Science & Technology Coverage | PBS NewsHour Podcast | PBS

Major Embryonic Stem Cell Advance Raises Ethical Quandaries

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:46:00 EDT

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 need 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 Institution to Active Citizen

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:44:00 EDT

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

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:12:00 EDT

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 Genocide

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:31:00 EDT

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 Fun, Interactive Science

Tue, 07 May 2013 18:26:00 EDT

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 of the Digital Future

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:37:00 EDT

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 Wrong Turns

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:28:00 EDT

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, Limiting Use

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:26:00 EDT

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

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:20:00 EDT

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 Researchers?

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:24:00 EDT

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 Teddy Bears

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:47:00 EDT

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

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EDT

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 websites like Netflix and others around the world. 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 Learn Science

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:26:00 EDT

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, City-Wide Internet

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:38:00 EDT

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.