NPR Programs: Talk of the NationJournalist Neal Conan leads a productive exchange of ideas and opinions on the issues that dominate the news landscape. From politics and public service to education, religion, music and healthcare, Talk of the Nation offers call-in listeners the opportunity to join enlightening discussions with decision-makers, authors, academicians and artists from around the world.Beer Yeast Separates The Ales From The Lagers- September 12, 2008 Different types of beers — ales, stouts, etc — are distinguished primarily by their yeast, but now these groupings might get even more complicated. Scientists have examined the genetic sequences of 17 unique lager yeast strains tracing variations in their genetic code back through time.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563049&ft=1&f=5 'Spore': Does Evolution Really Happen Like That- September 12, 2008 In the new computer game, players create and control an entire species, directing their evolution from single-celled organisms into an interstellar civilization. An evolutionary biologist discusses the science behind the game with Will Wright, creator of "Spore."http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563046&ft=1&f=5 Mutating Gene May Explain Human Dexterity- September 12, 2008 Scientists believe that a certain genetic sequence, which is uniquely unstable in human beings, may explain how humans became so good at using tools and walking upright. The gene sequence, named HACNS1, is thought to regulate both hand and limb formation in embryos.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94563043&ft=1&f=5 Getting To Know Cindy McCain- September 11, 2008 The nation has seen Cindy McCain accompanying her husband on the campaign trail for more than a year now. Author and journalist Ariel Levy recently profiled McCain in The New Yorker; Levy talks about her article, "The Lonesome Trail: Cindy McCain's Non-Traditional Campaign."http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94519193&ft=1&f=5 Seven Years Later, Listeners Reflect On Sept. 11- September 11, 2008 Do you remember where you were when the planes hit the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon On the seventh anniversary of the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, listeners discuss the significance of the day.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94513289&ft=1&f=5 |