Synthetic biology is a great plot device for science fiction, but screenwriters tend to rely on clichés more than the much weirder world of actual science.
From "Pig Wings" to "Semi-Living Dolls," the artists Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr are using high tech tools to challenge our conception of what life is and could be.
When artists use synthetic biology, are they playing God, or just playing with cool new toys? Scientists Drew Endy and Christina Agapakis weigh in on the ethics.
Astrophysicist Janna Levin explains why it took scientists 100 years to confirm one of Einstein’s most outlandish predictions: gravitational waves.
An art historian and a biologist discovered a novel way to measure historical air pollution levels: looking soot caught in the feathers of birds from 140 years ago.
Faith talks to raptor biologist Janie Fink Cantwell about the bionic beak she has constructed for an injured bald eagle that had its beak shot off by a poacher.
Faith talks to NYU psychologist Gary Marcus about why he thinks the brain is more a cobbled-together product of evolutionary tinkering than some ideal natural design, as explained in his new book "Kluge."
Epidemiologist and former Assistant Secretary of Energy David Michaels talks about his new book, in which he describes the rise of "mercenary scientists" and "product defense" firms.
Not many neurologists can say they were played by Robin Williams in a movie. But Oliver Sacks can. Dr. Sacks will be here with a new book about music and the mind, "Musicophilia."
Orange County, CA has opened what is likely the largest sewage purification plant for drinking water in the world. The community is on board, and the idea is already being copied elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad. Living on Earth's Ingrid Lobet reports.
Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist Dr. F. Jeffrey Martin talks with host Steve Curwood about capturing carbon dioxide from the air to make gasoline.
An article in "Nature" asserts that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has seriously underestimated the technological solutions necessary for the stabilization of the climate. The commentary is titled "Dangerous Assmptions" and it's co-authored by Senior Scientist Tom Wigley of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. To learn more, review our Cookie Policy. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Policy.
Environment
Bionic beak
May 07, 2008
Faith talks to raptor biologist Janie Fink Cantwell about the bionic beak she has constructed for an injured bald eagle that had its beak shot off by a poacher.
Environment
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
May 09, 2008
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroanatomist at the University of Indiana in Indianapolis, talks about her experience having a stroke and her new book.
Environment
Gary Marcus
May 13, 2008
Faith talks to NYU psychologist Gary Marcus about why he thinks the brain is more a cobbled-together product of evolutionary tinkering than some ideal natural design, as explained in his new book "Kluge."
Environment
Marcus Du Satoy
May 14, 2008
Faith talks to Oxford University mathematician Marcus du Sautoy about his new book, "Symmetry: A Journey in the Patterns of Nature."
Business, Economics and Jobs
David Michaels
May 21, 2008
Epidemiologist and former Assistant Secretary of Energy David Michaels talks about his new book, in which he describes the rise of "mercenary scientists" and "product defense" firms.
Environment
William Crawford
May 21, 2008
Faith talks to William Crawford, the co-creator of Concrete Canvas, a unique fabric that can be used to create a bulletproof shelter.
Arts, Culture & Media
Oliver Sacks
May 27, 2008
Not many neurologists can say they were played by Robin Williams in a movie. But Oliver Sacks can. Dr. Sacks will be here with a new book about music and the mind, "Musicophilia."
Environment
From toilet to tap
Living on Earth
January 18, 2008
Orange County, CA has opened what is likely the largest sewage purification plant for drinking water in the world. The community is on board, and the idea is already being copied elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad. Living on Earth's Ingrid Lobet reports.
Environment
Fuel from thin air
Living on Earth
February 22, 2008
Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist Dr. F. Jeffrey Martin talks with host Steve Curwood about capturing carbon dioxide from the air to make gasoline.
Environment
Dangerous assumptions
Living on Earth
April 04, 2008
An article in "Nature" asserts that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has seriously underestimated the technological solutions necessary for the stabilization of the climate. The commentary is titled "Dangerous Assmptions" and it's co-authored by Senior Scientist Tom Wigley of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.