2008 Science News In Review (broadcast Friday, December 19th, 2008)

The landing pad of the Phoenix lander resting on the surface of Mars. NASA/JPL-Caltech/U Arizona

What were the biggest science stories of 2008 - and which flew under the radar? In this hour, Ira and a panel of journalists look back on the year in science, from biologists stitching together the first synthetic genome to the Phoenix lander's flawless touchdown on the northern plains of Mars. Just this past week brought big news with the first face transplant in the United States, and confirmation of the presence of dark energy in the universe. Or maybe your news headlines for the year include more political items, such as the selection of Nobel physicist Steven Chu as energy secretary for the incoming administration.

Call in with your thoughts on the year's achievements -- and failings -- in the year in science, or with your predictions for the coming year in science, medicine, technology or the environment.