Brain Science Podcast #8: How Neurons Communicate is an introduction to  the basics on neuronal signaling, synapses, and neurotransmitters. Detailed Show Notes and a full transcript of this episode are available at http://brainsciencepodcast.com  by 3/23 /07.  Send questions and comments to  gincampbell at mac dot com.

Books and Ideas #9: Dr. Ginger Campbell interviews molecular biologist and author Lee M Silver about his book, "Challenging Nature: The Clash of Science and Spirituality at the New Frontiers of Life."  Biotechnology challenges deeply held positions on both the left and the right. We discuss the importance of distinguishing between scientific arguments and psuedoscience. For more information go to http://booksandideas.com. This episode has been added to the Brain Science Podcast Feed as a bonus episode.

Brain Science Podcast #7 is an interview with Dr. Stuart Shanker, PhD, co-author of The First Idea: How Symbols, Language, and Intelligence Evolved From Our Primate Ancestors to Modern Humans. We talk about his work with autism and what he has learned from working with bonobos, a rare species of chimpanzees. Some scientist think that Bonobo behavior is remarkably similar to that of our earliest hominid ancestors. It reveals much about the role of emotional signaling in communication. For more information go to http://brainsciencepodcast.com or write to gincampbell at mac dot com.