to the surface on a tether with the help of a 'sky crane.' Miles O'Brien previews the anticipated rover landing on the Red Planet.
-
California Water Wars: Will Thirsty Interests Divert...
The San Joaquin delta is a merging spot of rivers, sloughs, and canals, where water and snow from the Sierra Nevada Mountains flows to the Pacific Ocean. But there are some residents, especially farmers, who worry that thirsty interests will divert more of their water and ruin their livelihoods. Spencer Michels reports.
-
Big Stakes on Small Devices: Apple and Samsung Square...
Jury selection began for a lawsuit Apple, Inc. filed against Samsung Electronics, in which Apple claims Samsung copied Apple's smartphone and tablet designs. Ray Suarez reports on a showdown over dominance in a $200 billion market.
-
An Old Fashioned Strategy to Keep Asian Carp at Bay in...
To keep Asian carp, an invasive species, from taking over in the Great Lakes, scientists and fishermen are employing an simple strategy: Catch them and eat them. But they have found that there are some pragmatic issues -- as well as marketing issues -- to overcome. Ash-har Quraishi of WTTW Chicago reports.
-
Greenland Goes Green: Ice Sheet Melted in Four Days
On July 8, NASA satellite imagery showed about 40 percent of Greenland's top ice layer intact. By July 12, only four days later, 97 percent of the ice had melted. Margaret Warner asks NASA's Thomas Wagner for scientific explanation of the massive thaw.
-
California Activists Want Smart Meters Banned, Claim...
Within the next three years, it is expected that nearly 65 million homes in the U.S. will have wireless smart meters. But some California environmentalists, liberals, Tea Party supporters and other activists are not enthused by this. At the heart of the debate is whether smart meters can cause illness. Spencer Michels reports.
-
An Election on Facebook: Old Media Enters New World
Do "likes" on Facebook translate to votes? Howard Kurtz and Lauren Ashburn of Daily-Download.com examine that issue with Ray Suarez and also explore why traditional news outlets are partnering with social media sites this election year.
-
Russian Blackouts, Neutrality and Trusting Wikipedia
Hari interviews Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales on today's blackouts in Russia, trusting crowd-sourced information and attracting more women to the Wikipedia community.
-
Buying Gold and Futurist Ray Kurzweil on Melding of Man...
Author, inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil talks with economics correspondent Paul Solman about what Kurzweil has dubbed 'the singularity': the melding of man and machine to the point where one can't tell the difference between the two.
-
Why Obama Thinks You Would Care About a Dinner With...
As part of an ongoing series on social media and politics, Ray Suarez and journalists Lauren Ashburn and Howard Kurtz of Daily-Download.com discuss how campaigns send targeted emails, and what happens to politicians' deleted tweets.
-
What the 'Rock Star' Discovery of the Higgs Boson Means...
What exactly is the Higgs boson, and why is its discovery so fundamental to understanding particle physics? Author and Guardian science correspondent Ian Sample has the details.
-
Physicists Discover Clear Evidence of Elusive Higgs Boson
Scientists announced on Wednesday they have evidence of the much sought-after Higgs boson, a subatomic particle thought to endow all other particles -- and by extension all matter in the universe -- with mass. Tom Clarke of Independent Television News reports.
-
Alan Alda's 'Flame Challenge' Illuminates Importance of...
Clarity, specificity and humor are among the best tools for making kids grasp even simple questions like "What is a flame?" Science correspondent Miles O'Brien talks to actor Alan Alda and scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson about the need to explain science concepts to the public.
-
Could Facebook Get Squashed by a "Better Mousetrap?"
Part of his Making Sen$e of financial news series, economic correspondent Paul Solman speaks with author and longtime media blogger Rory O'Connor about social media security, privacy violations and what, if anything, could take Facebook down.
-
In Colo., Drought and Wind Fuel Summer of Fire
Almost a week after the High Park wildfire began west of Fort Collins, Colo., the flames still rage out of control. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, fires have burned almost 60 square miles. Tom Bearden reports from northern Colorado, where a dry winter, high winds and a tiny insect are making it hard to contain the flames.
-
A New Genetic Map That Could Make Your Skin Crawl
Very little has been known about the trillions of bacteria and other micro-organisms in our bodies. But now, scientists with the Human Microbiome Project have completed the first microbial map of healthy humans. Jeffrey Brown speaks with Dr. Eric Green, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute.
-
Colorado, New Mexico Emergency Officials Seek More Help...
