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David Kestenbaum David Kestenbaum is a science correspondent for NPR. His job allows him to combine his extensive background in physics with his love of broadcast journalism.
David Kestenbaum
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David Kestenbaum

Space

Will Mars Rover Survive the Crater of Doom?

NASA's Mars rover "Opportunity" is scheduled to begin descending a rocky slope into the Red Planet's massive Victoria Crater. This latest trek carries real risk for the long-lived robotic explorer, but it's expected to provide valuable science.

Will Mars Rover Survive the Crater of Doom?

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Media

Critics Call 'Yucca Mountain Johnny' Propaganda

Congress is weighing the fate of Yucca Mountain Johnny, a smiling cartoon character with a red hard hat, safety glasses and a tool belt. He lives on a government Web site meant to explain to kids how nuclear waste is stored. Critics think Yucca Mountain Johnny is a little biased and are trying to get rid of him.

Critics Call 'Yucca Mountain Johnny' Propaganda

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National

U.S. Nuclear Warhead Numbers Are Kept Secret

The government announced Thursday that it has increased the rate at which it is dismantling nuclear warheads. But the actual number of weapons taken apart is classified, as are most numbers associated with the stockpile. Some officials want those numbers revealed.

U.S. Nuclear Warhead Numbers Are Kept Secret

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Environment

NASA Chief Assailed for Climate Comments

Policymakers and scientists are strongly criticizing comments by Michael Griffin, the head of NASA. In an earlier interview with NPR, he said that he's not sure global warming is an issue that the space agency — or humans — need to "wrestle with."

NASA Chief Assailed for Climate Comments

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Technology

Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Refurbished and Running

An Alabama nuclear plant shut down for 22 years has been restarted — an example of how U.S. utilities are showing interest in nuclear power as they search for "clean" energy sources. Revamping the plant cost $1.8 billion.

Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Refurbished and Running

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What to Do

North Carolina Family Takes Carbon Challenge

Like many people, Scott and Claudia Sheppard feel a sense of foreboding about global warming. They and their two daughters are taking steps to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions — and they wanted to see how they measure up.

North Carolina Family Takes Carbon Challenge

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National

Cost of New Warheads Faulted in Tough Review

The Bush administration's plan for a new set of nuclear warheads to replace the aging ones in the U.S. stockpile received a tough review today from some outside experts, who criticized the plan's cost. The group included some top scientists and three former directors of laboratories that design nuclear weapons.

Cost of New Warheads Faulted in Tough Review

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Space

Test of Einstein's Theory of Gravity Hits a Snag

The longest-running project in the history of NASA will have to run a little longer. The $750 million satellite experiment known as Gravity Probe B was designed to test Einstein's theory of gravity. But small electrical charges have thrown off the test's precision instruments.

Test of Einstein's Theory of Gravity Hits a Snag

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Science Out Of The Box

Sneaky Parasite Attracts Rats to Cats

A new study reveals that rats infected with a picky parasite are drawn to the smell of their feline enemies. The toxoplasma gondii parasite uses its powers of persuasion to get its rodent host to cozy up to cats.

Sneaky Parasite Attracts Rats to Cats

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Research News

The World's Largest Particle Accelerator

Physicists are building a particle accelerator that will smash subatomic particles together with tremendous force. What they find may solve some fundamental mysteries about how the universe is constructed — IF everything works.

The World's Largest Particle Accelerator

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Research News

Massive Particle Accelerator Revving Up

This summer, physicists plan to turn on a 16-mile-long particle accelerator. It will smash together subatomic particles at incredible force. Physicist Alvaro De Rujula's $8 billion project may be the largest science experiment in history.

Massive Particle Accelerator Revving Up

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Science

Researchers Identify Gene Affecting Dog Size

Of all mammals, dogs have the greatest size diversity within their species. A large dog can be 80 times heavier than a small dog. A new study identifies a gene that may be responsible for these enormous size differences.

Researchers Identify Gene Affecting Dog Size

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Your Health

When Brain Shuts Down, Legs Kick into Overdrive

For years, David Kestenbaum had an ailment he couldn't identify — an irresistible urge to move his legs while trying to fall asleep or sit still. He has learned it's called Restless Legs Syndrome.

When Brain Shuts Down, Legs Kick into Overdrive

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Technology

SpaceX Makes Progress with Rocket Test

The private company Space Exploration Technologies completes a "pretty good test" of a commercial rocket. SpaceX was founded by Internet tycoon Elon Musk, who hopes to dramatically reduce the cost of space flight.

SpaceX Makes Progress with Rocket Test

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