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WAMU 88.5

Local Trees

DC was historically known as the "City of Trees," and it's still true today, with nearly forty percent of the city covered by tree canopy. We'll find out the best places to see enjoy our green bounty, and talk to the department responsible for caring for all those trees.

NPR

Psychology Of Fraud: Why Good People Do Bad Things

Enron, Worldcom, Bernie Madoff — the past decade has brought us a long parade of headlines involving unethical behavior. And that's led researchers to a disturbing conclusion: The vast majority of us are not only capable of behaving in profoundly unethical ways, but without realizing it, we do it all the time. Exhibit A: the story of Toby Groves.
WAMU 88.5

Jordan Smoller: "The Other Side of Normal: How Biology is Providing the Clues to Unlock the Secrets of Normal and Abnormal Behavior"

A professor of psychiatry and epidemiology at Harvard University argues there are no bright lines between normal and abnormal behavior. He says psychiatric disorders are variations of the same brain systems that evolved to help us solve the challenges of everyday life.

WAMU 88.5

Touch-Screen Devices And Very Young Children

Parents are increasingly allowing their very young children to play with iPads, iPhones and other touch-screen devices. Please join us for a conversation about interactive applications and brain development.

NPR

Robots Win Battle For Attention At Science Fair

There were robots everywhere at the USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington this past weekend. Robots shot baskets. There was a wheeled R2-D2 robot at the CIA's booth. And then there were surgical robots that let future doctors — and patients — try their hand at tasks requiring pinpoint accuracy.
NPR

To Predict Dating Success, The Secret's In The Pronouns

A psychologist says he can predict whether two people will end up on a date by analyzing their language style and use of certain words. His research on language can also help explain power dynamics between people.

NPR

Drama Amid Indonesia's Disappearing Mangroves

Indonesia has the largest share of the world's mangroves — coastal forests that have adapted to saltwater environments. They play important environmental and ecological roles. The challenge is convincing locals that they benefit more from protecting the trees rather than cutting them down.
NPR

New Hazard On The Horizon: Amateur Storm Chasers

Emergency responders are running headlong into a growing phenomenon: roads bottled up by swarms of tornado chasers.
NPR

How Buffett's Cancer Is Shaping National Dialogue

Eighty-one-year-old billionaire investor Warren Buffett reportedly received an early stage prostate cancer diagnosis after a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, or P.S.A. Medical journalist Laura Newman discusses why Buffett's decision to screen and treat his cancer sets a bad precedent.

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