PBS News Hour - Science

Artificial intelligence was a focus on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Many believe AI could revolutionize, and perhaps upend, considerable aspects of our lives. At a Senate hearing, some said AI could be as momentous as the industrial revolution and others warned it's akin to developing the atomic bomb. William Brangham discussed that with Gary Marcus, who was one of those who testified before the Senate. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Parts of the United States have recently been getting glimpses of the northern lights. John Yang and science correspondent Miles O'Brien discussed why this spectacle in the skies is now being seen further south. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

At a time when the public teaching of science is again being fought over, the largest museum of natural history in the U.S. just extended its reach. Jeffrey Brown got a look inside the American Museum of Natural History's stunning new expansion in New York for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It's been an exciting time for astronomers, astrophysicists and other scientists who specialize in deciphering the far reaches of space. Since the beginning of May, observations of some never-before-seen celestial events have been reported in science journals. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien joins John Yang to explain the latest findings. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're highlighting people whose contributions have often been overlooked. Tonight, we explore the legacy of Kalpana Chawla, the first American of Indian descent to travel to space, who gave her life in the pursuit of research, science and exploration. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Oranges have long been synonymous with Florida, as a key element of the state's economy. But this year, Florida projects the worst citrus harvest since the Great Depression, threatening a way of life for many. William Brangham reports on what's driving the decline and who is affected. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Environmental Protection Agency laid out its latest move to cut the greenhouse gasses that are driving climate change, unveiling a sweeping new set of guidelines for the power plants that generate America's electricity. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This has been a week where concerns over the rapidly expanding use of artificial intelligence resonated loudly in Washington and around the world. Geoffrey Hinton, one of the leading voices in the field of AI, announced he was quitting Google over his worries about what AI could eventually lead to if unchecked. Hinton discussed those concerns with Geoff Bennett. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

While flooding along the Mississippi River happens every year, water levels are surging this year thanks to record snow across the Midwest that's been followed by a sudden thaw. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Demand for electric vehicles is growing and a new report forecasts that one out of every five vehicles sold worldwide this year will be electric. But charging those vehicles and getting the power you need when you want it can be more complicated. Science Correspondent Miles O'Brien found that out for himself on a road trip in California. He reports in conjunction with Nova's "Chasing Carbon Zero." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders