In this hour, host Joe Palca is joined by science writer Deborah Blum. Her new biography of the distinguished psychologist William James (brother of novelist Henry James), details his work trying to prove the existence of the afterlife.

Plus, as the16th annual International AIDS Conference opens in Toronto, there is still no vaccine to protect against HIV infection.  Dr. Seth Berkley, head of an initiative devoted to efforts to develop vaccines for HIV, joins us to talk about the state of vaccine research.

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:
Deborah Blum
Author, "Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death," (Penguin Press, 2006)
Professor of Science Journalism
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin

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Dr. Seth Berkley
President and Chief Executive Officer
International AIDS Vaccine Initiative
Adjunct Professor of Public Health
Columbia University
New York, New York

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death," by Deborah Blum. Penguin Press, 2006.

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This segment produced by Anne Marie Cunningham