Thursday, 9 February, 2012

Hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids boost auto efficiency and reduce pollution, but it’s a long struggle from the idea to the reality.

In 1997, Dolly was BIG NEWS. What did Dolly teach? Why did cloning attract so many oddballs, and what is the status of reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning? The Why Files honors Dolly with a 10-year lookback.

To understand and protect the home planet: it’s no longer a key NASA mission. What will we lose as NASA turns its eyes toward the moon and Mars?

Test shows horrific math performance by U.S. students. What do mathematicians and educators say about teaching math? Are we near a resolution of the math wars? Is there one optimal way to teach math?

Bigfoot film was a fraud, a hoax, says man who played bigfoot in 1967 film. Why do so many people believe in cryptozoology?

Manned space flight is expensive — and risky. What causes accidents? Was the destruction of space shuttle Columbia a result of NASA’s failed safety culture? Are accidents normal?

New technology in ground-based telescopes will give better picture of the universe and detect deadly asteroids.

Scientific journals choose self-censorship, decide not to publish articles related to biological weapons, bioterrorism and national security. Is this a necessary change in scientific tradition, or an over-reaction to a fearful political climate?

Genetically modified corn in Mexico starts scientific scandal; journal retracts article. What do we really learn from scientific publications? How have money and patents changed the scientific process?

Hubble Space Telescope is fixed, will add to history of discovery. Get a gander of galaxies, quasars, gamma ray sources, and other greatest hits of the greatest spyglass.