There are some amazing new inventions coming out of Chicago area technology labs, and they could help get the economy back on track. We meet some local inventors who are dreaming up the products of the future.

Phil Ponce sits down with world-renowned paleontologist Paul Sereno to talk about a recently unearthed precursor to Tyrannosaurus rex, called Raptorex kriegsteini. Project Exploration -- Paul Sereno's science outreach organization

We preview Phil Ponce's "Friday Night Show" interview with world-renowned paleontologist Paul Sereno.

A startling new study by the Centers for Disease Control suggests autism is on the rise. We talk with two doctors to decipher what the data actually mean. CDC's Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet

A far South suburban expressway linking Illinois and Indiana could be in the works. Eddie Arruza tells us where it would be and when it might be built.

Could your next doctor be a robot? We go into the operating room to watch robotic surgery.

The giant heart is back at the Museum of Science and Industry, and it's all dressed up for the 21st century. It's part of a new $21 million exhibit that is all about..."You!" You! The Experience

Just what is "Smart Grid" technology? As we continue this year's "Chicago Matters" series, Rich Samuels tells us how it could reduce the need for new power-generating plants.

A researcher studying plague bacteria at the University of Chicago has died following exposure to deadly bacteria. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss possible reasons this might have happened, and precautions taken by scientists studying potentially fatal diseases and bacteria.

The inventor of the Segway tells us about the latest big thing being discussed in scientific circles this week -- advancements in nanotechnology.

We learn about some new applications for the iPhone that were created right here in Chicago. Guests: Eric Benderoff - Editorial consultant for Appolicious.com John Haney - Inventor of the Flashlight iPhone application Additional Resources

A controversy has intensified over a proposed wind farm in DeKalb County. Rich Samuels tells us why, as we continue this year's Chicago Matters series. NextExtra Energy Rhodes School Wind Turbine blog

There's a new way to treat Iraq War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a 3-D simulator and it's the first of its kind in Illinois. We see how it works and how it's helping.

How young is too young for a child to have a cell phone? We talk with experts about this new reality. Read more trends from the report (PDF) C&R Research, the firm which conducted the study

A car that gets 230 miles per gallon--that's the claim General Motors is making regarding the highly anticipated Chevy Volt. The Volt will run partially on electricity, but is it the vehicle that will revolutionize the way we drive? Eddie Arruza and his panel take up the future of the electric car.

There is a remarkable new eco-friendly house in the Ravenswood neighborhood that recycles its water and generates more electricity than it will ever use. Geoffrey Baer takes us on a tour of this home of the future. Tours at Zero Net Energy House