NPR People: Jon Hamilton http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100615&ft=1&f=2100615 Jon Hamilton has served as a correspondent for NPR's science desk since 1998. His current beat includes neuroscience, health risks, behavior, and bioterrorism. Recent pieces include a series on the chemical perchlorate, which is turning up in California's water supply; a government effort to find out just how many autistic children there are in the U.S.; and an exploration of "neuromarketing." Copyright 2010 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Jon Hamilton http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100615&ft=1&f=2100615 yes Asperger's Officially Placed Inside Autism Spectrum Researchers have referred to Asperger's as high-functioning autism for years, but it's never been listed officially as a form of autism by the American Psychiatric Association. But an updated edition of a mental health disorder guide now says Asperger's really is a form of autism — and some of those with Asperger's are objecting. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123527833&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123527833&ft=1&f=2100615 Researchers have referred to Asperger's as high-functioning autism for years, but it's never been listed officially as a form of autism by the American Psychiatric Association. But an updated edition of a mental health disorder guide now says Asperger's really is a form of autism — and some of those with Asperger's are objecting. no Researchers have referred to Asperger's as high-functioning autism for years, but it's never been listed officially as a form of autism by the American Psychiatric Association. But an updated edition of a mental health disorder guide now says Asperger's really is a form of autism — and some of those with Asperger's are objecting.

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]]> Study Examines Brain's Risk Center Scientists have shown that our aversion to losing money is all in our heads — specifically a part of the brain called the amygdala. A study of two people with damage to the amygdala, but no other part of the brain, found they had no problem taking risky bets that most people would avoid. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:20:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123538423&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123538423&ft=1&f=2100615 Scientists have shown that our aversion to losing money is all in our heads — specifically a part of the brain called the amygdala. A study of two people with damage to the amygdala, but no other part of the brain, found they had no problem taking risky bets that most people would avoid. 129 no Scientists have shown that our aversion to losing money is all in our heads — specifically a part of the brain called the amygdala. A study of two people with damage to the amygdala, but no other part of the brain, found they had no problem taking risky bets that most people would avoid.

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]]> Storms In Space Disrupt Travel On Earth Airlines are checking the weather in space these days before taking some of their longest flights. That's because thousands of flights each year now cross the poles, where cosmic storms can interfere with communication and navigation systems, or even expose travelers to worrisome doses of radiation. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123111882&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123111882&ft=1&f=2100615 Airlines are checking the weather in space these days before taking some of their longest flights. That's because thousands of flights each year now cross the poles, where cosmic storms can interfere with communication and navigation systems, or even expose travelers to worrisome doses of radiation. 280 no Airlines are checking the weather in space these days before taking some of their longest flights. That's because thousands of flights each year now cross the poles, where cosmic storms can interfere with communication and navigation systems, or even expose travelers to worrisome doses of radiation.

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]]> Hacked E-Mails Add Fuel To Climate Naysayers' Fire Scientists attending the American Meteorological Society meeting in Atlanta say the field has weathered a storm created two months ago when hackers released e-mails from some prominent climate scientists. They say the e-mails revealed bad behavior by a small number of researchers and revealed some weaknesses in the scientific process. But the scientists say the e-mails did nothing to undermine the data showing that climate change is real. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122799611&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122799611&ft=1&f=2100615 Scientists attending the American Meteorological Society meeting in Atlanta say the field has weathered a storm created two months ago when hackers released e-mails from some prominent climate scientists. They say the e-mails revealed bad behavior by a small number of researchers and revealed some weaknesses in the scientific process. But the scientists say the e-mails did nothing to undermine the data showing that climate change is real. 258 no Scientists attending the American Meteorological Society meeting in Atlanta say the field has weathered a storm created two months ago when hackers released e-mails from some prominent climate scientists. They say the e-mails revealed bad behavior by a small number of researchers and revealed some weaknesses in the scientific process. But the scientists say the e-mails did nothing to undermine the data showing that climate change is real.

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]]> Scientists: Male Chromosome Is Still Evolving Scientists have confirmed that men are still evolving — or at least the male chromosome is. Y chromosome is what makes men men. A few years ago, scientists began wondering whether it was in trouble. When they compared it to the X chromosome, which is carried by both men and women, the Y chromosome didn't seem to measure up. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122556031&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122556031&ft=1&f=2100615 Scientists have confirmed that men are still evolving — or at least the male chromosome is. Y chromosome is what makes men men. A few years ago, scientists began wondering whether it was in trouble. When they compared it to the X chromosome, which is carried by both men and women, the Y chromosome didn't seem to measure up. 0 no Scientists have confirmed that men are still evolving — or at least the male chromosome is. Y chromosome is what makes men men. A few years ago, scientists began wondering whether it was in trouble. When they compared it to the X chromosome, which is carried by both men and women, the Y chromosome didn't seem to measure up.

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]]> New Airport Body Scans Don't Detect All Weapons The Transportation Security Administration is about to put hundreds of high-tech scanners in U.S. airports to deter terrorists. The scanners use a technology called backscatter X-ray. It's impressive, but some say it's far from perfect Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122499686&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122499686&ft=1&f=2100615 The Transportation Security Administration is about to put hundreds of high-tech scanners in U.S. airports to deter terrorists. The scanners use a technology called backscatter X-ray. It's impressive, but some say it's far from perfect 242 no The Transportation Security Administration is about to put hundreds of high-tech scanners in U.S. airports to deter terrorists. The scanners use a technology called backscatter X-ray. It's impressive, but some say it's far from perfect

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]]> Bright Lights, Big Headache: A Study Explains A study of blind people has revealed how bright light can intensify the pain of a migraine headache. The finding also could help scientists explain why some migraine sufferers are sensitive to certain smells and sounds. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122406376&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122406376&ft=1&f=2100615 A study of blind people has revealed how bright light can intensify the pain of a migraine headache. The finding also could help scientists explain why some migraine sufferers are sensitive to certain smells and sounds. 214 no A study of blind people has revealed how bright light can intensify the pain of a migraine headache. The finding also could help scientists explain why some migraine sufferers are sensitive to certain smells and sounds.

