People's views on certain questions in science and technology aren't constant around the world. Topics that might be hot-button issues in some parts of the world barely get a second thought in other places. And questions that seem cut-and-dried here might be open for debate elsewhere. Contentious issues, from stem cell research to genetically-engineered foods to global warming science, have a regionalism to them.

In this hour of Science Friday, live from the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, DC, we'll talk about why views on some topics in science vary so greatly around the world. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers can learn more about teaching with Science Friday programming in the Science Friday Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Nick Allum
Lecturer
Department of Sociology
University of Surrey
Guildford, Surrey, UK

Melissa Pollack
Policy analyst
National Science Foundation
Arlington, Virginia

Leon Lederman
Nobel Laureate, Physics, 1988
Director Emeritus
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Pritzker Professor of Science
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois

Sharon Friedman
Professor and Director
Science and Environmental Writing Program
Department of Journalism and Communication
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

 

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This segment produced by Annette Heist