In The News

The New Math of Alternative Energy

Rebecca Smith February 23, 2007
Criticized for years as costly and unsustainable, alternative energy attracting renewed interest amidst a wave of technological developments and rising oil prices. While the US depends heavily on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, geothermal and solar are likely to account for a larger share of the electricity supply in future years. With growing concerns over global...

Internet Users Transformed Into News Reporters

February 16, 2007
Cell-phone cameras and digital cameras are ubiquitous tools that provide immediate images of any news happening. Websites like NowPublic and YouWitnessNews now offer a public platform for news reports, videos, photos and commentary supplied by amateurs all over the world. NowPublic.com claims more than 60,000 contributors in more than 140 countries. The new websites work with traditional news...

China Soon to Be World's Biggest Internet User

Randeep Ramesh January 29, 2007
With one out of ten Chinese using the internet and more signing on every day, China’s users will soon outnumber Americans online. The Chinese government encourages internet use for business or education purposes, reports Randeep Ramesh in The Guardian, and censors any controversial material on politics, history or entertainment. Eager for profits and influence, major internet companies...

China's Missile Message

Elizabeth Economy January 26, 2007
China’s success in destroying one of its own satellites demonstrates rising power – but has left many analysts puzzled. Chinese leaders insist their goal is to use such power for peaceful purposes. Yet in truth, the challenges posed by a massive population – intent on devouring natural resources, desperate for clean water, well disposed for a pandemic – presents an unsettling vision for the rest...

Flexing Muscle, China Destroys Satellite in Test

William J. Broad January 22, 2007
Without warning, China destroyed one of its own aging weather satellites in space – thus achieving a technological milestone and demonstrating that it can destroy other satellites in space. The US and Russia conducted similar tests during the 1980s, and the US has since worked on anti-missile defense systems for space. Analysts suggest that the Chinese test could be a way to encourage the US to...

A Nuclear Power Renaissance

Rüdiger Falksohn January 16, 2007
In an effort to prevent carbon-dioxide emissions and global warming, more nations pursue nuclear power, including some that lack ample water to cool the reactors or remote areas for storing the waste. The world now has 31 countries with 435 atomic reactors generating power, and at least 100 more reactors are planned, reports Rüdiger Falksohn in “Der Spiegel.” Falksohn also offers the reminder...

Attack of the Zombie Computers Is Growing Threat

John Markoff January 12, 2007
Everyday, computer users at home and work receive dozens, even hundreds, of messages that range from the threatening to the nonsensical. Skilled hackers can secretly install programs on personal computers, banding them together to reproduce more unwanted messages. A recent menace is stock tips: Computers pass along free tips on penny stocks; then the ringleader, who has already purchased shares,...