Since it was started early Saturday by a lightning strike, the High Park wildfire has consumed more than 60 square miles in Colorado -- damaging or destroying more than 100 homes. Meanwhile, crews in southern New Mexico battled a 54-square-mile fire near the town of Ruidoso. Gwen Ifill reports.
-
Sizing Up Which Presidential Campaigns Are #Winning in...
As part of an ongoing series on how candidates use social media this election season, Margaret Warner and journalists Lauren Ashburn and Howard Kurtz of Daily-Download.com discuss how influential the Obama and Romney presidential campaigns are on Twitter. They also examine John Edwards' standing in the Twittersphere.
-
Flame: Trying to Unravel the Mystery of 'Sophisticated'...
Reportedly capable of taking computer screenshots, logging keystrokes and even listening in on office conversations, malware known as "Flame" is grabbing international attention after appearances in Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East. Jeffrey Brown and guests discuss the potential risks of a "Flame" outbreak.
-
Are U.S. Nuclear Plants Ready for a Fukushima-Like...
When Chairman Gregory Jaczko resigned from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission this week, reports suggested it was linked to battles within the commission over safety requirements. In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Miles O'Brien reports on how government regulators in the U.S. set the safety bar for nuclear plants.
-
News Wrap: International Space Station Grasps SpaceX...
In other news Friday, the unmanned SpaceX "Dragon" spacecraft was captured by the International Space Station's robot arm in a rendezvous high over Australia. In Syria, anti-government activists reported an army assault killed at least 50 people in the central part of the country.
-
As Golden Gate Bridge Turns 75, History Revised to Honor...
The Golden Gate Bridge opened to traffic on May 27, 1937. This weekend, 75 years later, San Francisco plans to celebrate while honoring the engineer whose contributions to the design were purposefully obliterated: Charles Ellis. Spencer Michels delves into Ellis' story, and into the man who did get the credit -- Joseph Strauss.
-
A Year After Joplin's Tornado, Disaster's 'Immensity'...
One year ago, a tornado packing 200 mph winds tore through the city of Joplin, Mo., killing 161 people and destroying 8,000 buildings -- including many homes. Gwen Ifill and businesswoman Jane Cage, who leads the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team, discuss life in Joplin now and down the road.
-
SpaceX Blasts Into 'Uncharted Territory,' Hoping to Make...
After several delays -- including a last-second abort on Saturday when computers spotted a bad engine valve, Space Explorations Technologies Corporation on Tuesday became the first private company to send a vessel to the International Space Station. Jeffrey Brown and Miles O'Brien discuss the significance of the SpaceX launch.
-
'The Information Diet': Should Americans Exercise More...
Clay Johnson, author of "The Information Diet: A Case for Conscious Consumption", discusses with Hari Sreenivasan how abundant technology affects our health -- producing pulsing side effects such as "email apnea" or "reality dysmorphia."
-
The Future of Prosthetics: Mind-Bending Robotic Arms
Researchers have shown that patients paralyzed from the neck down can move robotic arms with their minds, according to a new report in the journal Nature that documents two cases involving brain-stem stroke victims. Margaret Warner discusses the hopes for the technology with Dr. Leigh Hochberg of Massachusetts General Hospital.
-
Chimpanzee Testing: Is it the Beginning of the End?
Medical experiments on chimpanzees can be invasive, involving injections, blood samples and liver biopsies. But some say it's the only way to advance medicine. Miles O'Brien's report explores whether there are ever instances in which the scientific value of research should offset the moral cost of working with chimps.
-
Incredible, Edible Bugs: Will Meals of Mealworms Catch...
Most Americans would squirm when even thinking of eating a grasshopper or locust. But a movement is afoot to encourage insect eating with advocates praising bugs' low fat and high protein. Spencer Michels tasted wax moth larvae tacos and crispy mealworms over ice cream to prepare this report on efforts to put bugs on U.S. menus.
-
SpaceX Boldly Looks to Blast 'Millions of People to Mars'
With the space shuttle era now over and U.S. space flight on the verge of going private for the near future, the company behind the so-called SpaceX project has ambitious plans to make space flight cheaper for cargo and for humans, with a bold idea to send millions of people to Mars. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports.
-
'Liquid Bandages' Could Help Re-Grow Skin, Save Lives
Dr. Mark Carlson of Nebraska Surgical Research is developing a liquid bandage to stop bleeding quickly and potentially save lives in battlefield situations while also aiding future regenerative possibilities. This report was a collaboration with NET Nebraska and KQED San Francisco's Quest science program.
-
Bridging the Gender Gap: Why More Women Aren't Computer...
