Environment Carefully Deconstructing Dams in Washington State. November 30, 2005 • 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.
Global Warming Atlantic Ocean's 'Heat Engine' Chills Down November 30, 2005 • 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.
Environment Scientists Explore Cause of Dolphin Deaths November 30, 2005 • 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.
Environment Erosion Jeopardizes Homes, Artifacts in Alaska November 30, 2005 • 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.
Books Book Examines Science in a Left-Handed Way November 30, 2005 • 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.
Technology Katrina, Rita Prompt Push for Better Forecasting November 29, 2005 • 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.
Environment Decline Seen in Sacramento River's Fish Population November 29, 2005 • 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.
Law Federal Trial on Vioxx Opens in Houston November 29, 2005 • 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.
Business Hydrogen on the Highway: Driving a Fuel-Cell Car November 29, 2005 • Hydrogen power may be in the distant future for America, but it's making the wheels of Jon Spallino's Honda zip down southern California's freeways now.
Katrina & Beyond Busiest Hurricane Season Ends with New Storm November 29, 2005 • 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.
Environment Seattle Tackles Greenhouse Gases November 28, 2005 • States and cities are jumping into the campaign to reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. One of the leaders in that effort: the port city of Seattle.
Law First Federal Vioxx Trial Set to Begin November 28, 2005 • 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.
Vioxx: The Downfall of a Drug Merck to Cut 7,000 Jobs, Close Plants November 28, 2005 • 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.
Plumbing the Depths of Rumor Research November 28, 2005 • 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.
Full Tummies, Empty Gym November 27, 2005 • Americans typically pack on extra pounds during the holidays. And a quiet holiday atmosphere at one Washington, D.C., health club may show why.