May 21, 2004, Hour One: Dark Energy Update / Edward Larson's 'Evolution'

Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > May > May 21, 2004:
Hour Two: Dark Energy Update / Edward Larson's 'Evolution'

How did Charles Darwin's theory of evolution evolve? In this hour of Science Friday, we'll look at the state of science leading up to Darwin's voyage on the Beagle. What scientists influenced his thinking, and what did he see that others before him had not? How has Darwin's theory of descent with modification itself been modified? Ira chats with historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Larson, author of a new book "Evolution: the Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory."

We'll also get a cosmology update: scientists say they have new evidence supporting the existence of dark energy. New data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory suggest that the amount of dark energy -- the mysterious 'repulsive force' that appears to be pushing the universe apart -- may in fact be constant. We'll talk about where that information comes from, and what it might mean to cosmologists. 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:
Michael Turner
Cosmologist, University of Chicago
Assistant Director, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
National Science Foundation
Arlington, Virginia

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Edward J. Larson
Author, "Evolution: the Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory" (Modern Library, 2004)
Winner, 1998 Pulitzer Prize in history
Richard B. Russell Professor of History and Talmadge Professor of Law
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

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Robert Dennison
Biology teacher, Jersey Village High School
Awarded Outstanding Biology Teacher, National Association of Biology Teachers
Past President, Texas Association of Biology Teachers
Houston, Texas

This segment produced by Annette Heist

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Books/Articles Discussed:

"Evolution: the Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory" by Edward J. Larson. Modern Library, 2004.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)