This week brought the first named storm of the 2005 hurricane season -- Tropical Storm Arlene. Residents of states along the Gulf of Mexico are being told to keep an eye on Arlene, although most forecasters at this point don't think Arlene will develop into a hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be more active than normal -- and, since 1995, all but 2 seasons have been 'above normal' as well. We'll talk with the lead forecaster for NOAA about this year's projected hurricane season.

We'll also talk about new research into women's health. Increasingly, researchers are finding that women respond to certain health conditions differently from their male counterparts. For instance, heart disease affects both men and women, but the underlying reasons for the disease may differ depending on gender. We'll talk about what scientists know about women's health in areas from HIV/AIDS to heart disease, and discuss how health researchers are trying to improve their knowledge of women's health.

Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Gerry Bell
Lead forecaster for NOAA s Seasonal hurricane outlook
Climate Prediction Center
National Weather Service
Camp Springs, Maryland

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Sherry A. Marts
Vice President, Scientific Affairs
Society for Women's Health Research
Washington, DC

Judith Auerbach
Vice President, Public Policy and Program Development
American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)
Washington, D.C.

Richard Karas
Co-Director, Molecular Cardiology Research Center
Director, Preventive Cardiology
Director, Women's Heart Center
Tufts-New England Medical Center
Associate Professor, Medicine
Tufts University School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth