http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/ The latest science news and reporting from the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and its Web site. The feed is updated periodically and aims to put complex and sometimes controversial science stories in context. NewsHour with Jim Lehrer The latest science news and reporting from the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and its Web site. The feed is updated periodically and aims to put complex and sometimes controversial science stories in context. en-us Copyright ©2008 MacNeil/Lehrer Productions. All Rights Reserved. 144 144 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/newshour/ http://www.pbs.org/newshour/images/rss/promo_podcastscience.jpg No Science, News, NewsHour, Technology, Astronomy, Space, Environment, Biology, International, Education, Research, Earth, Innovation, Research, Scientist, Researcher NewsHour with Jim Lehrer onlineda@newshour.org NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/july-dec08/alaskawarming_07-10.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:56:00 EDT In Shishmaref, Alaska -- a 600-person village 20 miles south of the Arctic Circle -- residents are feeling the effects of climate change: earlier sea ice melts and increasing storm surges. Tom Bearden reports on how the villagers are coping. In Shishmaref, Alaska -- a 600-person village 20 miles south of the Arctic Circle -- residents are feeling the effects of climate change: earlier sea ice melts and increasing storm surges. Tom Bearden reports on how the villagers are coping. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/07/10/20080710_village28.mp3 09:27 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/july-dec08/energytech_07-07.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:35:00 EDT Car owners have been wincing in recent months as the price of oil has shot up well over the once-unimaginable $100-per-barrel mark. But an economist at Carnegie Mellon University believes that skyrocketing oil prices are a good thing, and will lead to necessary innovations in conservation and green technologies. Car owners have been wincing in recent months as the price of oil has shot up well over the once-unimaginable $100-per-barrel mark. But an economist at Carnegie Mellon University believes that skyrocketing oil prices are a good thing, and will lead to necessary innovations in conservation and green technologies. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/07/07/20080707_energy28.mp3 09:01 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/firstamerican_06-30.html Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:40:00 EDT Until recently, most scientists believed that the first humans came to the Americas 13,000 years ago. But new archaeological findings from a cave in Oregon are challenging that assumption. Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Television reports on the controversial discovery. Until recently, most scientists believed that the first humans came to the Americas 13,000 years ago. But new archaeological findings from a cave in Oregon are challenging that assumption. Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Television reports on the controversial discovery. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/06/30/20080630_americans28.mp3 07:55 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/transportation/jan-june08/electriccars_06-25.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:04:00 EDT Rising oil prices and improvements in battery technology are fueling new interest in developing electric cars. Spencer Michels reports on how industry giants and start-up car companies alike plan to release new vehicles by 2010. Rising oil prices and improvements in battery technology are fueling new interest in developing electric cars. Spencer Michels reports on how industry giants and start-up car companies alike plan to release new vehicles by 2010. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/06/25/20080625_electriccar28.mp3 09:34 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/leveeproblem_06-23.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:26:00 EDT More than two dozen levees along the Mississippi and its tributaries have broken under heavy flooding, leaving many communities questioning the region's levee system and land usage. Elizabeth Brackett reports from Illinois on the struggle to keep levees standing. More than two dozen levees along the Mississippi and its tributaries have broken under heavy flooding, leaving many communities questioning the region's levee system and land usage. Elizabeth Brackett reports from Illinois on the struggle to keep levees standing. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/06/23/20080623_levees28.mp3 08:55 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/marsice_06-20.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:48:00 EDT NASA's Phoenix spacecraft found evidence of ice on Mars, NASA reported. The rover discovered dice-size white chunks, which disappeared five days later, leading scientists to believe they were bits of ice that evaporated. Mission scientist Peter Smith explains the discovery. NASA's Phoenix spacecraft found evidence of ice on Mars, NASA reported. The rover discovered dice-size white chunks, which disappeared five days later, leading scientists to believe they were bits of ice that evaporated. Mission scientist Peter Smith explains the discovery. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/06/20/20080620_mars28.mp3 05:58 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/weather/jan-june08/nolatoxic_06-19.html Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:50:00 EDT Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still coping with the toxic debris the storm left behind. Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still coping with the toxic debris the storm left behind. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/06/19/20080619_nola28.mp3 09:39 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/green_05-29.html Thu, 29 May 2008 18:25:00 EDT A recent surge in investments by venture capitalists in eco-friendly businesses may be triggering a boom in green and clean technology. Analysts report on the green market and its ability to make money while saving oil. A recent surge in investments by venture capitalists in eco-friendly businesses may be triggering a boom in green and clean technology. Analysts report on the green market and its ability to make money while saving oil. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/29/20080529_green28.mp3 09:04 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/monkey_05-29.html Thu, 29 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT Advances in brain-controlled prosthetics reached new heights as researchers at the University of Pittsburgh announced the successful use of a prosthetic arm linked directly to the brain of a monkey. Lead researcher Andrew Schwartz discusses the findings. Advances in brain-controlled prosthetics reached new heights as researchers at the University of Pittsburgh announced the successful use of a prosthetic arm linked directly to the brain of a monkey. Lead researcher Andrew Schwartz discusses the findings. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/29/20080529_robot28.mp3 08:09 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/climate_05-28.html Wed, 28 May 2008 16:23:00 EDT A recently released government report describes the impact global climate change is already having on U.S. farms, wildlife, forests and water supplies. One of the report's lead authors discusses its findings. A recently released government report describes the impact global climate change is already having on U.S. farms, wildlife, forests and water supplies. One of the report's lead authors discusses its findings. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/28/20080528_climate28.mp3 07:51 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/clonecows_05-27.html Tue, 27 May 2008 18:30:00 EDT The Food and Drug Administration recently approved meat and milk from cloned cows as safe for human consumption. However, some observers believe the FDA's decision was hasty and more study of the issue is needed. Tom Bearden reports on the controversy. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved meat and milk from cloned cows as safe for human consumption. However, some observers believe the FDA's decision was hasty and more study of the issue is needed. Tom Bearden reports on the controversy. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/27/20080527_cows28.mp3 09:45 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/phoenix_05-26.html Mon, 26 May 2008 01:50:00 EDT NASA's Phoenix spacecraft landed in the northern polar region of Mars near frozen water to begin three months of digging into the ground to search for life-sustaining characteristics. Mission co-leader Ray Arvidson of Washington University in St. Louis provides further details. NASA's Phoenix spacecraft landed in the northern polar region of Mars near frozen water to begin three months of digging into the ground to search for life-sustaining characteristics. Mission co-leader Ray Arvidson of Washington University in St. Louis provides further details. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/26/20080526_mars28.mp3 06:44 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/supernova_05-21.html Wed, 21 May 2008 18:45:00 EDT For the first time, astronomers have glimpsed the early stages of a supernova -- a giant explosion marking the death of a massive star. Robert Kirshner of Harvard University explains the significance of the event. For the first time, astronomers have glimpsed the early stages of a supernova -- a giant explosion marking the death of a massive star. Robert Kirshner of Harvard University explains the significance of the event. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/21/20080521_star28.mp3 06:22 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/bottle_05-20.html Tue, 20 May 2008 18:46:00 EDT Increasing concerns about the toxicity of the chemical Bisphenol A have led water bottle maker Nalgene to stop using the chemical in its products. The NewsHour updates its report from fall 2007. Increasing concerns about the toxicity of the chemical Bisphenol A have led water bottle maker Nalgene to stop using the chemical in its products. The NewsHour updates its report from fall 2007. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/20/20080520_bpa28.mp3 09:48 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/ethanol_05-15.html Thu, 15 May 2008 18:35:00 EDT As corn prices have risen with demand for ethanol in recent years, corn farmers are prospering. But others -- such as hog farmers who rely on corn feed -- are facing tough times, and some critics blame ethanol demand for rising food prices worldwide. As corn prices have risen with demand for ethanol in recent years, corn farmers are prospering. But others -- such as hog farmers who rely on corn feed -- are facing tough times, and some critics blame ethanol demand for rising food prices worldwide. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/15/20080515_ethanol28.mp3 07:53 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/polarbear_05-14.html Wed, 14 May 2008 18:45:00 EDT In a highly-anticipated decision, the Interior Department on Wednesday declared the polar bear "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act because of shrinking Arctic ice due to global warming. Two analysts consider the impact of the decisions. In a highly-anticipated decision, the Interior Department on Wednesday declared the polar bear "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act because of shrinking Arctic ice due to global warming. Two analysts consider the impact of the decisions. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/05/14/20080514_polar28.mp3 10:26 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june08/green_04-25.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:25:00 EDT A century after its heyday as a center of the industrial revolution, Pittsburgh is trying to remake itself as a center of the "green" revolution. The city is home to researchers and businesses working to replace oil and coal with solar, wind and nuclear power. A century after its heyday as a center of the industrial revolution, Pittsburgh is trying to remake itself as a center of the "green" revolution. The city is home to researchers and businesses working to replace oil and coal with solar, wind and nuclear power. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/04/25/20080425_pittsburgh28.mp3 10:44 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june08/dna_04-25.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EDT As research of preventative genetic testing increases, many fear the impact this information can have on employment and health-insurance practices -- leading the Senate to vote Thursday to ban genetic-based discrimination. An expert on genetics examines the issue. As research of preventative genetic testing increases, many fear the impact this information can have on employment and health-insurance practices -- leading the Senate to vote Thursday to ban genetic-based discrimination. An expert on genetics examines the issue. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/04/25/20080425_genetic28.mp3 07:46 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/robots_04-23.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:33:00 EDT The former steel town of Pittsburgh was recently dubbed "Roboburgh" in a Wall Street Journal article. The city is emerging as a national center for robotics research, as scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh develop robots for a variety of uses, including military applications and helping the elderly with everyday tasks. The former steel town of Pittsburgh was recently dubbed "Roboburgh" in a Wall Street Journal article. The city is emerging as a national center for robotics research, as scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh develop robots for a variety of uses, including military applications and helping the elderly with everyday tasks. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/04/23/20080423_robots28.mp3 09:29 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/education/jan-june08/hightech_04-17.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:40:00 EDT Paul Solman reports on a high school in California that pushes its students to focus on the future by preparing for jobs in the world of high technology. Paul Solman reports on a high school in California that pushes its students to focus on the future by preparing for jobs in the world of high technology. