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Science

Wednesday

Global Warming

Atlantic Ocean's 'Heat Engine' Chills Down

New research suggests something's happening to the so-called "conveyer belt" in the Atlantic Ocean -- the huge circulation system that takes warm waters from the south Atlantic and dumps them off the coast of Europe, keeping northern Europe relatively warm. Some believe global warming may be affecting this heat engine, but others are skeptical, given how complex the ocean can be. The debate is part of a larger effort by scientists to detect climate changes with sketchy data.

Atlantic Ocean's 'Heat Engine' Chills Down

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Environment

Carefully Deconstructing Dams in Washington State.

Scientists are trying to figure out how best to remove two large, century-old dams on the Elwha River in Washington state. Removing a dam, especially a big one, is not simple. It can release huge amounts of sediment and actually worsen the river's ecology. These are the largest dams ever slated for removal in the United States.

Carefully Deconstructing Dams in Washington State.

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Environment

Erosion Jeopardizes Homes, Artifacts in Alaska

Villages along the northwestern Alaskan coast are facing widespread erosion and flooding that not only threatens homes, but also artifacts and archeaological treasures clustered near the beach. From Alaska Public Radio Network, Gabriel Spitzer reports on efforts to save ancient dwelling places and artifacts.

Erosion Jeopardizes Homes, Artifacts in Alaska

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Environment

Scientists Explore Cause of Dolphin Deaths

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are trying to figure out what's been causing deaths of bottlenose dolphins over the last two decades. Elizabeth Shogren joins the scientists on an expedition near Charleston, S.C.

Scientists Explore Cause of Dolphin Deaths

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Books

Book Examines Science in a Left-Handed Way

David Wolman's new book, A Left Hand Turn Around the World, explores the scientific factors that lead to 10 percent of the human race being left-handed. Wolman tells Madeleine Brand about the book.

Book Examines Science in a Left-Handed Way

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Tuesday

Technology

Katrina, Rita Prompt Push for Better Forecasting

After hurricanes Katrina and Rita, scientists and weather forecasters are looking at ways to better predict such natural catastrophes. Ed Gordon talks with William Smith, a professor in the Center for Atmospheric Sciences at Hampton University's School of Science, about a device that might better predict the path and speed of a hurricane.

Katrina, Rita Prompt Push for Better Forecasting

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Law

Federal Trial on Vioxx Opens in Houston

The first federal trial over the painkiller Vioxx begins Tuesday in Houston. Pharmaceutical company Merck has defended its handling of the drug in two previous state cases, losing one of them. Merck withdrew Vioxx from the market last year after a study showed that the drug posed heart risks.

Federal Trial on Vioxx Opens in Houston

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Katrina & Beyond

Busiest Hurricane Season Ends with New Storm

Wednesday marks the end of the busiest Atlantic hurricane season on record. Weather forecasters added one more storm to the list Tuesday: Tropical Storm Epsilon, which is moving over the central Atlantic. It is the 26th named storm of the season.

Busiest Hurricane Season Ends with New Storm

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Environment

Decline Seen in Sacramento River's Fish Population

California's Sacramento River Delta's expansive system of pumps and irrigation canals is responsible for helping the San Joaquin Valley be one of the most fruitful agricultural regions in the world. But increased farming has diverted more and more water out of the Delta, and that may be threatening fish.

Decline Seen in Sacramento River's Fish Population

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Monday

Plumbing the Depths of Rumor Research

University of Wyoming professor Martin Bourgeois is one of a group of sociologists who is studying how rumors are spread. Bourgeois discusses the ethics of rumor research nd invites listeners to contribute their own rumors to his research.

Plumbing the Depths of Rumor Research

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Law

First Federal Vioxx Trial Set to Begin

Drugmaker Merck faces more than 7,000 lawsuits related to its painkiller Vioxx. The first of four federal Vioxx trials is slated to begin Tuesday in Houston. The case involves a 53-year-old Florida man who had a fatal heart attack in 2001 after a month on Vioxx.

First Federal Vioxx Trial Set to Begin

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Vioxx: The Downfall of a Drug

Merck to Cut 7,000 Jobs, Close Plants

Drugmaker Merck announces plans to slash 7,000 jobs -- 11 percent of its workforce -- and close five plants by the end of 2008. Merck's troubles include thousands of lawsuits related to its painkiller Vioxx and the impending loss of patent protection of one of its most profitable drugs, Zocor.

Merck to Cut 7,000 Jobs, Close Plants

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Sunday