What does it really mean to be happy? What does your brain really want? In this hour, we'll take a look at the science behind happiness and satisfaction. Is happiness all in your head? Ira talks with two scientist-authors of new books on satisfaction and happiness.

Plus, a peek inside a comet: early results from NASA's July Deep Impact mission were announced this week, with some surprises for comet specialists. The comet Tempel-1, which was visited by a plummeting probe in July, is much 'fluffier' and more rich in carbon than researchers had expected. 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:

Lucy McFadden
Co-Investigator, Deep Impact Mission
Associate Research Scientist, Department of Astronomy
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland

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Daniel Nettle
Author, "Happiness: The Science behind your smile" (Oxford University Press, 2005)
Lecturer in Psychology, Division of Psychology, Brain and Behaviour
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, UK

Gregory Berns
Author, "Satisfaction: The Science of Finding True Fulfillment" (Henry Holt, 2005)
Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Emory University
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Happiness: The Science behind your smile," by Daniel Nettle. Oxford University Press, 2005.

"Satisfaction: The Science of Finding True Fulfillment," by Gregory Berns. Henry Holt, 2005. 

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Charles Bergquist

Science Friday
With Host Ira Flatow: Making Science Radioactive