Researchers say they have found a way to convert all types of blood to type O, the universal donor. The discovery might mean an end to blood shortages and dangerous transfusion reactions. We'll hear more about it in this hour.

Plus, the Supreme Court has ruled in in the case of Massachusetts versus EPA. The ruling says the EPA would have to start regulating auto emissions of greenhouse gases, or provide a scientific basis for refusing to do so. We'll find out what the ruling means for automakers and for states' rights.

And the next report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change comes out Friday. The report looks at the potential effects of global warming, if sea levels rise and climates start to shift. One new study published this week in the journal Science suggests that parts of the US may be in for a return to Dust Bowl conditions. We'll find out what scientists think might happen, and whether there is still time to intervene.

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:
Geoff Daniels
Head of Molecular Diagnostics
Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences
Bristol, United Kingdom

***************

Michael Robinson-Dorn
Assistant Professor of Law
Director, Berman Environmental Law Clinic
University of Washington School of Law
Seattle, Washington

****************

Vicki Arroyo
Director of Policy Analysis
Pew Center on Global Climate Change
Arlington, Virginia

Linda Mearns
Senior Scientist
Director, Institute for the Study of Society and Environment
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Boulder, Colorado

Books/Articles Discussed:

Supreme Court decision on CO2 emissions (pdf)

"Bacterial glycosidases for the production of universal red blood cells," Nature Biotechnology, Published online: 1 April 2007; | doi:10.1038/nbt1298

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

Search by keywords:

This segment produced by Annette Heist