September 17, 2004, Hour One: Access to Pathogen Genome Data / Sign Language and Learning

Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > September > September 17, 2004:
Hour One: Access to Pathogen Genome Data / Sign Language and Learning

In the post 9-11 world, should sensitive scientific information, such as the complete genome sequence of smallpox or anthrax, be available to the public? In this hour, we'll talk about scientific openness versus security. A new study from the National Research Council argues that unrestricted access to such genome data should continue.

Plus, we'll find out about a new language invented by deaf children in Nicaragua. The language has interesting parallels with other, more established languages -- a fact that researchers hope may point to new understandings of how the brain learns and processes any language. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern), and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).

Guests:
Ann Senghas
Director, Language Acquisition and Development Laboratory
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Barnard College
Columbia University
New York, New York
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Stanley Falkow
Robert W. and Vivian K. Cahill Professor in Cancer Research
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Stanford University
Stanford, California

Gerald Epstein
Senior Fellow for Science and Security
Homeland Security Program
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Washington, DC

This segment produced by Karin Vergoth

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Books/Articles Discussed:
Nat'l Academies Press: Seeking Security: Pathogens, Open Access, and Genome Databases

"Children Creating Core Properties of Language: Evidence from an Emerging Sign Language in Nicaragua," by A. Senghas et al. Science, 17 September 2004.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)