March 26, 2004, Hour One: Stem Cell Research Update / Global Health Risks

Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > March > March 26, 2004:
Hour Two: Stem Cell Research Update / Global Health Risks

In the United States, heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the leading causes of death. But health risks aren't constant around the world -- for instance, in many parts of the world malnutrition is a serious health risk, while US residents are much more at risk from complications from being overweight.

In Africa, AIDS is claiming thousands of lives every day. Many children are dying from other preventable diseases. On the positive side, however, polio is being eradicated. In this hour of Science Friday, we'll take a look at global health risks and what is being done to combat them.

Plus, despite restrictions on federal funding of stem cell research, US scientists are finding ways to continue their work. Some states are passing legislation that specifically supports stem cell research. Some researchers are finding outside sources of support for their work. We'll talk about it. 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:
Wise Young, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Founding Director, W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey

*************************************************

Robert Beaglehole
Director, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion
World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland

Jim Yong Kim, M.D.
Director, Department of HIV/AIDS
World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland

Hamid Jafari, M.D.
Chief, Polio Eradication Branch
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, Georgia

This segment produced by Karin Vergoth and Erica Altman

Archived Audio:
stem cells
listen in RealAudio format
listen in Windows Media format

global health
listen in RealAudio format
listen in Windows Media format

streaming audio help from NPR

Books/Articles Discussed:

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)