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Science

Thursday

Environment

California Lawmakers Adopt Tough Climate Rules

California's legislature has approved the country's first statewide cap on global warming pollution. The measure would require that the state reduce its emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to sign it.

California Lawmakers Adopt Tough Climate Rules

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Environment

Marketplace Report: Calif. Greenhouse Gas Push

The California state legislature approved a bill that would hold businesses responsible for reducing their output of so-called "greenhouse" gasses, primarily carbon dioxide.

Marketplace Report: Calif. Greenhouse Gas Push

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Wednesday

Environment

California to Pass Tough New Clean-Air Laws

California is poised to become the first state in the nation to require industries and residents to cut global-warming pollution. Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined with Democrats who control the state legislature to announce the deal.

California to Pass Tough New Clean-Air Laws

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Environment

Government Weighs Turtles' Habitat vs. Fishing

Federal fisheries managers are considering whether to allow gill-netting in the habitat of Pacific leatherback turtles. The endangered turtles live off the coasts of Northern Californian and Oregon. Dierdre Kennedy reports.

Government Weighs Turtles' Habitat vs. Fishing

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Environment

In Nevada, Solar Power on a Massive Scale

In the desert south of Las Vegas, crews are assembling a giant array of curved mirrors. The Nevada Solar One project will use the sun to power a steam turbine that, in turn, will create electricity for 40,000 homes.

In Nevada, Solar Power on a Massive Scale

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Tuesday

National

Ernesto Worries Lake Okeechobee Residents

As Tropical Storm Ernesto bears down on Florida, one vulnerable population is the 60,000 people who live near Lake Okeechobee. A recent report found that the dike surrounding the lake could fail. An upgrade project is on hold because of problems found in a contractor's work.

Ernesto Worries Lake Okeechobee Residents

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Monday

Environment

Crop Cops Take to the Sky

The USDA's National Agriculture Imagery Program is creating a computerized map of U.S. farmland using aerial photography to improve farming subsidy oversight and to better prevent instances of fraud.

Crop Cops Take to the Sky

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Environment

The Rise and Fall of the Chilean Sea Bass

Bruce Knecht's book Hooked: Pirates, Poaching, and the Perfect Fish is the story of the Chilean Sea Bass. It's an ugly, oily fish that became a favorite dining option in upscale restaurants, until it was nearly fished out.

The Rise and Fall of the Chilean Sea Bass

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Friday

Opinion

Space

Why Did Pluto Get the Boot?

Pluto is no longer one of the nine planets of the solar system. Instead, astronomers say it should officially be considered a dwarf planet, while the solar system should encompass the eight classical planets. We'll look at the scientific thinking behind the decision.

Why Did Pluto Get the Boot?

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Thursday

Space

Pluto, the Un-Planet?

The world's astronomers finally voted today on the highly controversial issue of how to define a planet. The official definition means Pluto is no longer a planet. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports on the pandemonium in the convention halls of Prague, where the astronomers are meeting.

Pluto, the Un-Planet?

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Environment

Divisions Surface over Calif. Greenhouse Gas Cap

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is trying to push through legislation to force state businesses to cap their greenhouse gas emissions. If it passes, it would be the first law of its kind in the nation.

Divisions Surface over Calif. Greenhouse Gas Cap

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Space

Solar System Shrinks with Pluto's Demotion

Leading astronomers declare that Pluto is no longer a planet, shrinking the solar system from nine planets to eight. Pluto was discovered in 1930. It lost its planetary status when the International Astronomical Union approved a definition for planets that Pluto fails to meet.

Solar System Shrinks with Pluto's Demotion

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Research News

Stem Cells Produced Without Harming Embryos

Scientists announce a new way to make human embryonic stem cells that avoids harming embryos. They say the procedure offers a solution to the ethical conundrum of making human-derived stem cells. But stem-cell opponents say the procedure does not satisfy their objections.

Stem Cells Produced Without Harming Embryos

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Wednesday

Space

Astrologers Join Debate of Pluto's Planetary Status

It turns out that astronomers aren't the only ones who care about Pluto's planetary status. Astrologers are paying attention, too. When your view of the future depends on how you read the skies, it becomes all important to know what's what up there. Robert Siegel speaks with Kepler College professor and astrologer Robert Hand about the astrological implications of the Pluto debate.

Astrologers Join Debate of Pluto's Planetary Status

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