"If you completely shut out the entire feminine perspective on the world," says Maria Klawe of Harvey Mudd College, "you're going to have a different set of products." Judy Woodruff and Klawe discuss why more women aren't pursuing careers in hard sciences, and Klawe's plans to bridge the gaps in engineering and computer science.
-
Gulf Still Grapples With Massive BP Oil Leak 2 Years...
Two years after the largest oil leak in U.S. history, the Gulf of Mexico region still struggles with its impact. Jeffrey Brown, David Valentine of the University of California, Santa Barbara and Garret Graves of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana discuss the state of the Gulf and related industries.
-
Space Shuttle Discovery Draws Eyes to Sky for Final...
NASA's space shuttle Discovery captivated people in and around the nation's capital Tuesday as it flew piggy-back on a 747 over the Capitol en route on its last landing at Dulles International Airport. Gwen Ifill and Valerie Neal, a curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, discuss its future as a museum piece.
-
Can Tech Startup Schools Teach #TheNextBigThing?
We explore the phenomenon of Startup Accelerators with Tech Stars, AngelPad, Thomas Korte, David Cohen, Vivek Wadhwa, Blackbox Ventures, Wade Roush. Are they helping find the next big thing or fueling a bubble.
-
Book Chronicles Fight to Save Web From Sophisticated...
In "Worm: The First Digital World War," journalist Mark Bowden chronicles computer security experts' campaign to detect and defeat a sophisticated new computer worm. Margret Warner and Bowden discuss the Conficker worm, which was first detected in 2008 and ultimately invaded at least 12 million computers worldwide.
-
How Do You Protect Against a Tsunami?
Researchers in Japan are working to find ways to limit the most-catastrophic damage from tsunamis. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports.
-
Congress Honors 4 Astronauts With Highest Civilian Honor
Four astronauts were awarded the nation's highest civilian honor on Wednesday: the Congressional Gold Medal. Ray Suarez reports.
-
Safecast Draws on Power of the Crowd to Map Japan's...
Eight months after a tsunami caused a nuclear accident in Japan, ordinary people are using new technology and the power of crowdsourcing to find radiation hotspots. NewsHour science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports from Japan.
-
Obama Administration Delays Keystone XL Pipeline Approval
Should President Obama approve a major extension of the Keystone XL pipeline? Ray Suarez discusses that question, which has divided business, environmental groups and labor unions, with The Washington Post's Juliet Eilperin.
-
Supreme Court Hears Landmark GPS Tracking Case
Can the government track a suspect using a GPS device without a warrant? That question was at the center of a high-profile case before the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Judy Woodruff discusses the oral arguments in the case with the National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle.
-
Virus Hunter Tracks New and Deadly Pathogens Around the...
Stanford University biologist Nathan Wolfe is the founder and director of the Global Viral Forecasting Initiative and one of the world's more prominent virus hunters. Ray Suarez and Wolfe discuss his new book, "The Viral Storm: The Dawn of a New Pandemic Age," and new viruses emerging around the planet.
-
Steve Jobs Biography Examines How Rule-Breaker Tied...
Author Walter Isaacson tells the story of Apple's late co-founder in a new biography simply titled "Steve Jobs." Jeffrey Brown and Isaacson discuss Jobs' personality, legacy and how his love of the arts shaped his views on innovation.
-
Kids Increasingly Staring at Glowing Screens, Study Finds
How much time are our youngest children spending in front of screens? Jeffrey Brown discusses new studies that chronicle the increasing use of digital devices by young children -- and the resulting health effects -- with James Steyer of Common Sense Media and Dr. Ari Brown of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
-
Earthquake Prediction: Could We Ever Forecast the Next...
Hundreds of cities on the U.S. West Coast took part in the 2011 Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, just hours before a small tremor hit the San Francisco Bay Area. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports from Japan on efforts to predict big quakes before they hit.
-
How Bright Is Solar Power's Future in a Post-Solyndra...
After the Obama administration-embraced solar-panel company Solyndra collapsed and defaulted on its government-backed loans, the surging U.S. solar industry is suddenly worried that the subsidies it receives -- tax credits and loans guarantees -- could dry up in the face of opposition from conservatives. Spencer Michels reports.
-
Reconstructing Black Death: Why Was Plague Microbe so...
Researchers announced Wednesday that they've managed to reconstruct the genome of the Black Death, the illness that wiped out around half of Europe's population in just a few years in the mid-1300s. Ray Suarez discusses the developments with geneticist Hendrick Poinar of McMaster University.
-
What Does Future Hold for Tech World, Apple Without Jobs?
Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was remembered Thursday as being one the of world's greatest innovators. Jeffrey Brown discusses his life and work with Google's Vint Cerf, Boing Boing's Xeni Jardin and AOL co-founder Steve Case.
-
Remembering the Life, Designs of Digital Visionary Steve...
In a statement late Wednesday, Apple said its co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 56. Correspondent Spence Michels looks back on the life and work of the digital visionary.
-
U.S. Scientists' Research on Universe Expansion Earns...
Three U.S. physicists won the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for discovering through the study of supernovae that the universe is not just expanding, but speeding up. KQED's Andrea Kissack profiles one of the scientists and his research.
-
Solar Decathlon Contest Refocuses on Affordability of...
WASHINGTON | In addition to more space for her family, Lakiya Culley's new home in Southeast Washington, D.C., comes with another big benefit: miniscule power bills. Culley will be living in the Empowerhouse, one of 20 houses built for the 2011 Solar Decathlon.
-
Small Particles Raise Big Questions About Foundations of...
News Friday that a group of European physicists may -- and the may is important -- have discovered that subatomic particles traveled faster than the speed of light (the constant c in Einstein's equation) could call our fundamental understanding of the universe into question.
-
Cowboys vs. Gray Wolves: Predator Once Again Prey
For the first time in years, hunting season for the once-endangered gray wolf is underway in Idaho and Montana to reduce the predator's population. Cattle ranchers say the hunts are necessary to protect their herds, but environmentalists disagree. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports.
-
Supernova Burns Bright in a Galaxy Not So Far Away
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory scientists recently discovered a supernova about 21 million light years away in the Pinwheel Galaxy. Jeffrey Brown and Peter Nugent, who found the brightest and closest supernova in decades, discuss how the dying star could prove to be "a real treat" for Northern hemisphere stargazers.
-
How Has Skyscraper Design Changed Since 9/11?
The collapse of the Twin Towers served as a stark and stunning reminder to architects and engineers of the value of using concrete to protect skyscrapers from the ravages of fire. Miles O'Brien reports on how the design of skyscrapers has changed since 9/11. This report was produced in collaboration with the PBS program "NOVA."
-
What Will Happen to Innovation at Apple With Jobs Out as...
Apple announced Wednesday that CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs had stepped down from his helm, but will serve as chairman of the board. Ray Suarez discusses Jobs' lasting impact on innovation and what comes next for Apple and the tech world with Walter Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal and Charles Golvin of Forrester Research.
-
Massive Campaign of Cyber Spying Uncovered
The public learned this week of a five-year, high-level hacking campaign that infiltrated computer systems of more than 70 governments, corporations and public and private organizations in 14 countries. Margret Warner discusses the hack, uncovered by McAfee, with Vanity Fair's Michael Joseph Gross, who broke the story.
-
From Netflix to Hulu, Streaming Video Businesses Gaining...
What have you been watching on your computer lately? More and more Americans are checking out movies and television program online. Hari Sreenivasan discusses the recent push toward more streaming content with GershonMedia's Bernard Gershon.
-
Asteroid Is a Dance Partner for Planet Earth
A team of Canadian scientists have discovered a "Trojan" asteroid that is caught in a synchronized orbit with the Earth. Jeffrey Brown discusses what this discovery means with the California Institute of Technology's Mike Brown.
-
5 Years Later, Scientists Still Puzzled by Honeybee...
Five years ago, honeybees began dying in large numbers and hives were becoming defunct. Spencer Michels reports on the scientists who are still trying to figure out why this is happening and what can be done to help the problem.
-
NewsHour Connect: Heat Wave Imperils Midwest Agriculture
EmbedVideo;Temperatures have been rising in the Midwest this summer -- and with them, food prices may also be heading upward.
-
Indonesian Plant Shows Promise for Male Birth Control
A plant that reduces fertility, long used by Indonesian men, is being tested as a possible daily male birth control pill.
-
NRC Chief: U.S. Nuclear Plants Safe Despite Age, Needed...
The earthquake and tsunami that devastated the Japanese coast and triggered a nuclear crisis raised major questions surrounding the safety of U.S. nuclear reactors. Gwen Ifill discusses new safety regulations issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with its head, Gregory Jaczko.
-
Colorado Kids Act as Citizen Scientists in National Lady...
Some Colorado kids have become citizen scientists as part of a nationwide effort to catalog lady bug species. Cornell University scientists are trying to understand why some species have vanished and others have appeared. Correspondent Tom Bearden reports on the lady bug hunt that might help students discover careers in science.
