Researchers reported this week that bacteria responsible for gum disease may also play a role in strokes and heart disease. In this hour of Science Friday, we'll take a look at the study, and ask whether reducing your risk of heart problems could be as simple as remembering to floss.

Then, we'll talk about social constraints on science. A survey of researchers in several disciplines found that they chose not to do certain types of research for fear running afoul of unspoken rules. Are some topics too taboo to research? We'll talk about it.

Finally, we'll look at an idea dubbed 'open source biology' by its inventors. They've found a way to do common genetic modifications on plants that sidesteps some existing patent restrictions on biotechnology. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:

Moise Desvarieux
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology
Mailman School of Public Health
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, New York

Jon F. Merz
Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Ethics in the School of Medicine
Senior Fellow in the Center for Bioethics
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Richard Jefferson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Chief Scientist
CAMBIA
Canberra, Australia

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Gene transfer to plants by diverse species of bacteria." Broothaerts, et al. Nature 433, 629–633. doi:10.1038/nature03309

"Periodontal Microbiota and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST)" Moïse Desvarieux, et al. Circulation 2005 111: 576 - 582, doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000154582.37101.15

"Forbidden Knowledge." J. Kempner, C.S. Perlis, and J. F. Merz. Science 307, 11 Feb 2005.

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This segment produced by Charles Bergquist