Then, it’s off to Kenya to hear about how bio-fuels are also being touted there as a way of meeting energy needs, and improving the local economy. Some are worried that growing crops for bio-fuels might mean increased pressure on nature preserves, though.

We’ll also tell you about the integrated circuit, which you might know better as the microchip. It was 50 years ago that the first patent was taken out on this technology, which has revolutionized computing and therefore our day-to-day lives. The highlight of our interview with computing professor Stephen Furber is his description of what computing life was like before the microchip. Nothing like a bit of perspective to make you better appreciate what your five year old laptop can do.

And since the microchip has been such a stunning global success, we’ll balance things out by ending with a segment on failure. But not just any kind of failure. We’ll be talking about The Institute of Brilliant Failures in the Netherlands, where they celebrate those cock-ups that cause us to learn and grow in unexpected ways. Swing by their website and nominate your favorite, and find out why Viagra is considered the poster child for serendipitous failure. If that’s not enough to entice you, here’s one for you Apple lovers/haters — Steve Jobs has also been nominated.

This week:  We continue our analysis of biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. This is the final part of a two-part documentary produced by BBC World Service. Also, I have a photo-quiz for you. Take a look at these pictures of a banyan tree in India and tell me where in the country it’s located. You’ll find more photos on our facebook page. (photo courtesy of jcarlosn)


The Price of Biofuels: The recent oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has highlighted the need for safe and efficient alternative sources of energy. But even alternative energy sources can have a negative environmental impact. The BBC’s Gerry Northam continues his investigation into the pros and cons of biofuels, with a look at what’s next in the pipeline.
Reporter: Gerry Northam
This documentary was part of the PRI/BBC documentary series The Changing World.

Photo Quiz: Below are a couple pictures of the Great Banyan Tree in India. The banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is kind of a fig tree. Its branches sends out aerial roots that grow downwards to form new trunks and help the tree spread and cover more ground. This banyan tree covers an area of 14 sq. kilometers, or some 5 sq. miles. The question I have for you is — where is this tree located within India? You can e-mail your answer to me.

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This week: As the U.S. works with China to cut emissions, we look at the green efforts of the world’s biggest greenhouse emitter. Europe debates the wisdom of biofuels. Plus, how a jockey can improve a horse’s speed, and six men survive being squeezed into a simulated space capsule for three months.

Dirty China: U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu visited China this week and talked about climate change. Many critics say the country must rely much less on dirty coal.

Report: By The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing.

Green China: China is embracing renewable energy and has plans to vastly expand solar and wind energy production. But can the country change fast enough to really make a difference for the planet?

Guest: Julian L. Wong, policy analyst, Center for American Progress.

Wong is also our guest in The World’s interactive science forum. Join us for a conversation on China and global warming — ask questions, share your fears, your hopes, your ideas.

Biofuels Debate: Scientists agree that the world must reduce its use of oil and other fossil fuels. A few years ago, biofuels seemed like a potential answer, and the U.S. and the European Union are trying to ramp up production. But many in Europe now say biofuels may make things worse.

Report: By Kathleen Schalch in Brussels.

Elsa (back from Bulgaria!) picks her favorite science stories of the week:

• How a jockey can help a horse go faster.

• Swearing eases pain.

• Simulated Mars mission accomplished. (Don’t miss the 17 entries in the volunteers’ Mars Diary!)

Music:

Shining Star, by Earth, Wind and Fire

Chill Out, by Black Uhuru