-
As Shuttle Retires, What's NASA's New Mission?
After 30 years and millions of miles traveled, the 135th and final mission of NASA's space shuttle program blasted off Friday. Ray Suarez discusses the post-shuttle era of space exploration and NASA's future purpose with former astronaut Mae Jemison, former NASA official Eric Sterner and science correspondent Miles O'Brien.
-
NASA's Shuttle Era Winds Down With Bittersweet Moments,...
Despite troublesome weather, space shuttle Atlantis blasted into orbit for the final time Friday with a four-person crew and a payload of food for the International Space Station. Judy Woodruff and science correspondent Miles O'Brien discuss this final mission, the end of the space shuttle era and what's next for NASA.
-
Mock Mission to Mars Tests Psychological Rigors of...
As astronauts and scientists are getting set for the end of the space shuttle era in the United States, science correspondent Miles O'Brien looks at how the Russians have been preparing for the rigors of future flights to Mars with a simulated mission here on Earth. But can space travel's stresses really be faked?
-
Twitter Town Hall Showcases Social Media's Political...
In a "Twitter town hall" Wednesday at the White House, people across the country tweeted questions for President Obama to answer. Jeffrey Brown discusses the town hall and how technology is changing politics with techPresident's Andrew Rasiej, The Brookings Institution's Darrell West and The Washington Post's Cecilia Kang.
-
Schweitzer Confident of Full Oil Spill Cleanup, Future...
Three days after an ExxonMobil pipeline ruptured on the Yellowstone River, spewing 42,000 gallons of crude oil, crews are still scrambling to contain the spill but rising water levels blocked efforts to reach some of the soiled shoreline. Jeffrey Brown discusses the scope of the damage with Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer.
-
'Life on Mars' Author Explores Humans' Relationship With...
"Life on Mars," Tracy K. Smith's third book, explores the cosmos through words. The Princeton creative writing professor and poet reflects on the relationship between our lives and the universe at her Brooklyn home.
-
Are Social Media Services the Next Tech Bubble?
The estimated value of tech companies such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn is soaring, but could another tech bubble be building? Ray Suarez discusses the social media services that are at the center of this question with Fortune magazine's Jessi Hempel and Forrester Research's Josh Bernoff.
-
Can DIY Movement Fix a Crisis in U.S. Science Education?
Miles O'Brien reports from a gathering in California on a growing movement that embraces the art of making cool things and a quirky do-it-yourself spirit. Supporters see "making" as one way to overcome a crisis in American science and math education.
-
Minds, Machines Merge to Offer New Hope for Overcoming...
Scientists are creating a new generation of artificial body parts to help people with disabilities see, walk, swim, grip and run among other things. Miles O'Brien reports on the latest advances in prosthetics.
-
Oceans Face Mass Extinctions, New Report Warns
When 27 marine experts from a half-dozen countries met in England this April for a workshop on the state of the oceans, they knew the news would not be good.
-
'Fracking' for Natural Gas Continues to Raise Health...
Energy companies are increasingly scouring the U.S. for natural gas deposits. As they do, one of the extraction methods they are using, known as fracking, is coming under sharp scrutiny for potential health consequences from the chemicals involved. Tom Bearden reports from Colorado.
-
Twitter Is Everywhere Now, but Can It Make Money?
From the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden to Rep. Anthony Weiner's scandal, Twitter has been in the news recently for helping break news. While the social media giant's popularity has soared among politicians, movie stars and people around the world, can the micro-blogging service make money? Spencer Michels reports.
-
Search for Effective PTSD Treatments Shows Some Promise
As part of a new partnership with the NewsHour, Jay Shefsky of WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" reports on scientists' search for effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.
-
World Tests IPv6: Why 4.2 Billion Internet Addresses...
More than 400 organizations and Internet giants participated Wednesday in a trial run of a new addressing system, called Internet Protocol version 6, known as IPv6. Hari Sreenivasan reports on World IPv6 Day, and Leslie Daigle of the Internet Society explains how it will affect your life online.
-
To Combat Human Rights Abuses, California Company Looks...
Spencer Michels reports on a California nonprofit using high-tech tools to document patterns of brutality and combat human rights abuses across the globe.
-
Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: 'a Failure of Regulation,...
Three months after a massive earthquake and tsunami ravaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power Plant in Japan, a new report puts the amount of radiation released at more than double earlier estimates. Judy Woodruff discusses the report's findings with James Acton of The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
-
Report: Puts Fukushima's Radiation Release at 1/6th of...
It's been three months since a massive earthquake and tsunami ravaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. A new official report says the amount of radiation released was more than double the earlier estimates. Judy Woodruff reports on the findings.
