Are there new weapons in the war on terror? Here's a suggestion. If you want to find a terrorist cell, consider asking a mathematician. Researchers in math, computer science, and criminology met this week to talk about ways in which mathematical techniques can be brought to bear on the problem of counterterrorism. In this segment, guests join Joe Palca for a look at how mathematicians and computer scientists can help track terrorist activity, find connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of data, and help hunt for a needle in a haystack.

Plus, from bug bites to serious illness, lots of things can make a person want to scratch. Researchers are planning to meet next week to talk about what makes us itch, and how to make it stop. We'll talk with one of the conference organizers about what's new in the field of itch research. 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:
Bernard Brooks
Professor, Mathematics
Head of Research Programs
School of Mathematical Sciences
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York

Hsinchun Chen
Director, Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Professor, Management Information Systems
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

-----

Earl Carstens
Professor of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
University of California Davis
Davis, California

Books/Articles Discussed:

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

Search by keywords:

This segment produced by Karin Vergoth