How does a disk of gas and dust turn into a solar system?A new study suggests conditions had to be just right to make our solar system. Plus, a mysterious cosmic object is stumping astronomers.

How does Santa make it to all those houses in just one night, unobserved? Physics!

Was a star eaten by a massive black hole?

Ira and guests talk about bridge engineering and our nation's infrastructure.

Discusses scientific research to determine if hurricanes were becoming more severe as a result of global warming. At that time (2008), they were unable to identify a solid connection but said it could not be ruled out. Aired Apr. 18,...

What can floating debris teach researchers about the world's oceans? We'll talk with the author of a new book about the data to be learned from observing shoes, rubber ducks, and other wayward flotsam. [17 mins. 49]

Earlier this month, Jane Lubchenco was confirmed as the administrator of NOAA. We'll talk with her this hour.

In recent years, Humboldt squid have been spotted in increasing numbers off the coast of California. We'll talk about the invasion of the jumbo squid, and possible causes for the phenomenon.

In less than a second, cephalopods can change the color, pattern and shape of their skin.

Will revised rules regarding federal funding for embryonic stem cell research have the intended effect?

We'll check on the progress of the Mars rover mission. While new data collected by rover Opportunity during its exploration of Victoria Crater was published this week, the Spirit rover appears to be stuck.

Scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope have been able to detect the chemical signature of methane in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting a star 63 light-years away.

New research finds a small -- but present -- chance of a collision between Earth and one of its planetary neighbors in the next few billion years.

Funding cutbacks have forced the hibernation of the Allen Telescope Array--that's the series of dishes used to search for radio signals from alien life.

We'll talk with scientist and playwright Carl Djerassi about his new play, 'Taboos,' a story about love, sex and parenthood in an age of reproductive technologies.

New research suggests that the solar wind is weaker now than it has been in the past. What does that mean, and why does it matter?

We'll talk with the developers of flexible sheets of 'nanoantennas' that could aid in getting energy from solar energy or from other heat sources.

In this segment, we'll get a sampling of the latest news on solar energy sources, including new developments in technology and energy policy. Plus, what you can do on a small scale to add solar power to your world.

Solar power is often offered as one of the most promising forms of renewable energy. But how close is solar power to becoming a major player in energy production?

Could engineered viruses help conquer antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Scientists have found a 300 million year old fossil shark ancestor with an unusual feature -- fossilized brain tissue within the creature's skull.

Researchers have found fossil remains of a species of snake that they say weighed 2500 pounds, and grew to 45 feet long.

Ira talks with New York Times reporter Andrew Revkin about coverage of climate change.

Warming temperatures may have led to dying trees in the western US, researchers say.