science

The Tribes And Same-Sex Marriage, Science News, And Beverly Washburn

Weekday — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The Suquamish Tribe Recognized Same-Sex Marriage In 2011: Will Other Tribes?
In March, a Northern Michigan Indian tribe became the third in the US to recognize same-sex marriage. The Suquamish Tribal Council voted to recognize same-sex marriage in 2011. Other tribes have passed laws against. And the US Supreme Court is expected to issue a landmark marriage ruling this summer. Ron Whitener, executive director at Native American Law Center at the University of Washington, explains how the nation’s 563 recognized tribes are approaching the issue.

What’s New In Science News?
Local virologists are tracking the latest flu in China, and the economics of studying science have led to some new ways to raise money for research. Sally James, Northwest science writer tells us what’s new in science news.

A Conversation With Former Child Star Beverly Washburn
Chances are you’ve seen Beverly Washburn perform, but you didn’t know her name. Have you seen Old Yeller? She was the little girl, Lisbeth. Washburn grew up performing opposite Hollywood greats like Lou Costello and Bing Crosby.

Weekend Weather Forecast
How will the weather be for Mother's Day this Sunday? Nick Bond joins us with a look at the weekend weather.

International Intervention In Syria, Sexual Assault In The Military, And Studying Hormone Levels

Weekday — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

How The World Is Responding To Syria
The US and Russia have agreed to convene an international conference to discuss ways of diplomatically settling the ongoing conflict in Syria. Dr. Steven Cook, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the implications of this conference and how the international community should be intervening in the crisis.

Sexual Assault In The Military
The Pentagon has released a report on sexual assault in the military. It estimates that 26,000 military members were sexually assaulted in 2012, a large increase from the previous year. The report comes out just as Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Kelly Ayotte argued for a bill that would work to reduce sexual assaults and help victims of the crime. Sen. Patty Murray and KUOW’s Patricia Murphy explain the new bill and the Pentagon's study.

The Effects Of Blast Injuries On Hormone Levels In Veterans
A new study suggests that people with blast injuries are more likely to have irregular hormone levels. The hormone imbalance can lead to PTSD-like symptoms, depression and physical symptoms that raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. University of Washington professor Charles Wilkinson studied the hormone levels in veterans who had suffered from concussions caused by blast injuries.

Basketball Diplomacy
NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is using his friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to ask for the release of Kenneth Bae, the Lynnwood man sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for "hostile acts" against the government. Rodman took to Twitter on Tuesday to ask Kim to “do me a solid and cut Kenneth Bae loose.” We talk with Seattle Times editorial writer Thanh Tan, who first urged Rodman via social media to approach his “lifelong friend” on Bae’s behalf.

Inside The Brains Of Animals

Rachel Solomon — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Some animals display very human behaviors: chimps grieve, rats love to be tickled, and moths remember living as caterpillars.

Science journalist Virginia Morell explores the complex minds of animals in her new book, "Animal Wise." From field sites to laboratories, Morell shows how animal cognition research has evolved, and how animals possess traits many feel are unique to humans.

She spoke at the Elliott Bay Book Company on April 8, 2013.

The Marijuana Lab

Jeannie Yandel — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:31:21 +0000

The Washington State Liquor Control Board is working to figure out how to create and regulate a legalized marijuana market. It’s not clear whether regulations will include limits on things like potency or pesticide use, but right now, there are only a couple of places in the state equipped to measure marijuana purity and potency.

Living To 100

The Conversation With Ross Reynolds — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:58:00 +0000

Futurist Sonia Arrison believes the first person to live to 150 years has already been born. What will the rapidly evolving improvements in medicine and life extension mean for us, our society and the earth? What will living longer mean for careers, family and faith?

Washington Researchers Using Fusion In Effort To Reach Mars

The Conversation With Ross Reynolds — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:34:45 +0000

Humans are on their way to Mars! Or at least they will be by 2025 if University of Washington researcher, Dr. John Slough has his way. Dr. Slough and his team are working on a fusion powered rocket that could zoom astronauts to mars in as little as 30 days. Back on earth, that speed could take you from Seattle to Miami in 3 minutes. The rocket project is funded by NASA and being built right here in Redmond, Washington. The President can keep is asteroid, Ross Reynolds talks with Dr. Slough about this rocket to Mars.

SPD Chief Diaz Steps Aside

Weekday with Steve Scher — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:07:16 +0000

Seattle Police Chief John Diaz announced on Monday that he’s stepping down. Diaz was appointed chief by Mayor Mike McGinn in 2010 and served 33 years with the SPD. Assistant Chief Jim Pugel will lead the department until the city hires a successor. How will Diaz's departure affect SPD morale and the city's ongoing police reforms? We talk with City Attorney Pete Holmes, public defender Lisa Daugaard and Seattle Times reporter Steve Miletich.

Adventures In Digestion With Mary Roach

Weekday with Steve Scher — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:00:00 +0000

How does the human digestive system actually work? Why can competitive eaters eat so much, so fast? Why do we like certain food textures better than others? Science writer Mary Roach is the author of books including “Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife" and "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers." She answers these questions and more in her latest book, “Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal."

Simon Winchester: SKULLS

Ross Reynolds — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Skulls are potent symbols of death, life and danger, and they also can tell a fascinating story about natural history. Ross Reynolds talks with writer Simon Winchester about his new book about skulls and a man that obsessively collects them.

Greendays Gardening: Pledge Drive Edition

Weekday with Steve Scher — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:00:00 +0000

What a beautiful weekend we just had! Did you start a gardening project, do some weeding, or walk the neighborhood and get new ideas? Our gardening experts Greg Rabourn, Marty Wingate and Lisa Taylor join us to answer your questions at 206.543.5869. Show your appreciation for their expertise and become a member of KUOW at 206.543.9595.