Without bacteria, we probably wouldn't be here. Infections can help as well as harm us. Join guest host Joe Palca in this hour of Science Friday for a look at infection -- both the good and the bad -- with researcher and writer Gerald Callahan, the author of a new book on the subject. Plus, tracking the world's deadliest diseases: a look at how scientists and health workers monitor disease outbreaks around the world. And finally, a look at new cancer research. Scientists say that tweaking a certain gene found in cancer tumors might stop the cancer's growth. We'll find out more about that and other new cancer treatments.

Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Gerald N. Callahan
Author: "Infection: The Uninvited Universe" (St. Martin's Press, 2007)
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology; Department of English
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado

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Lawrence Madoff
Editor, ProMED Mail
Associate Physician, Infectious Disease Division and Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts

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Ronald A. DePinho
Director, Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society Research Professor, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Chair, Human Cancer Genome Advisory Board
Boston, Massachusetts

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Infection: The Uninvited Universe" by Gerald N. Callahan. St. Martin's Press, 2007.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Annette Heist