Think evolution is a thing of the past? Researchers discovered that many human genes have evolved recently. In this hour of Science Friday, Ira talks with reporter Nicholas Wade about how DNA analysis is rewriting our recent--and ancient--history, including a better understanding the evolution of humans. Just how are we related to the Neanderthals, Homo erectus, and other branches of our family tree?

Plus, new research shows that an effort to cure X-SCID (also known as the 'bubble boy disease') using gene therapy may have had an unintended consequence -- causing cancer in people who tested the therapy. We'll find out more, and whether the risk of cancer can be avoided in future gene therapy efforts.

We'll also hear about how corals survive bleaching ...by binging. Overly warm water can lead to a phenomenon known as 'coral bleaching,' in which the coral die and lose their pigmentation, leaving only ghostly skeletons behind. New research suggests that coral may be able to avoid some of the ill effects of too-warm water by significantly upping their food intake. Researchers found that by actively engaging in 'tentacle feeding' on small marine organisms, some coral may be able to resist bleaching events. We'll talk about it.

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:
Inder Verma
American Cancer Society Professor of Molecular Biology
Professor, Laboratory of Genetics
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, California

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Andrea Grottoli
Assistant Professor, Department of Geological Sciences
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

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Nicholas Wade
Author, "Before the Dawn: Recovering The Lost History of Our Ancestors" (The Penguin Press, 2006)
Science Reporter
New York Times
New York, New York

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Before the Dawn : Recovering the Lost History of Our Ancestors" by Nicholas Wade. The Penguin Press, 2006.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth