Researchers made news this week with findings that could point the way to a vaccine for breast cancer. We'll talk about the work, and how it fits into the larger picture of breast cancer research.

Thousands of lightning strikes occur each minute on Earth. We'll talk about the science of lightning.

Ira talks with naturalist and author Bernd Heinrich about his life and work.

A study finds that people making a tough decision may find some solace in washing their hands.

What makes us human? The sequence of the Neanderthal genome has been largely completed. We'll talk about how we're different from -- and similar to -- our Neanderthal relatives.

Organisms that can light up the night.

While some clean energy advocates have suggested fuel cell cars as a technology of the future, development of hydrogen fuel cell technology is moving forward in an unusual place -- the railyard.

In this segment, we'll talk about the realities of offshore oil drilling. How much oil might there be? When would it be available? And what other consequences might offshore drilling have?

Ira talks with ocean explorer Sylvia Earle about the state of the world's oceans, and what actions need to be taken to protect them from catastrophic damage.

Researchers believe that hunting and fishing regulations run counter to natural patterns of evolution, and have impacted the rate of evolutionary change in animals subject to human predation. Aired Jan. 16, 2009 [12:29 min]

It's smooth, slippery, and strong -- but despite the efforts of many researchers, spiders and caterpillars do it best. We'll talk about silk.

New research looks at the effects of studying a form of meditation on brain connectivity.

Scientists are trying to understand what goes on in and around floating patches of plastic debris in the world's oceans.Scientists are trying to understand what goes on in and around floating patches of plastic debris in the world's oceans.

Ira talks with novelist Margaret Atwood about her new story of a genetically modified dystopia.

Are disasters more common, or does it just feel like it?

Flooding and runoff along the Mississippi may be combining to produce a bad year for the water in the Gulf of Mexico, enlarging a patch of oxygen-starved water. Nancy Rabelais, executive director of the Louisiana Universities Marine...

Did 9-11 change the way those suffering from psychological trauma are treated?

Scientists discuss how to control the fires that have shaped and scarred the Southwest.

How important is sleep to your health?

We meet a newly discovered dinosaur that researchers describe as a 'stocky dragon' -- with claws that could pack a real punch.

Recently, Bill McKibben discussed an effort to return Carter-era solar panels to the White House. We'll get a report from him on his efforts.

This week, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar approved the long-embattled Cape Wind offshore wind power project. We'll talk about the decision, and what it means for other renewable power projects in the country.

Can hearty laughter have some of the same physiological effects as exercise?

Director Chris Paine talks about his new film, Revenge of the Electric Car. [17 mins. 30]