Research News Scientists Make Stem Cells From ALS Patient July 31, 2008 • Scientists wanted to clone human embryos because they wanted to make stem cells tailored to an individual's disease. Now, using a technique that mimics cloning but doesn't involve a human egg, scientists have made stem cells from a patient with ALS.
Environment Maryland Residents Asked To Cut Energy Use July 31, 2008 • Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, would like to see a 15 percent per-capita reduction in energy use by 2015. But achieving this reduction will require residents to change everyday behaviors and use more energy-efficient technologies.
Wild Sounds Storm Petrels Fill The Air July 30, 2008 • Biologist Michael Andersen finds himself surrounded by half a million storm petrels tumbling through the air, and occasionally into his equipment.
L.A. Takes On Prescription Drug Swaps July 30, 2008 • Across the country, prescription drugs are sold over the counter at Latino swap meets and neighborhood stores. Los Angeles County has created a task force to inspect and bust these "botanicas."
Environment Vermont's Unique Approach To Curbing Energy Use July 30, 2008 • In 2000, Vermont created the public consulting firm Efficiency Vermont to help residents and businesses reduce energy use by providing financial aid and expertise. Eight years in, progress is slow but steady.
Business Food Scares Pack Financial Punch July 30, 2008 • When the Food and Drug Administration issues an advisory about contaminated food, consumers listen — like with the salmonella scare that was blamed on tomatoes. When the problem is solved or the culprit turns out to be something else, it can take months or years for consumers to trust that food again.
Krulwich Wonders... Three Nice Things We Can Say About Mosquitoes July 30, 2008 • Science writer David Quammen revisits his effort to say a few nice things about mosquitoes. But to agree with him, you'll need to be generous and open-minded -- and dabbed with a little repellent.
Environment Tale Of Two Alaskan Villages July 29, 2008 • The warming climate has caused massive erosion along Alaska's coast. Two of the hardest hit villages are taking different approaches; Kivalina is suing and waiting for help while Newtok is piecing together small grants to help residents relocate.
Technology Can We Run The World Off The Sun? July 29, 2008 • Cash-strapped utility companies are beginning to reconsider the strengths of solar energy. According to ex-NASA engineer O. Glenn Smith, solar-panel satellites could gather massive amounts of energy and beam it to earth for the price electricity costs now.
China As Host Country Will Beijing's Efforts Clear Air For Olympics? July 29, 2008 • China is considering further measures to reduce pollution in Beijing, with less than two weeks to go before the start of the Olympic Games. Even after authorities took half the cars off the street, the city is still shrouded in smog.
Environment Energy Conservation: Starting At Home July 29, 2008 • When Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley challenged the state's 5.6 million residents to reduce their home electricity consumption by 15 percent, NPR's Richard Harris looked at ways his household could better conserve.
China: Environment Olympians Prepare For Beijing's Bad Air July 29, 2008 • Pollution remains a major problem in Beijing, despite citywide efforts to reduce it in time for the Aug. 8 start of the Olympic Games. Coaches and athletes worry about how the poor air quality will affect health and performance.
Your Money Tips for Reducing Your Home Energy Use July 28, 2008 • Learn specific ways to reduce your environmental impact and monthly electricity bill.
Wild Sounds Hear Them Roar: Noisy New World Monkeys July 28, 2008 • Biologist Greg Budney journeys to Guatemala, where the bellowing calls of howler monkeys fill the jungle.
Science Out Of The Box Scientist Looks To Stars For Answer On Caesar July 26, 2008 • Back in 55 B.C., Julius Caesar invaded Britain. He kept a detailed record of his journey, straightforward enough for Latin students to read today. But in that record, Caesar failed to mention the actual date of his landing. It's a puzzle that's had scientists and historians duking it out for centuries. Now, Texas scientist Donald Olson thinks he's got the answer. He explains how the stars aligned to shed light on this ancient mystery.