Technology is ever-changing. But are new technologies on the verge of fundamentally changing what it means to be human? In this hour of Science Friday, Ira talks with inventor and author Ray Kurzweil about technological change and its effects on everything from your health to artificial intelligence. If you manage to live for another 50 years, might it be possible to live forever? Would people today even be able to comprehend the technologies of the future?

Plus, sorting through a mammoth's genes. We'll look at two projects attempting to trace the genetic lineage of the giant Pleistocene mammals. We'll also get the latest on accusations of scientific fraud against a prominent stem cell and cloning researcher. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Joe Palca
Science Correspondent
National Public Radio
Washington, DC

Ross MacPhee
Curator, Division of Vertebrate Zoology / Mammalogy
American Museum of Natural History
New York, NY
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Ray Kurzweil
Author, "The Singularity Is Near : When Humans Transcend Biology" (Viking Adult, 2005)
Co-Author, "Fantastic Voyage : Live Long Enough to Live Forever" (Rodale, 2004)
North Andover, Massachusetts

Books/Articles Discussed:

"The Singularity Is Near : When Humans Transcend Biology" by Ray Kurzweil. Viking Adult, 2005.

"Fantastic Voyage : Live Long Enough to Live Forever," by Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman. Rodale, 2004.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Charles Bergquist