The Story

Greg Hampikian is a forensic DNA expert who works using DNA technology to free innocent individuals in prison.  He says that new technology is allowing smaller amounts of DNA to be analyzed, which means that more cases can be reopened, but that can also cause problems as there is more room for human error.

John Grunsfeld is an astronaut who just completed his fifth mission into space. He blasted off earlier this year aboard the Shuttle Atlantis to fix the ailing Hubble Telescope. A key part of the mission involved a space walk to tend to some delicate repairs to the telescope. The work was intricate and detailed: one mistake and the astronauts could put themselves and their team in jeopardy.

Over the last 5 years, the state of Texas has proven 12 people innocent by DNA testing. This month, James Waller officially became part of that group when he was exonerated of raping a child in 1982. Also in this episode: a new documentary about the musician John Coltrane.

As western forests continue to burn every summer, new technology is helping fight them. But Rick Cowell, a veteran firefighter, says the work has remained the same.