Scientists have sequenced DNA from one of our closest relatives, the Neanderthal. Join Ira and guests in this hour for a look at what that prehistoric genetic code might tell us about how these early hominids lived, and why they became extinct. Can the genetic code also answer the question of whether Neanderthals and modern humans interbred?

Plus, we'll hear about re-foresting the planet. A new study out this week says forests in many parts of the world are making a comeback. Can a re-greening of the world's forests help to mitigate other environmental problems?

And move over big oil. With a little push, we can get 25 percent of our energy from renewables such as wind and ethanol by the year 2025, according to a new report from the Rand Corporation. We'll find out more about it in this hour. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Jesse Ausubel
Director
Program for the Human Environment
The Rockefeller University
New York, New York

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Edward "Eddy" Rubin
Geneticist
Director, Genomics Division
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute
Walnut Creek, California

Richard Klein
Paleoanthropologist
Department of Anthropology
Stanford University
Stanford, California

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Michael Toman
Senior Economist
Director, Environment, Energy, and Economic Development Program
RAND Corporation
Arlington, Virginia

Books/Articles Discussed:

RAND | (Technical) Reports | Impacts on U.S. Energy Expenditures of Increasing Renewable Energy Use

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This segment produced by Annette Heist