-
Apple Unveils New iCloud Music Service, but Privacy...
Steve Jobs returned to the public stage Monday to announce Apple's iCloud, a new online music storage service. Ray Suarez discusses the announcement with The Washington Post's Technology Reporter Cecilia Kang.
-
Europe's Deadly E. Coli Outbreak a 'Wake-Up Call' Over...
A new strain of E. coli is sickening hundreds throughout Europe and leaving health officials baffled. Ray Suarez discusses the outbreak's global impact with attorney Bill Marler, who has worked on foodborne illness cases, and Cornell University food science professor Robert Gravani.
-
In Europe, Fingers Pointing Over Origin of Deadly,...
A deadly new strain of E. coli is sickening hundreds throughout Europe and so far baffling researchers and health officials. Ray Suarez reports on the outbreak that has many Europeans concerned about the contents of their salads and soups.
-
Scientists Strive for Way to Issue Earlier Tornado...
This spring has been one of the deadliest tornado seasons ever, prompting questions about just how well scientists can anticipate and warn people of storms about to strike. Tom Bearden reports on researchers who are trying to improve warning systems in the hopes of saving more lives.
-
Gauging the Impact, Motivations of Today's Hackers
Cyber attacks are having a big impact on governments, businesses, individuals and even PBS, the NewsHour and Frontline. Judy Woodruff examines the proliferation of criminal hacking and its fallout with ICANN security chief Jeff Moss, Alan Paller of The SANS Institute and cyber threat consultant Mischel Kwon.
-
Neurosurgeon: 'Your Cell Phone Is Not Necessarily a Safe...
A World Health Organization panel of 31 scientists raised some concerns Tuesday when they reported that cell phones are "possibly carcinogenic" and may be associated with "some risk" for brain cancer. But the group also called for further study. Jeffery Brown discusses concerns and precautions with neurosurgeon Keith Black.
-
Mark Kelly Followed Wife Giffords' Latest Surgery From...
NASA's space shuttle Endeavour launched Monday on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien posed crowdsourced questions to the commander and crew early Thursday in a collaboration with Google and YouTube. Here is an excerpt.
-
You Talk to Endeavour: Shuttle Crew on Giffords, Tile...
Google, YouTube and the PBS NewsHour took you aboard space shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station for a live interview with Commander Mark Kelly and crew. Watch the full interview here.
-
The Great Stagnation: Why Hasn't Recent Technology...
As part of his continuing coverage of Making Sen$e of financial news, Paul Solman reports on why more good jobs haven't been created in recent years. Can new technological innovations create widespread job growth as past generations have seen?
-
Mississippi River Floodwater Could Create Long-Term...
A 15-mile stretch of the swollen Mississippi River, closed Tuesday due to pressure on levees, has been reopened to barges moving one at a time. Tom Bearden reports on the short- and long-term environmental effects the floodwater could have on Lake Pontchartrain, oyster beds and more.
-
Author James Gleick Traces Information's Evolution in...
Author James Gleick's new book, "The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood," chronicles the evolution of information. Jeffrey Brown and the science and technology author discuss how our era of information overload evolved from pre-digital times.
-
News Wrap: Space Shuttle Endeavour Blasts Off for Final...
In other news Monday, Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted into orbit, marking the penultimate takeoff for the shuttle program. The launch attracted a large crowd including Gabrielle Giffords, wife of the mission commander. Also, Wall Street never got off the ground amid concerns over European debt and unease about the U.S. economy.
-
What's Behind Microsoft's Decision to Buy Skype?
Microsoft announced Tuesday it was purchasing the Internet telephone service Skype in a deal valued at $8.5 billion. Jeffrey Brown discusses the deal with The Washington Post's Technology Reporter Cecilia Kang.
-
Mississippi River Flooding Hits Historic Levels, Tests...
The Mississippi River approached its highest level ever Monday, forcing the city of Memphis to evacuate homes as they wait for the river to peak, which is expected as early as tonight. Jeffrey Brown gets the latest on the surging flood waters from Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and the Army Corps of Engineers' Steve Stockton.
-
Sony PlayStation System Hacking Incident Highlights...
Sony officials announced Tuesday that hackers might have obtained personal information, including credit card numbers, from 77 million users of its PlayStation gaming system. Ray Suarez discusses the breach's impact on Sony, its users and the future of online security with former hacker and Wired.com editor Kevin Poulsen.
-
Along Gulf Coast, Cautious Optimism for Future a Year...
