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Science Friday > Archives > 2003 > July
> July 4, 2003:
Hour Two: Circadian
Rhythms / Ben Franklin
In his time, Ben Franklin was one of the world's most famous scientists.
But was his famous kite experiment a hoax? In this holiday hour of
Science Friday, we'll take a closer look at scientist Benjamin Franklin.
We'll speak with Nobel laureate and Franklinophile Dudley Herschbach,
and with Tom Tucker, author of a new book claiming that the famous
kite experiment may not be all it appears.
Plus, we'll talk about why that afternoon nap feels so right. A new
study performed on mice indicates that there may be two components
to the body's circadian clock. One picks up on light-controlled rhythms,
and the other deals with sensory-controlled rhythms. We'll talk about
what the study might mean for our understanding of how the body's
rhythms work. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255
(3-4 Eastern), and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
Dudley Herschbach
Frank B. Baird, Jr. Research Professor of Science
Harvard University
Nobel
Prize Winner, Chemistry, 1986
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tom Tucker
Author:
"Bolt of Fate: Ben Franklin and His Electric Kite Hoax" (Public Affairs
Books, 2003)
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Steve McKnight
Chairman, Biochemistry Department
University of Texas Southwest
Medical Center
Dallas, Texas
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
The
World of Benjamin Franklin
The
Electric Franklin
The
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin
Franklin
Benjamin
Franklin's Kite Experiment
Franklin's
Kite
Benjamin
Franklin | PBS
This segment produced by Annette
Heist
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