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Science | Environment | Space | Math | Technology | Biology | Physics | Life | Genetics | PsychologyA Less Open Internet?
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 24, 2009
Two news stories today may mean that the internet is getting a little less open.
Chamber of Commerce Hot over Climate Change Battle
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 23, 2009
The Orchid Hypothesis
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 23, 2009
A new theory of genetics asserts that mankind's most troublesome genes may be vital to our adaptability, if given the right kind of nurturing.
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.
Stealing Time
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 19, 2009
Don't have time to listen to the entire show? Listen to this and you might gain it.
Water On The Moon
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 18, 2009
NASA announced that there is definitely water on the moon.
On Display
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 13, 2009
New York Times reporter
Tell us your window-watching story! What's the strangest thing you've ever seen through a window? Do you have an ongoing window-watching relationship with a stranger? Have you ever met your window-neighbor? Comment below!
NPR Ombudsman
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 13, 2009
NPR Ombudsman
New Yorkers Speak Out at Gas Drilling Hearing
November 11, 2009
Nearly a thousand New Yorkers turned out last night for the chance to comment on the record on natural gas and drinking water. State regulators have offered a plan to allow gas drilling near the city....
Bridging the Digital Gap: Language Barriers
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 12, 2009
This week's topic: crossing language barriers.
Check out Meedan.net, a website that uses machine-assisted translation technology to bring together English and Arabic speakers.
Drilling, Dredging and New York’s Water
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 10, 2009
Two issues pertaining to water in New York are coming to a head. Riverkeeper president
Public Forum on Catskills Gas Drilling Tonight at Stuyvesant HS
November 10, 2009
The debate over gas drilling in the Catskills is coming to New York City. This evening, a state agency will host a public forum on plans to oversee drilling in the formation known as the Marcellus Sh....
Major Reconstruction Project Slated for Major Deegan to Begin in 2012
November 09, 2009
Traffic on the Major Deegan in the Bronx is fated to get worse before getting better. The state Department of Transportation is planning a $250-million project just south of Yankee Stadium. WNYC's Ma....
Twenty Years After The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 09, 2009
On the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, three authors who have written on the subject look back on the fall of communism and its continuing repercussions:
NYS Extends Comment Period for Natural Gas Drilling Plan
November 05, 2009
Albany is granting the city more time to comment on a controversial plan to allow gas drilling near its upstate drinking water reservoirs. WNYC's Ilya Marritz has more. REOPRTER: City officials ask....
Bridging the Digital Gap
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 05, 2009
This week's topic: Bridge-blogging.
For next week, check out Meedan.net, a website that uses machine-assisted translation technology to bring together English and Arabic speakers.
Where's the Beef?
The Brian Lehrer Show
November 02, 2009
Author of the bestselling novels Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,
Upcoming event with Jonathan Safran Foer: November 16, 2009 Barnes and Noble Union Square, 7pm.
