NPR People: Dan Charles http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100329&ft=1&f=2100329 Dan Charles is an independent writer and radio producer who contributes regularly to NPR's technology coverage. He is author of Lords of the Harvest: Biotech, Big Money, and the Future of Food (Perseus, 2001), a widely praised account of how genetically engineered crops came to be, and how they became controversial. From 1993 to 1999, Charles was a technology correspondent for NPR. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:31:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Dan Charles http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100329&ft=1&f=2100329 yes Experts Identify Fungus Suspected In Bat Die-Off In the northeastern United States, bats have been dying by the thousands, struck down by a strange ailment called "white-nose syndrome." Researchers have identified a previously unknown fungus that flourishes in the cold and that may be a cause of the syndrome. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:31:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96342911&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96342911&ft=1&f=2100329 In the northeastern United States, bats have been dying by the thousands, struck down by a strange ailment called "white-nose syndrome." Researchers have identified a previously unknown fungus that flourishes in the cold and that may be a cause of the syndrome. 0 no In the northeastern United States, bats have been dying by the thousands, struck down by a strange ailment called "white-nose syndrome." Researchers have identified a previously unknown fungus that flourishes in the cold and that may be a cause of the syndrome.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Study Traces Frog Population Decline To Weed Killer All over the world, frog populations are declining because of diseases and the destruction of wetlands. A new study suggests another reason: a cascade of environmental changes set off by farmers who spray crops with the weed killer atrazine. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:35:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96282292&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96282292&ft=1&f=2100329 All over the world, frog populations are declining because of diseases and the destruction of wetlands. A new study suggests another reason: a cascade of environmental changes set off by farmers who spray crops with the weed killer atrazine. 0 no All over the world, frog populations are declining because of diseases and the destruction of wetlands. A new study suggests another reason: a cascade of environmental changes set off by farmers who spray crops with the weed killer atrazine.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Study Links Warm Hands, Warm Heart Holding something warm or cold influences your attitudes toward others, new research suggests. In an experiment at Yale University, student volunteers thought more favorably of strangers when handed a cup of hot coffee than when holding iced coffee. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:46:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96041598&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96041598&ft=1&f=2100329 Holding something warm or cold influences your attitudes toward others, new research suggests. In an experiment at Yale University, student volunteers thought more favorably of strangers when handed a cup of hot coffee than when holding iced coffee. 0 no Holding something warm or cold influences your attitudes toward others, new research suggests. In an experiment at Yale University, student volunteers thought more favorably of strangers when handed a cup of hot coffee than when holding iced coffee.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Monkey Studies Could Help Paralyzed Humans Scientists at the University of Washington are reporting progress in the effort to restore movement in paralyzed limbs. Researchers working with monkeys used electrodes to connect individual brain cells to muscles in the animals' arms. The monkeys were able to use those brain cells to move their hands. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:12:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95774683&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95774683&ft=1&f=2100329 Scientists at the University of Washington are reporting progress in the effort to restore movement in paralyzed limbs. Researchers working with monkeys used electrodes to connect individual brain cells to muscles in the animals' arms. The monkeys were able to use those brain cells to move their hands. 0 no Scientists at the University of Washington are reporting progress in the effort to restore movement in paralyzed limbs. Researchers working with monkeys used electrodes to connect individual brain cells to muscles in the animals' arms. The monkeys were able to use those brain cells to move their hands.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> In Yosemite, Scientists Find Species Movin' On Up Scientists have retraced the century-old steps of legendary naturalist Joseph Grinnell through Yosemite National Park. They found that most species have moved to higher, cooler elevations. Their study is published in this week's issue of the journal Science. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95567822&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95567822&ft=1&f=2100329 Scientists have retraced the century-old steps of legendary naturalist Joseph Grinnell through Yosemite National Park. They found that most species have moved to higher, cooler elevations. Their study is published in this week's issue of the journal Science. 0 no Scientists have retraced the century-old steps of legendary naturalist Joseph Grinnell through Yosemite National Park. They found that most species have moved to higher, cooler elevations. Their study is published in this week's issue of the journal Science.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Glowing Gene's Discoverer Left Out Of Nobel Prize The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded this week to three scientists working in the United States with a jellyfish protein that glows in the dark. But the scientist who isolated the gene for that protein, and gave it to the eventual Nobel winners, is no longer working in the field. He now drives a shuttle bus for an auto dealership. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:39:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95545761&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95545761&ft=1&f=2100329 The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded this week to three scientists working in the United States with a jellyfish protein that glows in the dark. But the scientist who isolated the gene for that protein, and gave it to the eventual Nobel winners, is no longer working in the field. He now drives a shuttle bus for an auto dealership. 0 no The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded this week to three scientists working in the United States with a jellyfish protein that glows in the dark. But the scientist who isolated the gene for that protein, and gave it to the eventual Nobel winners, is no longer working in the field. He now drives a shuttle bus for an auto dealership.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Jellyfish Protein Researchers Win Chemistry Nobel Two Americans and a Japanese researcher have won the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work creating a method of unveiling the previously invisible machinery inside living cells, using a protein that glows in the dark. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95517508&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95517508&ft=1&f=2100329 Two Americans and a Japanese researcher have won the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work creating a method of unveiling the previously invisible machinery inside living cells, using a protein that glows in the dark. 0 no Two Americans and a Japanese researcher have won the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work creating a method of unveiling the previously invisible machinery inside living cells, using a protein that glows in the dark.