With all forms of federal spending under the microscope, spending on scientific research, technology development, and science education is facing deep cuts. In an editorial in the journal Science Congressman Rush Holt argues for keeping research and development as a key part of the federal budget.
The New York Department of Environmental Protection installed a prototype "algal turf scrubber" at one of its wastewater treatment plants in Queens. The scrubber--two 350-foot metal ramps coated with algae that grows naturally--is designed to use algae to remove nutrients and boost dissolved oxygen in the water that passes through it.
In the search for ways to break down tough plant material like cellulose into biofuel, researchers are looking in odd places--like the feces of pandas, zebras and giraffes. Biochemist Ashli Brown and microbiologist David Mullin discuss the microbes that inhabit the guts of herbivores.
Google's founders built a giant company based on certain principles: Make decisions based on data. Search should be fast and automatic. Keep as much company information private as possible. In his book In the Plex, Steven Levy discusses how these values shaped Google into what it is today.
When the humble garage workshop just isn't enough, or basement tinkerers tire of trying to go it alone, some turn to 'hackerspaces,' organizations that provide space, tools, and like-minded colleagues for unusual do it yourself projects. Kelly Maguire of NYC Resistor and Sean Auriti of Alpha One Labs discuss the 'hackerspace' movement.
Are you a first-born? A middle child? A twin? An only child? In his new book The Sibling Effect: What the Bonds Among Brothers and Sisters Reveal About Us, author Jeffrey Kluger describes current scientific research into the effects of siblings on human behavior, from birth order studies to sibling rivalries and fighting.
Wildlife biologists on Friday will evacuate two species of minnows from the shrinking waters of a West Texas river in the first of what could be several rescue operations involving fish affected by the state's worst drought in decades.
This week, House Speaker Boehner acknowledged some common ground between his jobs plan and the president's plan, but said Obama's program doesn't quite add up. Also, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the latest poverty figures, and Tyler Perry was reported as the highest paid man in Hollywood. The Barbershop guys weigh in.
She's been an icon for the anti-feminist movement in the U.S. She's also a lawyer and mother of six. Phyllis Schlafly shares some of her favorite songs.
On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry invoked stories of Paul to inspire Liberty University students to speak out against Washington politicians. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann is also open about her religion. The Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody and Religion Dispatches' Sarah Posner discuss when it's fair game to ask candidates tough questions about faith.