To the Point
The Internet and the Human Brain
The development of electronic media is the biggest thing since the printing press, and it's altering the way the human brain functions. While neuroscientists try to figure out how that's happening, we hear a debate about whether the outcome is good or bad. Also, oil slick estimates keep climbing, and the year of the woman in politics -- Carly Fiorina and Barbara Boxer’s hair.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe development of electronic media is the biggest thing since the printing press, and it's altering the way the human brain functions. While neuroscientists try to figure out how that's happening, we hear a debate about whether the outcome is good or bad. Also, estimates of the rate of oil spill keep climbing. On Reporter's Notebook, has a victorious woman set back the cause of women in politics?
Banner image: Seven-year-old Ashling Cannon next to a computer screen displaying the Webkinz website and her webkinz cuddly toys in Washington. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesEstimates of Rate of Oil Spill Keep Climbing
Estimates of the amount of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico continue to rise, and BP may defer or reduce its second-quarter dividend in response to the public uproar encouraged, in part, by President Obama . Jeffrey Ball, environment editor for the Wall Street Journal , has been covering the spill since the beginning.
Read the story7 minHooked on Gadgets, Muddling Our Minds?
Internet multi-tasking is both a magnificent research tool and an infuriating distraction. But, like it or not, it's transforming the human brain. Neuroscientists are sure about that. What they're not sure about is whether the change is for better or worse. In the meantime, debate is raging.
Read the story38 minYear of the Woman Starts Off on a Catty Note
Women candidates won big this week in Arkansas, Nevada, South Carolina, Maine and Iowa. California Republicans chose former eBay CEO Meg Whitman as their nominee for Governor and former Hewlett-Packard head Carly Fiorina for the US Senate.
Read the story6 min
