In October, SuperFreakonomics author Steve Levitt spoke with host Scott Simon and outlined some provocative ideas for addressing the problem of global warming, like pumping sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to cool down the earth. The Union of Concerned Scientists took issue, and Levitt is back to discuss his ideas with Peter Frumhoff, director of science and policy for the UCS. Full Story »
President Obama is changing the time of his appearance at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The White House said Obama will visit Denmark on Dec. 18, at the summit's more crucial phase, instead of next week. Full Story »
Authorities dumped 2,300 gallons of a fish-killing toxin into a 6-mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, targeting the invasive Asian carp. Although none of the fish have actually been seen in this part of the canal, Asian carp DNA was found in water samples. Full Story »
More rigorous scientific training in clinical psychology graduate programs would turn out more competent clinicians, researchers write in Psychological Science in the Public Interest. But not all psychologists agree. Full Story »
Feed nematode worms a particular light-sensitive chemical and after the meal, the worms become paralyzed when exposed to UV light. Remarkably, the effects can be reversed under visible light, Neil Branda and colleagues report in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Full Story »
The Mars exploration rover dubbed "Spirit" has been stuck in sand since April. NASA's project manager for the rovers, John Callas, describes attempts to free Spirit, and explains how the rover might continue to collect data from its present location if those attempts fail. Full Story »
After being down for more than a year for repairs, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN is running again. Physicist Drew Baden explains what went wrong with the Collider, how it was fixed, and what scientists are hoping to find by smashing beams of particles into each other. Full Story »
Ball State University is constructing the largest geothermal heating and cooling system in the country — and environmentalists are watching it closely. The university plans to use more than 660 acres to heat and cool nearly 50 buildings, and phase out its coal boilers. If the project is successful, officials say it will cut the university's emissions in half. Full Story »
The Copenhagen conference on climate change is set to begin Monday, December 7. Both the policy and science aspects of the issue can be overwhelming. NPR science correspondent Richard Harris offers a suggested reading list to help shed some light on the climate change debate. Full Story »
The pledge to reduce the ratio of pollution to GDP by 20 percent to 25 percent comes just days before world leaders gather to discuss a new climate pact. Indian officials note that the targeted reductions would be only a domestic commitment and would not be legally binding. Full Story »
