Science

Author James Ellroy talks about the real-life inspiration for his character Joan, in his new book "Blood's A Rover". Filmed live at the Fitzgerald Theater on October 7, 2009 with host Kerri Miller.
Local health provider launches innovative care program
Fairview Health Services is rolling out an experimental new way of delivering health care, to cut costs and improve the quality of patient care. The new system puts more responsibility in the hands of patients and medical staff.
Physicist takes a deeper look at gravity, science education
Helen Quinn talks about how investigating gravity beyond why apples fall to the ground usually leads to more questions than answers. Quinn is a foremost theoretical physicist and proponent of science education.
Geocaching a hit at Minnesota state parks
To attract a new generation of park goers, the state park system is tapping into a high-tech scavenger hunt called geocaching, a sport that combines GPS navigation with the lure and adventure of a treasure hunt.
Local inventors frustrated over patent office bureaucracy
Inventors like Bill Kurtz, seen here holding brochures for some of his inventions, are frustrated at the backlog of ideas awaiting approval from the U.S. Patent Office, which last quarter rejected more than half of all the patents it reviewed.
Communist Party marks 60th anniversary of People's Republic of China
This week, the Communist Party will celebrate 60 years of rule over mainland China. Carleton College International Relations Professor Roy Grow joins Midday to discuss the history of China, and how it's changed over the past six decades.
Audacious science
To what extent can scientists challenge prevailing assumptions, transform their fields, and ask bold questions without losing credibility? Audacity has its cost, but is it a necessary part of doing good science? Midmorning talks to scientists who push the envelope including a MacArthur genius grant recipient.
FCC's chairman recently made a formal committment to treat all Web traffic equally. Internet advocates are thrilled, but broadband providers and mobile operators are not as satisfied with his definition of what a free and open internet actually means for their businesses.
Tech developments for the disabled
Technology has made a huge reach in helping the physically disabled, but what specific roles will the internet and smartphones play as they begin to make life easier for the wider population?