7/19/06: Podcast Update

• Gordon Chang, Author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World" (follow the link below to ITConversations if you wish to checkout the book), talked with Dr. Moira Gunn of Tech Nation about North Korea and nuclear weapons. This was an informative and interesting discussion. Gordon's assertion that the North Korean leader may pull something stupid (like sending out some nukes) if he feels he is about to pass is scary. He seems to believe that diplomacy is the best handling of the situation, but sure sounds like a madman is at the helm in North Korea.
• Dr. Mahendra Rao, Vice President for Research - Invitrogen, talks with Dr. Moira Gunn of BioTech Nation about stem cell research and why some lines end. He talked about the "presendential lines" and how the current ban on research funding for research using any other lines. Much of the funding has switched to private sources. The discussion is very interesting and I recommend it. I am a supporter of stem cell research including embryonic stem cell research. So, I would like to see the ban eased and research increased. I am particularly concerned that doing otherwise will continue to enhance the offshoring of the research. It was also interesting to hear the discussion at the end of the podcast about the impact of the initiative in California that seems to have stalled.