Energy

Conceptual computer art of superstrings; the superstring theory is a "theory of everything."

The Puzzle Of Quantum Reality

5:37pm March 20, 2018

by Adam Becker

Despite the incredibly accurate predictions of quantum theory, there's a lot of disagreement over what it says about reality — or even whether it says anything at all about it, says guest Adam Becker.

National

Russian Hackers Could Have Shut Down U.S. Power Plants, Experts Say

4:58pm March 16, 2018

The U.S. says Russian hackers targeted American utility companies in a series of cyberattacks. Nothing was disrupted, but experts say the hackers could have shut down power plants at will.

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"Keep it in the ground" activists protesting the Bayou Bridge Pipeline on February 17, 2018 near Belle Rose, Louisiana.

'Keep It In The Ground' Activists Optimistic Despite Oil Boom

7:35am March 16, 2018

by Jeff Brady

The U.S. is producing more oil than ever, even as calls to leave all fossil fuels in the ground grow louder. Now the "keep it in the ground" movement is taking its fight to the heart of oil country.

Jim Barrett stands next to a well pad on his farm in Bradford County, Pa. He accuses Chesapeake Energy of cheating him out of royalty money.

Millions Own Gas And Oil Under Their Land. Here's Why Only Some Strike It Rich

4:16pm March 15, 2018

Gas and oil companies pay royalties to millions of American landowners. But a growing number accuse energy companies of cheating them out of their fair share.

Professor Eric van Oort uses this 'virtual oil rig' to do research at the University of Texas at Austin. He helps advise companies on how to improve operations.

America's Oil Boom Is Fueled By A Tech Boom

12:00pm March 08, 2018

by Mose Buchele

The U.S. is on track to become the world's biggest oil producer. Technology advances and automation mean this can happen with fewer workers than during the last boom.

Revenue from wind farms has helped Dewey County, Okla., pay for local schools and a new courthouse.

Tough Talk As Oklahoma's Wind Industry Becomes A Political Target

10:00am March 06, 2018

by Joe Wertz

Though the wind industry was once a political darling in the state, some say Oklahoma can no longer afford the tax breaks that helped it thrive.

Though Prices Aren't As High As Before, West Texas Enjoys Oil Revival

7:01am February 28, 2018

by Mose Buchele

The U.S. is on track to surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia next year to become the world's biggest oil producer — pumping out more crude than at its peak nearly half a century ago.

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National

Why Diesel-Powered Cars Are Bigger In Europe Than In The U.S.

5:00pm February 27, 2018

Diesel-powered cars are bigger in Europe and the rest of the world than in the United States, but why? A big part of it is the failure of U.S. carmakers to make a reliable diesel car in the 1970s, while another part of it is that diesel engines are nosier and pollute more.

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German High Court Rules That Cities Can Ban Diesel Vehicles To Reduce Pollution

5:00pm February 27, 2018

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

A high court in Germany says a city suffering from excessive air pollution can ban older diesel vehicles from its streets, if officials cannot find other ways to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to E.U.-mandated levels.

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Erich Berger and Mari Keto have made radioactive jewels, part of their Inheritance Project, that are unwearable by humans — and remain locked in a concrete vault equipped with radiation measurement devices.

Science
Arts

Can Nuclear Power Plants Generate Artistic Inspiration?

10:19am February 27, 2018

by Vincent Ialenti

"Nuclear" artists see motivating muses where others see only grey buildings, drab fences, and white steam piping out of concrete cooling towers, says guest commentator Vincent Ialenti.