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.

In this segment, we'll get the latest on climate news around the world -- from new rifts in the Wilkins Ice Shelf, to the new round of international climate talks now underway in Poland.

Ira talks with Michael Oppenheimer about the history of climate research, and about key misconceptions relating to climate change.

How large is your 'carbon footprint' -- the amount you contribute to greenhouse gas emissions? We'll talk to a researcher looking at energy usage around the country, from homeless people to the rich and famous.

We'll get an update on the prospects for US policy dealing with climate change. Will the government be able to make progress on climate change while the economy dominates the policy stage?

Botanists expect a very rare, very large, and very stinky flower to bloom this week in California.

Geese head south for the winter, and the swallows return to Capistrano - but how? In this hour, we'll talk about how birds make their migratory journeys, and how scientists are trying to study their travels.

What can we learn from 'soundscape ecology,' a new field of biology?

From dramatic new stem cell techniques to new ideas about cosmic rays, 2007 had plenty of scientific surprises. Join Ira and guests for a look back at the top science stories of the year.

How your body sees itself -- and the world around it -- may have a big influence on how it behaves.

Sure, there's always the first robin of spring, and the swallows returning to Capistrano -- but what other birding sights should you be on the lookout for as the weather warms?