Wednesday marked the first anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that killed 11 people and began to dump millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Jim Lehrer reports on the day's vigils, and Tom Bearden reports on the clean-up progress and compensation efforts along the Gulf Coast.
-
A Year After BP Oil Spill Began, No Easy Answers on Gulf...
Nearly a year ago, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 workers and triggered a massive oil spill before the leaking well was plugged. Tom Bearden returned to the Gulf to assess the environmental damage and found significant reports of erosion.
-
In China, Factory Workers Allege Poisoning From iPhone...
Special correspondent Jeffrey Kaye reports from the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, where some factory workers say they've been poisoned by exposure to a toxic chemical while working at an Apple iPhone assembly plant.
-
China Weighs Environmental Concerns Against Economic...
Special correspondent Jeffrey Kaye reports from Guangdong province in southern China on the clash between the populous nation's economic ambitions and worsening pollution problem.
-
Are California's Schools Ready for the Next Big...
The earthquake in Japan is prompting concerns about the ability of U.S. buildings to withstand a similar disaster. Special correspondent Anna Werner reports on the seismic safety risks in many California schools. Her report was jointly produced by the Center for Investigative Reporting and KQED.
-
North Carolina School Engages Tech Generation With...
John Tulenko of Learning Matters, which produces education stories for the NewsHour, reports on a North Carolina school district switching from textbooks to all-digital learning materials.
-
Estrogen Study Lead Researcher on Risks, Benefits of...
Once a popular treatment for menopause symptoms, hormone-replacement therapy had come under scrutiny for raising the risk of certain diseases, but a new study found a reduced risk of breast cancer and other benefits for some women. Jeffrey Brown discusses the latest findings with Dr. Andrea LaCroix, the study's lead author.
-
Tsunami in the Northwest? Japan Disaster Offers Wake-Up...
The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan has sparked new concerns about the safety of people living along the coast in the U.S. Spencer Michels reports on new attention to earthquake and tsunami preparation on the West Coast.
-
NOVA Explores Science Behind Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami
NOVA looks at the scenes behind the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of Japan's northeastern coast and killed at least 11,000 people. The documentary includes footage from a conservationist who was in the region when the disaster struck.
-
Revisiting Chernobyl: A Nuclear Disaster Site of Epic...
The nuclear crisis in Japan has renewed interest in the 1986 nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl in Ukraine. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien travels to the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster, which is approaching its 25th anniversary.
-
Long-Term Impacts of Fukushima Reactor Could Linger For...
Japanese officials reported that radioactive water has spread beyond a damaged building at the Fukushima nuclear power plant and had contaminated the ground near the site. Jeffrey Brown talks to Columbia University's David Brenner and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's James Acton.
-
After Japan Crisis, What's Next for U.S. Nuclear Policy,...
As Japan struggles to bring the damaged Fukushima nuclear reactor under control, new questions are surfacing on where U.S. nuclear development stands. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports.
-
How Will Consumers Fare in T-Mobile, AT&T Merger?
AT&T announced plans on Monday to buy wireless competitor T-Mobile for $39 billion. If approved, the sale would create the U.S.'s largest wireless carrier. Ray Suarez talks with Jeffrey Silva of Medley Global Advisors and Gigi Sohn of Public Knowledge about the merger's potential impact on consumers and the industry.
-
Japan Works to Restore Reactors' Power Supplies; Fear of...
Japanese officials reported new concerns over radiation levels in food and water from areas close to the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. Alex Thomson of Independent Television News reports from Japan, and Judy Woodruff talks with former IAEA official Olli Heinonen about the struggle to control the radiation threat.
-
Satellites Offer New Window Into Documenting, Preventing...
Tom Bearden reports on the push to use private satellites to document genocide from space.
-
Spent Fuel Pools: Assessing the Threat at Damaged...
American and Japanese officials have offered sharply different assessments of the situation at the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. Judy Woodruff weighs the threat of the spend fuel pools with the University of Southern California's Najmedin Meshkati and the Institute for Energy and Environmental Rearch's Arjun Makhijani.
-
First Rock From the Sun: NASA Set to Explore Mercury's...
Imagine traveling to a planet where the sun is 11 times stronger than on Earth, the temperature can swing 1,100 degrees and you have to maintain contact with headquarters back on Earth. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports on NASA's tricky task of building a spacecraft to withstand the extreme environment on Mercury.
-
Miles O'Brien on Mercury, Microscopic Martians and...
After its nearly seven-year voyage, NASA's Messenger space capsule is expected to pull into orbit around our smaller, denser sister planet, Mercury, at 8:54 pm EST on Thursday.
