Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > March
> March 5, 2004:
Hour Two: Genes of the
Sargasso Sea / Cosmology Update
Most astronomers believe that the universe began with an infamous 'Big Bang.' But will the universe go out in a 'Big Rip' or a 'Big Crunch?' And when might it happen? Recent pictures form the Hubble Space Telescope are helping cosmologists figure out how the universe might end.
In this hour, we'll talk with cosmologists to find out what they are learning about dark energy and the nature of the universe. We'll also hear about the ongoing search for the most distant galaxies.
Plus, J. Craig Venter joins us to talk about his latest project: searching for new genes in the Sargasso Sea. The Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives, headed by Venter, is trying to analyze the DNA of every microorganism in that aquatic community. The researchers say that so far, they have discovered at least 1,800 new species and more than 1.2 million new genes. Could the work lead to new technologies? Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern), and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
J. Craig Venter
The Center for the Advancement of Genomics
President, The Institute for Biological
Energy Alternatives
Rockville, Maryland
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Adam Riess
Astronomer
Space Telescope Science Institute
Baltimore, Maryland
Sean Carroll
Physicist, Center for Cosmological
Physics
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Richard Ellis
Steele Professor of Astronomy
Director, Caltech
Optical Observatories
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
This segment produced by Erica Altman and Annette Heist
Archived Audio:
cosmology
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gene hunting
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streaming audio help
from NPR
Related Links:
Genome
pioneer sets sights on Sargasso Sea: Craig Venter aims to sequence every
bug in entire ecosystem.
Sorcerer II Expedition
TIME.com
- Person of the Year: Craig Venter
Edge:
J. Craig Venter
The Big Rip : New Theory Ends Universe by Shredding Everything
APOD:
2003 March 3 - Will the Universe End in a Big Rip ?
Books/Articles Discussed:
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