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/04/17/20080417_high28.mp3 10:54 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/aging_03-31.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EDT Scientists have coined a new term -- geroscience -- to describe research that aims to slow down aging and delay the onset of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers are studying the underlying genetic causes of aging and effects of exercise. Scientists have coined a new term -- geroscience -- to describe research that aims to slow down aging and delay the onset of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers are studying the underlying genetic causes of aging and effects of exercise. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/03/31/20080331_science28.mp3 10:15 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/iceshelf_03-26.html Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:40:00 EDT A huge slab of ice has fallen off the western Antarctic peninsula, threatening the ice shelf behind it. Scientists say the collapse shows how quickly polar changes can occur amid certain climate conditions. A climatologist explains. A huge slab of ice has fallen off the western Antarctic peninsula, threatening the ice shelf behind it. Scientists say the collapse shows how quickly polar changes can occur amid certain climate conditions. A climatologist explains. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://media.pbs.org/ramgen/newshour/expansion/2008/03/26/20080326_ice28.rm?altplay=20080326_ice28.rm 07:38 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/water_03-24.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:43:00 EDT In water-strapped southern California local authorities are exploring new approaches to water usage, launching new programs that send highly treated wastewater back into the groundwater supply to serve as drinking water. In water-strapped southern California local authorities are exploring new approaches to water usage, launching new programs that send highly treated wastewater back into the groundwater supply to serve as drinking water. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/03/24/20080324_tap28.mp3 07:30 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june08/records_03-24.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:42:00 EDT New technologies now allow doctors and hospitals to keep electronic health records, but the U.S. has been slow to switch formats. Susan Dentzer reports on the advantages and difficulties that some hospitals are facing in their efforts to digitize medical records. New technologies now allow doctors and hospitals to keep electronic health records, but the U.S. has been slow to switch formats. Susan Dentzer reports on the advantages and difficulties that some hospitals are facing in their efforts to digitize medical records. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/03/24/20080324_erecords28.mp3 10:01 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june08/water_03-10.html Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:35:00 EDT An investigation by the Associated Press found trace amounts of many types of pharmaceuticals -- including painkillers, antibiotics and anti-seizure medications -- in the drinking water of 24 American cities. A reporter who worked on the story describes the findings. An investigation by the Associated Press found trace amounts of many types of pharmaceuticals -- including painkillers, antibiotics and anti-seizure medications -- in the drinking water of 24 American cities. A reporter who worked on the story describes the findings. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/03/10/20080310_water28.mp3 08:32 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june08/carbon_03-06.html Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:39:00 EDT As more businesses buy carbon credits that allow them to offset their emissions by investing in green technologies, a debate is ongoing about whether such a system could be part of a national cap-and-trade carbon reduction plan. As more businesses buy carbon credits that allow them to offset their emissions by investing in green technologies, a debate is ongoing about whether such a system could be part of a national cap-and-trade carbon reduction plan. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/03/06/20080306_carbon28.mp3 12:08 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june08/battlefield_02-22.html Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EDT Drawing on new technologies as well as lessons learned in Iraq, the U.S. military is using improved methods to treat wounded soldiers, leading to higher survival rates overall. Tom Bearden reports on these advances. Drawing on new technologies as well as lessons learned in Iraq, the U.S. military is using improved methods to treat wounded soldiers, leading to higher survival rates overall. Tom Bearden reports on these advances. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/02/22/20080222_trauma28.mp3 07:51 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/dinosaurs_02-21.html Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EDT The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh renovated its dinosaur exhibit to provide a more realistic picture of how dinosaurs lived and interacted with one another more than 100 million years ago. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh renovated its dinosaur exhibit to provide a more realistic picture of how dinosaurs lived and interacted with one another more than 100 million years ago. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/02/21/20080221_dino28.mp3 07:09 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/military/jan-june08/satelliteshoot_02-20.html Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:57:00 EDT The U.S. military's plan to shoot down a defunct spy satellite rather than let it fall out of the sky was delayed by rough seas and and strong winds in the Pacific Ocean. Experts debate the effort and how it might fit into the Pentagon's larger space strategy. The U.S. military's plan to shoot down a defunct spy satellite rather than let it fall out of the sky was delayed by rough seas and and strong winds in the Pacific Ocean. Experts debate the effort and how it might fit into the Pentagon's larger space strategy. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/02/20/20080220_satellite28.mp3 11:00 NewsHour with Jim Lehrer http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june08/winningformat_02-19.html Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EDT Toshiba said Tuesday that it would stop developing its own high-definition DVD player, known as HD DVD, leaving the market to Sony's Blu-ray format. The Wall Street Journal's technology columnist explains the move and its likely impact on consumers. Toshiba said Tuesday that it would stop developing its own high-definition DVD player, known as HD DVD, leaving the market to Sony's Blu-ray format. The Wall Street Journal's technology columnist explains the move and its likely impact on consumers. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/02/19/20080219_sony28.mp3 07:32