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Talk of the Nation® links the headlines with what’s on people’s minds, providing a springboard for listeners and experts to exchange ideas and pose critical questions about major events in the news and the world around them. Each day, Talk of the Nation combines the award-winning resources of NPR News with the vital participation of listeners.
Spitzer's Apology Changes 'Ex-Gay' Debate
Dr. Robert Spitzer's research was widely cited by those who conduct conversion therapy as proof that it worked. Dr. Spitzer says his findings were misinterpreted, and apologized. The American Psychological Association has said there is no evidence that it's possible to change sexual orientation.
Op-Ed: Send Message Of U.S.-NATO Solidarity
In recent years, critics have questioned the need for a U.S.-European alliance, originally formed to confront the Soviet Union. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright argues the president and NATO leaders must reaffirm the importance of their union to U.S. security.
Students Find It's Tough To Graduate In Four Years
Just over half of students graduate with their bachelor's degrees within six years of enrolling in college, according to recent studies. Educators say many students are reducing semester credit hours to save money, taking time off or dropping out of school all together.
Networks Must Adapt To Decline In TV Viewers
Ratings fell precipitously in 2012, especially among the most important audience for television advertisers: younger adults aged 18 to 49. Online viewing continues to grow, but remains a small fraction of total viewership. Bill Carter of the New York Times talks about the changing TV landscape.
On Eve Of Launch, SpaceX Head Talks About Mission
SpaceX is set to launch its Dragon spacecraft to rendezvous with the International Space Station this weekend. If successful, it will be the first commercially developed, launched and operated craft to meet the ISS. SpaceX head Elon Musk talks about the launch, and his other project, Tesla Motors.
From Rooftops And Abandoned Lots, An Urban Harvest
From rooftop apiaries in Paris to a vegetable-and-chicken farm in Philadelphia, agriculture has come to the city. Urban farmer Mary Seton Corboy and food writer Jennifer Cockrall-King talk about the future of food in the city. Plus, Tama Matsuoka Wong gives tasty tips for eating garden weeds.
The Itching Question That's More Than Skin Deep
Studies show that the power of suggestion can induce itchiness — but scientists don't know what this irritation is, what causes it, or why it feels so good to cure. Marc Abrahams, editor of the Annals of Improbable Research, talks about how talking about the science of itches might have you scratching right now.
Planning For A Solar Sky Show
On May 20th, skywatchers in the western third of the United States will be treated to an annular solar eclipse, a sight not seen here in 18 years. Dean Regas of the Cincinnati Observatory shares tips for viewing the eclipse, and tells how solar observers can safely get a peek at the elusive 'ring of fire.'
Stroke Victims Think, Robotic Arm Acts
Reporting in Nature, researchers write that two individuals, both paralyzed by stroke, made reach-and-grasp movements using a thought-controlled robotic arm. One participant was even able to a sip a drink by herself. Neuroengineer Dr. Leigh Hochberg discusses the paper and the ongoing trial.
Rerouting Working Nerves To Restore Hand Function
A paralyzed man with a spinal cord injury to the C7 vertebrae is able to move his fingers again. Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine rerouted working nerves in the patient's upper arms to restore some hand function. Dr. Ida Fox discusses the procedure described in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
Truvada And At-Home Test Join Fight Against HIV
Truvada is a pill that's already used to treat people with HIV. A daily dose can also significantly reduce the risk of new infection. And a panel recommended the FDA approve an over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick. Users could test and interpret their results at home in as little as 20 minutes.
Non-White Birth Rate May Inspire Policy Changes
The Census Bureau announced that for the first time non-whites now make up the majority of births in the U.S. The demographic shift raises questions about how this trend will affect policy in the country, particularly with regard to education and social programs.
One 'Last Dance' With Disco Queen Donna Summer
Donna Summer, who sang some of the most memorable anthems of the disco era from "Love to Love You Baby" to "Bad Girls," has died after a long battle with cancer. She had a top 40 hit every year from 1976 to 1984, including the song she once told NPR she'd perform till the very end, "Last Dance."
If Greece Starts Dominoes Falling, What's Next?
If the Greek economy collapses, economists fear it could lead to a chain reaction that engulfs Spain, Portugal, Italy and other EU countries with fragile economies. While some experts argue doomsday scenarios are overblown, others believe the consequences would be chaotic and far-reaching.
Facebook Users Should Expect Changes After IPO
Facebook hopes to raise more than $100 billion in its initial public stock offering. In a piece at Slate.com, tech columnist Farhad Manjoo warns that Facebook users can expect to see changes, including lots more ads. But he warns the company must balance profit seeking with the desires of users.
Hickenlooper And List On Pre-Election Atmosphere
The push for civil unions recently failed in Colorado, and Governor John Hickenlooper has some ideas about why. Also, former Nevada Governor Bob List talks about the influence of Ron Paul on the Republican Party. And NPR's Political Junkie columnist Ken Rudin rounds up the news.
Democrat 'Appalled' By Wisconsin Recall
Wisconsin Democrats hope to unseat Republican Governor Scott Walker in a recall election. In the Los Angeles Times, Jonathan Zimmerman, a lifelong Democrat, says he is "appalled." The recall, he writes, "epitomizes the petty, loser-take-all vindictiveness of contemporary American politics."
'Life, Interrupted' By Cancer Diagnosis At 22
Months after moving to Paris to start her first full-time job, Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with leukemia. Now, she is coping with relying on her parents for care while dealing with adult issues of mortality, infertility and disease. She writes about her experience for the New York Times Well blog.
Activist Bob Fu Helped Chen Call Congress
Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng called into a U.S. congressional hearing to describe violent attacks on his family and "trumped up" homicide charges against his nephew. He was able to call in to the hearing through the help of his friend, fellow activist Bob Fu.
At 96, Historian Lewis Reflects On 'A Century'
Over his long academic career, Bernard Lewis has arguably become the world's greatest historian of the Middle East. Now, at 96, Lewis turns his attention inward in Notes on a Century, a memoir that looks back on his life, work and legacy.