-
Boiling Water Reactors 101: Science, Health Concerns of...
Authorities in Japan are trying to bring several nuclear reactors under control after cooling systems failed following an earthquake and tsunami. Gwen Ifill talks to science correspondent Miles O'Brien and David Brenner of Columbia University's Center for Radiological Research about the science and health concerns at the plants.
-
Classroom Culprits? Invasive Crayfish Threaten Western...
Vince Patton of "Oregon Field Guide" reports on the threat posed to western waterways by invasive crayfish from the eastern U.S. that had been shipped to elementary schools for biology classes and later released where they don't belong.
-
Scientists Scramble to Understand Deadly 'White-Nose...
Ed Jahn of "Oregon Field Guide" reports on a mysterious fungus that is killing millions of bats and spreading in bat populations across the country.
-
Go Fish? Not in Pacific Ocean Sanctuaries off...
Correspondent Spencer Michels reports on the controversy over dozens of no-fishing zones off the California coast.
-
Discovery's Launch Marks Beginning of End for NASA...
The final mission for Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off Thursday from Cape Canaveral, Fla., after several months of delays. Hari Sreenivasan talks with science correspondent Miles O'Brien about the legacy of Discovery and the space shuttle program.
-
Obama Takes Messages of Innovation, Jobs to Silicon...
Correspondent Spencer Michels reports from Silicon Valley on the response of business leaders and the high-tech community to President Obama's drive for innovation and the debate over how much the federal government should be involved in funding incentives for entrepreneurs amid calls for federal austerity.
-
A: This Computer Could Defeat You at 'Jeopardy!' Q: What...
Science correspondent Miles O'Brien goes head-to-circuit board with IBM's computer Watson on the game show "Jeopardy!" to explore the limits of language and artificial intelligence for machines.
-
Miles vs. Watson: Watch the Full Man Against Machine...
Tonight on prime-time, "Jeopardy!" champions will face off against IBM's new supercomputer, Watson, developed to dominate human brain-game champs.
-
If a Boy Scout Can Get Nuclear Materials, What's...
Back in the days when we thought a "dirty bomb" might be a raunchy joke gone awry, young David Hahn was gathering all the radioactive material he could get his hands on.
-
How Tough Is it to Build a Dirty Bomb?
Science correspondent Miles O'Brien examines the threat that radioactive "dirty bombs"could pose to cities in the U.S., and what's being done to prevent a radiological attack from happening.
-
News Wrap: Winter Weather Disrupts Super Bowl Travel in...
In other news Friday, winter weather continued its assault around the U.S. as bitter cold gripped New Mexico for a fourth straight day. In Dallas, five inches of snow canceled flights ahead of Super Bowl weekend. At Cowboys Stadium, the site of Sunday's game, six people were hurt by ice falling from the roof.
-
My Very Educated Mother Just Showed Us New Planets --...
Perhaps you learned a mnemonic device such as the one above to help remember the planets -- Mercury, Venus, Earth, etc. -- and their order away from the sun. Turns out, we're going to need a longer mnemonic after the discovery of some 1,200 planets outside our solar system. Miles O'Brien discusses the findings with Jim Lehrer.
-
Frontline: U.S. Needs More Competent Pathologists for...
Frontline explores the patchwork system of death investigations in the U.S. Varying greatly from the high-tech operations depicted in popular crime shows, these investigations often lack uniform standards, oversight and trained doctors. Watch a preview of an episode airing Tuesday on many PBS stations.
-
One Year Later, Strong Sales for iPad as New Competitors...
The iPad's introduction last year changed the market for the tablet computer as earlier models never really took off. As the iPad turns 1, Hari Sreenivasan spoke with Washington Post technology writer Rob Pegoraro about the device's impact on tablet computing and how it is fighting off a host of new rivals.
-
NOVA's 'Making Stuff' Explores Spinning of...
NOVA and New York Times technology columnist David Pogue look at innovative technologies for stronger, sleeker future products, including Kevlar, nanotubes and "invisibility cloaks."
-
David Pogue Learns What Goes Into 'Making Stuff'
NOVA has enlisted the help of New York Times technology reporter David Pogue to answer the question: 'What will the future be made of?' The new miniseries called "Making Stuff" is a four-part look at the materials and innovative technologies that will make things stronger, smaller, cleaner and smarter.
Recommended Shows
PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Washington, DC
- Science News
- PBS
- English
-
MacNeil/Lehrer Productions
2700 South Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22206703-998-2138 -
Visit the station website
Email the show
Update show info
