RE: Patt Morrison for Wednesday, November 16, 2011

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

1-3 p.m.

 

CALL-IN @ 866-893-5722, 866-893-KPCC; OR JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE ON THE PATT MORRISON BLOG AT KPCC-DOT-ORG

 

1:00 – 1:40

OPEN

 

1:40 – 2:00  

The trustworthy gene - just one look and you can tell if a stranger is wired to be kind and compassionate

In a new study, a group of scientists, including researchers at UC Berkeley, have found that people who tested high for empathy shared the same DNA linked to promoting social interaction and love. The GG genotype is a receptor gene that picks up on oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle” or “love” hormone. In the study, two dozen couples watched a 20-second video of strangers revealing their life struggles. In those 20 seconds, viewers who exhibited more nodding, eye contact, smiling and even body language also shared the GG genotype. While researchers warn that trustworthiness is not derived from just one gene, they do say identifying the receptor gene helps pave the way for gene therapy. Think you can tell from one look and tell who you can trust?

 

Guests:

Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology, UC Berkeley; coauthor of the study

 

 

2:00 – 2:40

Afterschool sessions with LAUSD Superintendent Deasy

It’s been a busy month for LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy. Groups of education advocates have taken out full page ads and even threatened to sue the school district, amid contentious negotiations with the United Teachers Los Angeles over tying student achievement with teacher performance. The lawsuit would require teacher evaluations to be linked to student performance under the Stull Act, a law that was passed in 1971. Meanwhile a group called Don’t Hold Us Back is demanding the district and the teachers union hammer out reforms that UTLA has opposed in the past. How have the actions of such groups affected contract negotiations with UTLA? And state officials say meeting federal requirements to obtain a waiver from No Child Left Behind law would cost California at least $2 billion, but many school districts say the waiver would actually save money. Does LAUSD endorse seeking a waiver, and if so, why? And finally, a report from several education think tanks and UC Berkeley finds students in elementary school are not receiving quality science classes. How is LAUSD addressing this issue? As part of our ongoing series Superintendent Deasy will be here to answer your questions and ours.

 

Guests:

LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy

IN STUDIO

 

2:40 – 3:00

OPEN