David Kestenbaum
David Kestenbaum is a correspondent for NPR, covering science, energy issues and, most recently, the global economy for NPR's multimedia project Planet Money. David has been a science correspondent for NPR since 1999. He came to journalism the usual way — by getting a Ph.D. in physics first.
In his years at NPR, David has covered science's discoveries and its darker side, including the Northeast blackout, the anthrax attacks and the collapse of the New Orleans levees. He has also reported on energy issues, particularly nuclear and climate change.
David has won awards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
David worked briefly on the show This American Life, and set up a radio journalism program in Cambodia on a Fulbright fellowship. He also teaches a journalism class at Johns Hopkins University.
David holds a bachelor's of science degree in physics from Yale University and a doctorate in physics from Harvard University.
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NASA is considering an unprecedented robotic mission to save the Hubble Space telescope. But a final report from the National Academy of Sciences says the robotic mission probably won't be ready on time to save the telescope. It strongly recommends sending astronauts instead. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
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Since anthrax spores sent through the mail killed five people in late 2001, the federal government has boosted spending on biodefense research and pending by billions of dollars. But some experts wonder if this isn't overkill, and whether some new efforts are doing more harm than good. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
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A NASA research jet sets a new air-speed record for air-breathing engines by traveling nearly 7,000 mph, or 10 times the speed of sound. After its release from beneath the larger craft's wing, a booster rocket ignited, sending the X-43A on its way. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
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The nation's nuclear power plants are working to meet Friday's deadline to comply with new anti-terrorist security standards. They include more guards, more training, more barriers and better surveillance. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum. -
Images of Saturn's moon Titan sent back by the Cassini spacecraft show the outlines of what could be continents, lakes or something else entirely. Until now, Titan's perpetual smog layer kept scientists from seeing its surface in detail. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.
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Scientists Tuesday night will get their first ever close-up look at Titan, one of Saturn's moons. In December, Cassini will send a probe down through the atmosphere. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
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A report ordered by the Veterans Affairs Department concludes an alarming number of U.S. soldiers suffered neurological damage from chemicals encountered in the 1991 Gulf War. But some experts say there's still not enough evidence to conclude that nerve gases, pesticides and other chemicals caused long-term illnesses in veterans. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports
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A privately financed craft succeeds in taking a pilot into space for the second time in less than two weeks. In doing so, SpaceShipOne wins the so-called X-Prize of $10 million for the team funded by Paul Allen, a founder of Microsoft. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
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SpaceShipOne becomes the first privately funded rocket plane to complete two trips to the edge of space within a two-week window. The feat makes the craft the apparent winner of a $10-million award known as the X-Prize, designed to encourage space tourism. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.
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Jim Williams never met a piece of electronics he didn't like. The Silicon Valley electrical engineer collects and cherishes what few of us notice: the inner workings of modern machines. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
