Talk of the Nation

Talk of the Nation®

with Neal Conan

About the Program

Talk of the Nation with host Neal Conan is known for intelligent and thought-provoking discussion. Guests, contributors, and listeners explore today's most compelling issues — from breaking news, science, and education to religion and the arts.

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Latest Show
Document Studies Question Potential Alzheimer's Treatment
 Last year scientists reported that a skin cancer drug appeared to reverse the effects of an Alzheimer's-like disease in mice. But four studies out this week in <em>Science</em> question the original results. Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, talks about the new findings, and the hunt for Alzheimer's drugs. (05/24/2013)
Document Tracking Killer Tornadoes
 A series of tornadoes struck the central United States this week, including a powerful storm in Oklahoma that killed at least 24 people. Marshall Shepherd, the president of the American Meteorological Society, describes the ingredients of major tornadoes, and how they are predicted. (05/24/2013)
Document Reinventing Farming For A Changing Climate
 Scientists say climate change could increase pests and weeds, lengthen growing seasons and turn dry soil to dust. Farmers are already on the offensive, adopting no-till cropping methods to conserve water and experimenting with different seeds. And scientists are using a technique called gene silencing to develop new crops--without tinkering with the plants' DNA. (05/24/2013)
Document 'Crazy Ants' Spreading In The Southeastern US
 In parts of the southeastern US, aggressive fire ants have been driven out by an even more recent arrival, the tawny crazy ant. Edward LeBrun, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, describes the newcomers and how one invasive species can out-invade another. (05/24/2013)
Document Having a Dog May Mean Having Extra Microbes
 North Carolina State University biologist Rob Dunn and colleagues surveyed people's pillow cases, refrigerators, toilet seats, TV screens and other household spots, to learn about the microbes that dwell in our homes. Among the findings, reported in the journal PLoS One, homes with dogs had more diverse bacterial communities, and higher numbers of "dog-associated" bacteria. (05/24/2013)
Document Tackling New Tech In The Golden Years
 Smartphones, tablets and computers could help seniors stay connected to their communities and families. But a hefty price tag, steep learning curves, and designs meant for younger eyes and hands could keep some older adults from logging on. Guests discuss the best ways for seniors to tackle new technology, and how devices can be adapted to accommodate older users. (05/24/2013)
Document A Read Down Memory Lane: Lessons From Your Former Self
 Writings from childhood — cards, stories and other notes — can hide for decades, like time capsules tucked away in boxes, old bedrooms, attics and journals. Writer Jim Sollisch talks about how old thank you notes from his youth foreshadowed his adult life. (05/23/2013)
Document The President's Remarks On The Future Of National Security
 In a speech at the National Defense University, President Barack Obama addresses the use of U.S. drones to target terrorists — including U.S. citizens — and his renewed efforts to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay. (05/23/2013)
Document A Look Ahead To The Flash Point In The South China Sea
 Beijing continues to pressure its neighbors over strings of disputed areas in the South China Sea that reportedly hold massive deposits of oil and gas. The ongoing disputes raise serious questions about China's goals in the region and how the United States should address escalating tensions. (05/23/2013)
Document How That 'Nigerian Email Scam' Got Started
 You've probably seen it in your inbox before: Someone who claims to have come into a fortune needs your help. You can share in the profits — if you send along a deposit or your bank account number. <em>Boston Globe</em> correspondent Finn Brunton talks about the history of the "Nigerian prince" or "419" scam, which actually got its start long before email. (05/22/2013)
Document Why Urban Dictionary Comes In Handy On The Witness Stand
 The use of slang in court proceedings can be tricky, especially in criminal cases where an uncommon slang term used by a witness can make a difference in a case. <em>New York Times</em> tech reporter Leslie Kaufman and law professor Greg Lastowka talk about how judges and lawyers have turned to sites like Urban Dictionary to help define slang terms and the legal implications of the trend. (05/22/2013)
Document With White House Bogged Down By Scandal, GOP Looks For Boost
 As criticism of the Obama administration over a string of scandals grows, conservatives see an opportunity to gain momentum for 2014 races. Host Neal Conan and Political Junkie Ken Rudin talk with political science professor Jack Pitney about the GOP and the re-emergence of the Tea Party. Plus: the week in politics from Anthony Weiner's New York mayoral candidacy to the Senate immigration bill. (05/22/2013)
Document Looking Ahead: Peter Bergen on Al-Qaida
 Two years after the death of Osama bin Laden, the U.S. continues to warn of the threat posed by the terrorist organization he led. As part of our "Looking Ahead" series, Peter Bergen, CNN national security analyst and author of <em>Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden from 9/11 to Abbottabad</em>, talks about the future of al-Qaida. (05/22/2013)
Document When Tornadoes Are A Way Of Life
 Monday's tornado tore through parts of Oklahoma City at 200 miles per hour and killed at least 24 people. Many more are missing orinjured. Guest host Jennifer Ludden talks to KOSU reporter Michael Cross and to meteorologist Paul Douglas about why it's so hard to track tornadoes. (05/21/2013)
Document Would Lowering The Drunk Driving Threshold Make Us Safer?
 The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended reducing the legal limit for blood alcohol content for drivers from .08 to .05. Critics say it won't significantly help prevent drunken driving. Guest LZ Granderson argues that without more checkpoints, a lower threshold would do nothing. (05/21/2013)
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