Some computer scientists are enthralled by programs that can teach themselves how to perform tasks, such as reading X-rays.

On this special encore edition of The 21st: How are schools looking at mindfulness and meditation to help students succeed? Plus, we'll learn how local educators in southern Illinois are teaching the Trail of Tears, which ran through that part of the state. But first, we talk to Microsoft director Eric Horvitz about the future of artificial intelligence.

On The 21st: We talk to Microsoft director Eric Horvitz about the future of artificial intelligence. Also, we heard from Laurence Msall of the Civic Federations for his inputs on what Illinois can do to solve the budget crisis. Also, the race for governor is shaping up to be the most expensive in history- ProPublica Illinois is helping you keep track of how much each candidate is spending. And, we continue our series of candidate interviews, today with Sen. Daniel Biss. 

Guest: Lee Gutkind.

At least as far back as da Vinci, people have imagined—and feared—the creation of machines that could perform like human beings. That day may be yet to come, but some say that the advances of the past decade have exceeded all expectations. Today on Focus, we'll explore the cutting edge of robotic technology with author Lee Gutkind.

Guest: Douglas Hofstadter.

In the field of cognitive science, our own minds can only take us so far. Today on Focus, we're joined by professor and leading researcher Douglas Hofstadter, who has spent years building computer models of human thinking. Hofstadter believes that thinking is all about taking complex situations and paring them down to an essential core, making it possible for us to leap from one complex idea to another—and form surprising connections between them in the process.