Science

The science of meditation
Meditation has been shown to help relieve stress and anxiety among those who practice it, and scientists are now finding that it might have more measurable effects. Midmorning talks with two scientists who study meditation, about how it changes the brain.
Since the I-35W bridge collapse last week, there has been a lot of attention on how, and how often, bridges are inspected. As investigators look for the causes of the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge, engineers around the country continue their inspections, hoping to find evidence that could prevent the next bridge failure. MPR's Tom Crann spoke with Wisconsin State Bridge Engineer Finn Hubbard. Hubbard has performed bridge inspections and he says engineers need special equipment to see the underside of major bridges.
Planet hunters step it up
Astronomers are discovering new planets at the rate of two or three per month. Midmorning takes a closer look at this new age of astro-discovery, and the likelihood of discovering a living planet in our universe.
While the cause of the I-35W bridge collapse is unknown at this time, facts and background information on the bridge are coming to light.
The next steps in the bridge investigation
A former National Safety Transportation Board official and a structural engineer join Midmorning to talk about the investigation process into the bridge collapse, and what's been learned from past bridge failures.
The dilemma of being gifted
Child prodigies have an amazing ability to master tasks that elude many adults. Midmorning takes a closer look at the mysteries and dilemmas that come with the talent of child prodigies.
Good blog, bad blog
One digital media critic claims that user-generated content from bloggers and citizen media is bad for our culture.
The meaning of courage
Midmorning examines a concept that puzzled ancient Greek philosophers: defining the meaning of courage.
An appreciation for pathogens
One biologist thinks some parasites, bacteria, and bugs deserve more respect despite their bad reputation.
Designer babies
Genetic testing is creating controversy for couples using in vitro fertilization. Some parents argue for the right to deliberately select an embryo with a trait like deafness or dwarfism.
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