A new study links autism to the age of the mother. An update on mudslide conditions. Toyota issues global Prius recall. European PIGS. Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren discusses the politics of the Middle East. And why people experience pain differently.
Age of parents linked to increased risk of autism
Older mothers are more likely to have autistic children, a new study says. The journal Autism Research found that women over 40 were 50% more likely to have an autistic child. What about older fathers? Their age seems to play a greater role when mothers are much younger. Women under 25 who had children with men over 40 were twice as likely to have autistic children compared with fathers in their 20s. How should parents assess autism risk? Will older men and women think twice about having children?
Guest:
Irva Hertz-Piccioto PhD, Professor and Epidemiologist, Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis Mind Institute
Dr. Stan Nelson, Professor of human genetics at David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA.
NOTE: Scientists are conducting studies to unravel the genetic component of autism. Interested families can register at IANPROJECT.ORG to participate in a web-based, large-scale genetic study of autism.
Toyota recalls Prius and Lexus hybrids
Toyota issued a global recall today for over 400,000 Prius and Lexus hybrid models to address braking problems in the vehicles. The company will fix a software glitch that causes brief delays in braking capacity when traveling over icy or bumpy roads. At the same time, federal officials are looking into complaints of steering troubles in the Toyota Corolla. Larry Mantle discusses the details of the problem and the continued woes for Toyota.
Guest:
James Bell, vice president and executive market analyst with Kelley Blue Book, formerly of Intelle-choice
Mudslide update
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for more than 500 houses in the mudslide-prone areas in the foothills north of Los Angeles, including La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta and Acton. A coming storm is expected to drop up to 2 inches of rain in the area by this evening. Larry Mantle gets an update on the latest conditions and advisories.
Guest:
Gary Boze, public information officer, LA County Public Works
Israeli ambassador on Mid East politics
Larry talks with Michael Oren, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, about the debate over Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip border dispute, Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to restart stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Guest:
Michael B. Oren, Israeli Ambassador to the United States
What lies ahead for PIGS of the European Union?
Many European Union countries have already adopted the Euro as their currency, and more hope to switch to the Euro in the future, but deficits in Greece, Spain and Portugal are threatening the EU's economic growth. The European Central Bank doesn't want to let in other countries facing financial troubles, causing Poland and other former Communist states to push back their plans to switch to the Euro. What does this mean for Europe's economy? Is it a good idea for the EU to adopt a single currency?
Guests:
Donna Kardos Yesalavich, stock market reporter for Dow Jones Newswires
Andrew Hilton, Director of the Center for the Study of Financial Innovation in London
Why people experience pain differently
An estimated 50-million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and another 25 million suffer from acute pain as a result of injuries or surgery. Because pain is so complex and intensely subjective, it can be difficult to treat effectively. Studies suggest that cognitive therapy, behavioral modification, placebo and even the simple practice of slow breathing, can help. But for how long? Larry talks with Dr. Scott Fishman, about the latest research into the biology and psychology of pain and how this understanding can be translated to patient care.
Guest:
Dr. Scott M. Fishman (MD), Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine, UC Davis Health System