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]]> Autism 'Clusters' Linked To Parents' Education Researchers in California have identified 10 regional clusters where autism rates are roughly double that of surrounding areas. Most of the clusters are in places where parents have higher-than-average levels of education and researchers found no evidence of environmental risk factors. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:30:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122256276&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122256276&ft=1&f=2100615 Researchers in California have identified 10 regional clusters where autism rates are roughly double that of surrounding areas. Most of the clusters are in places where parents have higher-than-average levels of education and researchers found no evidence of environmental risk factors. 219 no Researchers in California have identified 10 regional clusters where autism rates are roughly double that of surrounding areas. Most of the clusters are in places where parents have higher-than-average levels of education and researchers found no evidence of environmental risk factors.

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]]> Waiting On Science To Say If Plastic Chemical Is Safe The FDA has promised to reassess the safety of BPA — a widely used plastic additive that can act like estrogen in the body. Currently, the agency's position is that BPA exposure is too low to cause health effects, but some major studies of the chemical's safety are just beginning. Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121539021&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121539021&ft=1&f=2100615 The FDA has promised to reassess the safety of BPA — a widely used plastic additive that can act like estrogen in the body. Currently, the agency's position is that BPA exposure is too low to cause health effects, but some major studies of the chemical's safety are just beginning. 275 no The FDA has promised to reassess the safety of BPA — a widely used plastic additive that can act like estrogen in the body. Currently, the agency's position is that BPA exposure is too low to cause health effects, but some major studies of the chemical's safety are just beginning.

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]]> What's Wrong With This Snowflake? 'Tis the season for images of snowflakes. Unfortunately, many artistic renderings of snow crystals show an eight-sided structure — something that can't occur in nature. So this year, one scientist decided to set the record straight. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121827582&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121827582&ft=1&f=2100615 'Tis the season for images of snowflakes. Unfortunately, many artistic renderings of snow crystals show an eight-sided structure — something that can't occur in nature. So this year, one scientist decided to set the record straight. 137 no 'Tis the season for images of snowflakes. Unfortunately, many artistic renderings of snow crystals show an eight-sided structure — something that can't occur in nature. So this year, one scientist decided to set the record straight.

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]]> Reading Practice Can Strengthen Brain 'Highways' Intensive reading instruction not only helps students boost reading skills, but also improves the brain's "highways" that communicate information, a new study finds. This suggests that reading depends on areas of the brain that process information as well as the wiring that connects those areas. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121253104&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121253104&ft=1&f=2100615 Intensive reading instruction not only helps students boost reading skills, but also improves the brain's "highways" that communicate information, a new study finds. This suggests that reading depends on areas of the brain that process information as well as the wiring that connects those areas. 207 no Intensive reading instruction not only helps students boost reading skills, but also improves the brain's "highways" that communicate information, a new study finds. This suggests that reading depends on areas of the brain that process information as well as the wiring that connects those areas.

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]]> Sense Of Touch Can Help Hearing, Study Says Sensations on the skin can help people understand speech, according to a study in the journal <em>Nature.</em> The study builds on decades of research showing that the brain often uses visual information to augment hearing &mdash; making people "whole-body perceiving machines," says one researcher. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:20:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120873368&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120873368&ft=1&f=2100615 Sensations on the skin can help people understand speech, according to a study in the journal <em>Nature.</em> The study builds on decades of research showing that the brain often uses visual information to augment hearing &mdash; making people "whole-body perceiving machines," says one researcher. 200 no Sensations on the skin can help people understand speech, according to a study in the journal Nature. The study builds on decades of research showing that the brain often uses visual information to augment hearing — making people "whole-body perceiving machines," says one researcher.

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]]> Sounds During Sleep May Help You Remember Certain sounds played while people napped helped them remember information associated with those sounds once they woke up, say researchers at Northwestern University. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120573613&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120573613&ft=1&f=2100615 Certain sounds played while people napped helped them remember information associated with those sounds once they woke up, say researchers at Northwestern University. 226 no Certain sounds played while people napped helped them remember information associated with those sounds once they woke up, say researchers at Northwestern University.

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]]> Success Boosting Monkey Muscle Could Help Humans Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to increase monkeys' muscle strength. The team hopes to use the same treatment to help people with muscle-wasting diseases grow back their muscle strength. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120316010&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120316010&ft=1&f=2100615 Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to increase monkeys' muscle strength. The team hopes to use the same treatment to help people with muscle-wasting diseases grow back their muscle strength. 230 no Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to increase monkeys' muscle strength. The team hopes to use the same treatment to help people with muscle-wasting diseases grow back their muscle strength.

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]]> Writing Study Ties Autism To Motor-Skill Problems Researchers who looked at handwriting samples found that children with autism struggle more than their peers to correctly form letters. The findings add to evidence that autism is a brain disorder that isn't limited to behavior, but affects motor skills, too. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120275194&ft=1&f=2100615 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120275194&ft=1&f=2100615 Researchers who looked at handwriting samples found that children with autism struggle more than their peers to correctly form letters. The findings add to evidence that autism is a brain disorder that isn't limited to behavior, but affects motor skills, too. 220 no Researchers who looked at handwriting samples found that children with autism struggle more than their peers to correctly form letters. The findings add to evidence that autism is a brain disorder that isn't limited to behavior, but affects motor skills, too.

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