Dana Radio Series - Gray Matters

No doubt - men and women are different. But is there a male brain and a female brain? Researchers are consistently finding that the brains of the two sexes are subtly but significantly unique. This program presents a review of the latest research on the neurological explanation for sex differences, including questions of behavior, aggression and perception, as well as differences in incidence of depression, addiction, eating disorders and migraine headaches.

This program provides scientific insight from the nation's top researchers on the shock of the events of September 11, 2001 drawing from brain research past and present: studies of why traumatic memories incubate and are strengthened over time, what brain scientists understand about how fear works and recent advances in identifying and helping victims of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Research is providing new insights to improve our understanding of why brain cells crucial to memory and behavior are suffocated by Alzheimer's disease. Although there is no cure for this frightening disease, the new focus on earlier diagnosis and treatment may significantly delay its course. Hosted by world-champion swimmer Diana Nyad.

Examines how the arts can play a valuable role in children's growth by engaging them in activities ideal for maximizing development. This program also explores the underpinnings of art. Are artists' brains wired differently than other people's brains? And, how might the arts be used as a healer for people with brain injury, stroke or Alzheimer's disease?

During the last three decades, much information has been generated from research in brain science and immunology. In the event of a biological attack, experts in both fields offer their best guesses on the impact of vaccination, methods of boosting our immune system to "buy us time," and why blocking the effect on the brain may be a legitimate line of defense.

For decades, psychologists and brain scientists have been mystified by how memory works. Now, research is helping us shed light on tracking memory to its roots, to its molecular structure in the brain. What we know about memory - what it is and how it works - is the focus of this program. [Revised 2000]

More than 50 million Americans smoke cigarettes and roughly 20 million are dependent on alcohol and/or other drugs. New findings in brain research have led neuroscientists to confirm the link between addiction and the brain. Hosted by Pat Summerall. [Revised 2000]

Join CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace for a powerful examination of depression and the brain. By speaking out about his own depression, Wallace has helped to put a recognizable and trusted face on this very serious problem. This program reviews cutting-edge research that is transforming lives. [Revised 2000]

When a child is born, its brain is a quarter of its adult size. By the age of two, the cortex is working at adult levels, and by four, a child's brain is more than twice as active as an adult's. This program explores how the normal brain develops and what can go right and wrong along the way. Hosted by Judy Woodruff. [Revised 2000]

Chronic pain is estimated to affect some 50 million Americans per year. More has been learned about the nature of pain and ways to control it in the past few decades than at any other time in history. Cancer pain, headaches and back pain are among the topics discussed with neuroscientists who are at the frontiers of pain research. Actress Samantha Eggar hosts. [Revised 2000]

A moving and enlightening program hosted by Patricia Neal, examines memory loss and aging, Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, depression and alcoholism, as well as the latest research in these fields. [Revised 2000]