Planet Money: AC Power Versus DC Power Grid
The nation's power grid pulses with a certain type of electricity: AC power. But our "Planet Money" team explains why some people are trying to revive the DC power grid.
Technology
A Click Too Far: Why Using Social Media Isn't That Great For Fundraising
Empathy campaigns can spread like wildfire on Facebook and other social media. So how come data show that social networking sites direct very few clicks to charity donation pages?
'Unprecedented': What ISIS Looks Like In America
A new report glimpses life "inside the bubble of American ISIS sympathizers, a diverse and diffuse scene that the FBI estimates include hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals."
They Haven't Spoken To Family In Years. Now They Get A 3-Minute Call
Millions of South Sudanese have been displaced by two years of civil conflict. They've lost touch with family. Now they have a rare chance to call home.
NASA Uses Lessons From Space To Design An Efficient Building
Named Sustainability Base, a NASA facility in California is a model for energy-efficient federal buildings. It's powered by a fuel cell like those used on spacecraft and recycles water for flushing.
Big Data Predicts Centuries Of Harm If Climate Warming Goes Unchecked
It took about 30 teams of scientists worldwide, using supercomputers to churn through mountains of data, to see patterns aligning of what will happen decades and centuries from now.
Bill Gates And Other Billionaires Pledge To Take On Climate Change
Twenty countries and 28 investors promised on Monday to jointly fund the development of energy alternatives. Backers of the initiative say private money is key to the next big push in energy.
Greenbuild Conference Showcases Energy Saving Technology For Buildings
Every year, the Greenbuild conference showcases technology intended to make buildings more environmentally friendly. We hear a couple of examples from a top 10 list of new building products.
Amazon Offers New Glimpse Of What Its Drone Delivery Could Look Like
The company says its Prime Air service will someday deliver packages up to five pounds in 30 minutes or less using small drones.
Payoffs For Prediction: Could Markets Help Identify Terrorism Risk?
In a terror prediction market, people would bet real money on the likelihood of attacks. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Stephen Carter about whether such a market could predict — and deter — attacks.