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This week鈥檚 programme comes from the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, in Washington DC. With over 9,000 attendees it鈥檚 the largest gathering of scientists in the world.

We look at the issue of race and racism in science. The mapping of the human genome showed there was no significant genetic difference between people around the world. However cultural ideas with a racial dimension continue to influence the way science is taught and hence, many argue, the outcomes of scientific research.

We also look at how satellite data is helping botanists map deforestation and afforestation. Using a laser device mounted on the international space station they plan to to identity the species and size of individual trees from space.

We ask how near are we to getting commercially available quantum computers?

And we see how virtual reality is being used in disaster management.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Julian Siddle

(Photo: Biology books. Credit: Getty Images)