NOVA investigates the world of artificial intelligence and profiles the computer that could be the “Smartest Machine on Earth.” Known as “Watson,” this IBM supercomputer is so advanced it’s pursuing the first-of-its-kind challenge competing against “Jeopardy!” champions to prove its uncanny ability to mimic the human thought process.

State lawmakers heard from parks officials about the impact of Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed cuts on Monday.

"Making Stuff Smarter" looks at materials that respond to their environments and even learn, such as an airplane wing that changes shape as it flies. Scientists are turning to nature in developing such "smart" stuff. Sharkskin, for instance, has inspired a substance that, when sprayed in hospitals, could eliminate antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Tapping into geothermal energy sources could bring jobs to Imperial County.

Would you care to match wits with a dog, an octopus, a dolphin, or a parrot? You may think twice after watching the segments in this "NOVA scienceNOW" episode. While we may not be ready to send pets to Harvard, the remarkable footage and findings presented here demonstrate that many animal species are much smarter than we assume and in ways we had never imagined.

The chancellors of the University of California and California State University systems say they don't plan to seek student fees increases this year, despite a state budget proposal that calls for deep cuts to higher education.

The dangers of concussions among student athletes will be the topic of a public forum tonight at Santa Fe Christian High School. Concussions make up nearly one in ten sports injuries.

When President Barack Obama asked businesses for advice on creating jobs, he might have anticipated that more than 200 responses would quickly be headed his way courtesy of Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican who once called him corrupt.

A federal judge who shut down the death chamber at San Quentin State Prison after an inspection five years ago returns there Tuesday to tour the new facility.

The investment firm Blackstone Group LP is the new majority owner of the venerable Hotel del Coronado, it was announced today.

California women with individual health-insurance polices have to pay extra for maternity care. A bill introduced in the state senate would change that.

"Jack Benny: Comedy In Bloom" tells the chronological story of one of the most beloved American entertainers of the 20th century. The program offers an intimate glimpse at Jack’s unique humor and humble character through poignant interviews with those who knew him best: Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Johnny Carson, Ann Margret, Joan Benny (his daughter), Carol Burnett, Mel Blanc, his writers, his producers and his best friend, George Burns.

Local kids’ programs shaped the childhoods of millions of American children in the early years of television. With the flimsiest of second-hand store costumes and their own imaginations, they learned how to make their audience laugh, smile and think. This program features pioneers of local kids' TV including Willard Scott, Stan Freberg, Jim Henson, Larry Harmon ("Bozo") and Nancy Claster (“Romper Room”).

Thousands of protesters remained camped in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Monday, showing no signs of easing pressure on President Hosni Mubarak's regime and shrugging off the latest round of government concessions.

Dozens of websites have been secretly harvesting lists of places that their users previously visited online, everything from news articles to bank sites to pornography. A team of UCSD computer scientists -- a graduate student and 3 professors -- found that the practice of "history sniffing" is possible because of a weakness in web browsers which allows websites to do this.

How can the private sector help public universities facing difficult budget cuts? Cal State San Marcos President Karen Haynes talks about how the university has benefited from private partnerships during difficult financial times.

Our Food hour is devoted to Romance. We talk about the foods, meals, sweets and treats that can make your Valentine's Day one to remember.

People who've built up immunity to common viruses are less likely to get sick. But researchers say it's also possible some people are genetically less susceptible to catching a common cold.

San Diego’s city council may be relatively small, but its members have a lot of money to work with. A new study ranks the council against those in 14 other major studies.

Poor families spending half of their earnings or more on rent jumped by 20 percent recently, according to a federal report. The problem is acute in San Diego.

In recent years I think I have been more interested in the ads that run at the Super Bowl than the game. Here are some of the movie ads that ran including the "Cowboys and Aliens" trailer that debuted.

The VA is looking for a place to open a residential center, to prevent a new generation of veterans from joining the homeless population.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) officials had hoped the rule, they say would help them control the sale of guns that Mexican drug cartels favor, would have made it through the White House a month ago.