Science, like any field, has some jobs that are somewhat less desirable than others. In this hour, Ira talks with Mark Jannot, editor at Popular Science magazine, about the worst science-related jobs. The magazine has published its 5th annual compilation of what its writers deem to be the low spots in the science job market, from divers who swim in toxic waste to researchers who make their living studying garbage.

We'll also check in with researchers using the Mars rovers to explore the Red Planet, hunting for traces of water and searching for signs of past life. Recent sightings by the Spirit rover of concentrated areas of silica on the surface may hint at past water. We'll talk about that finding, and about recent arguments over whether Mars could have once been home to gigantic seas.

Mars Rover Video

Plus, we'll talk about putting the 'genes' into geneaology -- using DNA testing to trace your own family tree. Geneological research site Ancestry.com announced this week that it was teaming with a genetics lab to offer $200 genetic testing kits to try to help people trace their heritage.

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:
Steven Squyres
Principal Investigator, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Professor, Astronomy
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

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Mark Jannot
Editor-in-Chief
Popular Science
New York, New York

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Megan Smolenyak
Chief Family Historian for Ancestry.com
Co-Author,"Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree" (Rodale Press, 2004)
Haddonfield, New Jersey

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree" (Rodale Press, 2004)

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Charles Bergquist