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Japanese, U.S. Scientists Win Nobel Chemistry Prize Three scientists — a Japanese citizen and two Americans — who created a method for unveiling the previously invisible machinery inside living cells, using a protein that glows in the dark, won the 2008 Nobel Prize for chemistry. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:13:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95504782&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95504782&ft=1&f=2100329 Three scientists — a Japanese citizen and two Americans — who created a method for unveiling the previously invisible machinery inside living cells, using a protein that glows in the dark, won the 2008 Nobel Prize for chemistry. no Three scientists — a Japanese citizen and two Americans — who created a method for unveiling the previously invisible machinery inside living cells, using a protein that glows in the dark, won the 2008 Nobel Prize for chemistry.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Study: 'Lack Of Control' Plays With Our Minds A recent study found that volunteers conditioned to feel a lack of control were more likely to see patterns that didn't exist. Faced with powerlessness, the human mind seems to make up patterns to explain the world around it. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:53:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95296627&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95296627&ft=1&f=2100329 A recent study found that volunteers conditioned to feel a lack of control were more likely to see patterns that didn't exist. Faced with powerlessness, the human mind seems to make up patterns to explain the world around it. 0 no A recent study found that volunteers conditioned to feel a lack of control were more likely to see patterns that didn't exist. Faced with powerlessness, the human mind seems to make up patterns to explain the world around it.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> High Food Prices A Two-Edged Sword For Farmers For some farmers in Honduras, high food prices mean greater profits. But others can't afford the higher costs for fertilizer and pesticides, so they're cutting back on production. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:35:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93347155&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93347155&ft=1&f=2100329 For some farmers in Honduras, high food prices mean greater profits. But others can't afford the higher costs for fertilizer and pesticides, so they're cutting back on production. 0 no For some farmers in Honduras, high food prices mean greater profits. But others can't afford the higher costs for fertilizer and pesticides, so they're cutting back on production.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Honduras Embraces Genetically Modified Crops Many Third World countries have banned genetically modified crops, but Honduras is encouraging farmers to plant them in response to the global food crisis. The trend could extend to other countries, too, if it's proven to make a difference in farmers' lives. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:15:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93310225&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93310225&ft=1&f=2100329 Many Third World countries have banned genetically modified crops, but Honduras is encouraging farmers to plant them in response to the global food crisis. The trend could extend to other countries, too, if it's proven to make a difference in farmers' lives. 0 no Many Third World countries have banned genetically modified crops, but Honduras is encouraging farmers to plant them in response to the global food crisis. The trend could extend to other countries, too, if it's proven to make a difference in farmers' lives.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> The Supermarket Revolution Moves Into Honduras Small farmers in Honduras are increasingly selling their crops to Paiz, a chain owned by Wal-Mart. It's helping to fuel the economy. But farmers face a challenge creating facilities that meet Wal-Mart's safety standards. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:28:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93050486&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93050486&ft=1&f=2100329 Small farmers in Honduras are increasingly selling their crops to Paiz, a chain owned by Wal-Mart. It's helping to fuel the economy. But farmers face a challenge creating facilities that meet Wal-Mart's safety standards. 0 no Small farmers in Honduras are increasingly selling their crops to Paiz, a chain owned by Wal-Mart. It's helping to fuel the economy. But farmers face a challenge creating facilities that meet Wal-Mart's safety standards.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Honduras Promises To Invest In Its Farmers In light of the global food crisis, the Honduras government is changing policies to put money into farming and food production. It's a signal that farmers aren't forgotten anymore — and that feeding the poor is priority. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92872490&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92872490&ft=1&f=2100329 In light of the global food crisis, the Honduras government is changing policies to put money into farming and food production. It's a signal that farmers aren't forgotten anymore — and that feeding the poor is priority. 0 no In light of the global food crisis, the Honduras government is changing policies to put money into farming and food production. It's a signal that farmers aren't forgotten anymore — and that feeding the poor is priority.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Crash at Airport Grounds Honduras' Jet Set The airport in Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa, has been closed since May 30 when an Airbus A320 aircraft overshot the runway, resulting in a fiery crash that killed five people. The airport's closure has left the jet set with few options: none great. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91975521&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91975521&ft=1&f=2100329 The airport in Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa, has been closed since May 30 when an Airbus A320 aircraft overshot the runway, resulting in a fiery crash that killed five people. The airport's closure has left the jet set with few options: none great. 0 no The airport in Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa, has been closed since May 30 when an Airbus A320 aircraft overshot the runway, resulting in a fiery crash that killed five people. The airport's closure has left the jet set with few options: none great.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 'Green' Genetic Plant Claims Draw Skeptics A biotech company says it has created genetically engineered canola and rice plants that need only half as much nitrogen fertilizer. But some environmentalists don't think that any genetically engineered crops can really be "green." Thu, 29 May 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90958137&ft=1&f=2100329 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90958137&ft=1&f=2100329 A biotech company says it has created genetically engineered canola and rice plants that need only half as much nitrogen fertilizer. But some environmentalists don't think that any genetically engineered crops can really be "green." 0 no A biotech company says it has created genetically engineered canola and rice plants that need only half as much nitrogen fertilizer. But some environmentalists don't think that any genetically engineered crops can really be "green."

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>