Chrysler to File for Bankruptcy; Swine Flu Update; Autism Gene Breakthrough;UCSB Holocaust E-mail Controversy; The Importance of Attention
Chrysler to File for Bankruptcy
President Obama has announced that Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Chrysler will continue operating and Fiat will still sign on as a partner on Thursday. The government has promised to back Chrysler's warranties in an effort to allay customers' fears that the automaker wouldn't be around to honor them. Larry Mantle talks with LA columnist Dan Neil about the news.
Swine Flu Update
The World Health Organization has raised its infectious disease alert level to phase 5 for the H1N1 virus known as swine flu. As infections spread worldwide, experts say that containing the virus is no longer possible. But many scientists studying the virus say the current strain is less severe than previous outbreaks or even the average seasonal flu. Larry Mantle gets an update on the outbreak from LA Times science writer Karen Kaplan and influenza expert Dr. Ralph Tripp.
Autism Gene Breakthrough
A team of researchers has identified genes which contribute important pieces to the puzzle of autism. One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases. Another study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two crucial gene pathways. Both studies detected genes implicated in the development of brain circuitry in early childhood. Larry Mantle talks with study leader Hakon Hakonarsen and Clara Lajonchere of Autism Speaks.
UCSB Holocaust E-mail Controversy
UC Santa Barbara sociology professor William I. Robinson has caused a controversy after sending his students an email comparing graphic images of Jews in the Holocaust to pictures of Palestinians in Israel's recent Gaza offensive. The email also included an article criticizing Israel's treatment of Palestinians and a note from Robinson that likened the Gaza Strip to an Israeli confinement camp for Palestinians. The message has caused a university investigation and charges of anti-Semitism from two national Jewish groups. Larry Mantle talks with Professor Robinson and with Rabbi Aron Hier.
The Importance of Attention
Can we have your attention please? With so many distractions today, it seems harder than ever to pay attention to things. But according to Winifred Gallagher, the quality of your life depends on what you choose to pay attention to. In her book "Rapt," Gallagher explores the science of attention and its role in our work, relationships, creativity, and spirituality. She explains how the idea of multitasking is a myth that actually causes inefficiency, and describes what she calls "rapt attention"- the ability to change and improve your life by controlling your focus. Larry Mantle talks with behavioral science writer Winifred Gallagher about the importance of attention.