On Demand
Science
Chamber of Commerce Hot over Climate Change Battle
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 23, 2009
Orchid Hypothesis
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 23, 2009
People get passionate about their handheld devices. WNYC staffers
Alpha
Studio 360
November 20, 2009
Acclaimed novelist Lydia Millet imagines a future where a genetic engineering accident has wiped out much of the earth's plant life. When a few blades of grass appear on a remote island, a scientist goes to investigate. Martha Plimpton reads the story. With production by John Delore.
Listen to Martha Plimpton read another Lydia Millet story here.
Homo-Thespian
Studio 360
November 20, 2009
A new play, "Hominid," reenacts a violent incident that took place in a chimpanzee colony. Primate expert Frans de Waal and the play's actors describe what it took to stage a chimpanzee drama with a very human story. Produced by Philip Graitcer, with Rob Weisberg.
The Art Instinct
Studio 360
November 20, 2009
Denis Dutton is a professor of the philosophy of art interested in evolutionary biology. In his controversial book The Art Instinct, he argues that certain tastes in art are genetic. Dutton believes that if we examine art from around the world, we can see the marks of evolution.
Museum of God
Studio 360
November 20, 2009
Amateur paleontologist Jon Halsey isn't afraid to turn over a few rocks. By digging in areas near his home outside of Dallas, he's been able to amass an extensive collection of fossils which he stores in his garage. He calls the collection "The American Museum of God," revering the power he believes is behind his discoveries. Lindsay Patterson went digging with Halsey in the bed of the Sulfur River.
Spencer Wells
Studio 360
November 20, 2009
Where did we come from? Evolutionary biologist Spencer Wells is pretty close to the answer. He's the National Geographic "Explorer-in-Residence" and heads an initiative called the Genographic Project. By collecting DNA samples from people around the world, he's tracing the paths of human migration, and he's uncovered some startling facts about homo sapiens' early history: we almost didn't make it.
Darwin: A Life In Poems
Studio 360
November 20, 2009
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species. Charles Darwin's great-great-granddaughter, Ruth Padel, tells her famous ancestor's life story all in verse. One poem describes Darwin's awe at the sealife that washed up on the deck of the Beagle. Another tackles how Charles' scientific ideas did not square with his wife Emma's deep religious faith.
Water On The Moon
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 18, 2009
NASA announced that there is definitely water on the moon.
Richard Powers
Studio 360
October 23, 2009
For years Richard Powers has based his novels on challenging ideas and controversies from modern science. His latest is Generosity: An Enhancement -- Powers tells Kurt how he came to the story of an inexplicably happy young woman and the genetic engineer who wants her secret.
Artificial Intelligence for the Unemployed
October 15, 2009
Could a mathematical formula cause a big leap forward in the job search? The New York State Department of Labor thinks so. It's testing an algorithm it hopes will do much better than ordinary job boa....
Forgetting and the Digital Age
The Brian Lehrer Show
October 06, 2009
NYC Sewage Operations Win $220 Million in Stimulus Funding
September 08, 2009
New York City's sewage operations will get freshening up, through $220 million in federal economic stimulus money. With the funds, which are coming to the city through Albany, the city will upgrade ....
Counting Crickets
The Brian Lehrer Show
September 04, 2009
Crickets are an important part of the urban ecosystem, but little is known about their presence in and around New York.
Have you heard a cricket or a katydid in the city? Tell us where.
Music in Space
Studio 360
September 11, 2009
When NASA launches the space shuttle, mission control wakes up the astronauts every morning with a song. But that’s not the only music heard in outer space. The astronauts often bring instruments with them to play. We asked Richard Paul to find out what it’s like to rock out in space.
(Originally aired: October 26, 2007)
Astronaut Ed Lu plays Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata on board the International Space Station in 2003:
(Video courtesy of NASA)
DOB Opens Independent Concrete Testing Lab
September 02, 2009
Since two of the city's biggest testers of concrete are under indictment, the Department of Buildings has decided to open its own independent testing lab. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more. Buildings Com....
What's Behind Umbilical Cord Blood's Freezing Promises?
August 26, 2009
Stem cells have been in the news for years – both for their biological promise and their political baggage. President Bush banned research on new embryonic stem cell lines eight years ago. Preside....
Sierra Club Endorses Daggett in NJ Race
August 17, 2009
In a major rebuff of incumbent New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, the state's Sierra Club is endorsing independent candidate Chris Daggett. It cited Daggett's integrity, and environmental record as for....
Nuclear Plant Clears One Hurdle, Groups Say Not Enough
August 12, 2009
Indian Point nuclear plant has passed a major test. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued its final safety report today. It found owner Entergy can safely manage Indian Point 2 and 3 as they age o....
Climate Change and Evolution
The Leonard Lopate Show
August 11, 2009
Increasing temperatures on the planet might mean catastrophe for some species -- including humans -- but it might present new opportunities for others. Science writer
Legislative Leftovers: Cap and Trade
The Leonard Lopate Show
August 11, 2009
Our two-part series, Legislative Leftovers continues today with a look at what remains to be done on the cap and trade climate change bill now that Congress in recess for the rest of August. We'll be joined by New Yorker writer
Immune System Cancer Found in Young 9/11 Responders
August 10, 2009
Researchers say a small number of young law enforcement officers who participated in the World Trade Center rescue and cleanup operation have developed an immune system cancer. The researchers looke....
Newark Mayor Cuts Ribbon on Revamped Open Space
July 28, 2009
Newark Mayor Corey Booker cut the ribbon today on a new park. Nat Turner Park is located in the city's central ward. It was once a rough area notorious for dumping and criminal activity. Booker says....
Lilly First Tenant in Science Center
July 22, 2009
A science complex under construction along the East River got its first official tenant yesterday. The research division of drug company Imclone Systems will take over four floors once the first towe....
