To the Point
Can We Have a 'Pandemic' without the Panic?
President Obama says he’s “optimistic” about the coming pandemic of swine flu. We look at what is and is not being done and what history reveals about the dangers of over-reaction. Also, Judge David Souter to leave the Supreme Court, and ten years of genetic study reveals new insights about Africans and African-Americans.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenPresident Obama says he’s “optimistic” about the coming pandemic of swine flu. We look at what is and is not being done and what history reveals about the dangers of over-reaction. Also, President Obama will nominate a new Supreme Court Justice to replace David Souter, who has decided to leave Washington. On Reporters Notebook, why are Africans and African-Americans susceptible to certain disases? A new genetic study may help find some answers.
Banner image: A man wearing a face mask to prevent contagion by the Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus, buys a newspaper in Mexico City. Photo: Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesSupreme Court's Souter Has Had Enough of DC
President Obama's about to get his first change to nominate a candidate for the US Supreme Court as Justice David Souter is said to be planning to step down . David Savage, who covers the Court for the Los Angeles Times , says Souter prefers his home in New Hampshire to "the best job in the worst city.”
Read the story8 minCan We Have a 'Pandemic' without the Panic?
The World Health Organization says all of humanity is now under threat from a swine flu pandemic, but nobody knows how severe it might turn out to be. Compared to the flu epidemics that occur every year, not that many people have died, and the WHO's warning is designed to keep things from getting worse.
Read the story36 minScientists Unveil Study of African Genes
Genetic study shows that the human species originated in Africa and spread to the rest of the world. Now a ten-year study of the genes of Africans and African Americans has revealed new insights about their ancestry and, possibly, their susceptibility to different diseases.
Read the story7 min
