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- The Allen Institute and "Big Science"
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- Audrey Quinn
Science reporter Audrey Quinn speaks with members of the Allen Institute for Brain Science about the high throughput research they produce. She also speaks with biologist and New York Times science writer Aaron Hirsch. They discuss the scientific gains that Big Science makes possible, as well its disadvantages in terms of taking science out of the realm of individuals.
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Piece Description
Science reporter Audrey Quinn speaks with members of the Allen Institute for Brain Science about the high throughput research they produce. She also speaks with biologist and New York Times science writer Aaron Hirsch. They discuss the scientific gains that Big Science makes possible, as well its disadvantages in terms of taking science out of the realm of individuals.
Broadcast History
Original version aired on One World Report on KBCS 91.3fm Seattle/Bellevue on June 25, 2009
Transcript
The Allen Institute and “Big Science”
As the world’s 32nd richest man, Seattle's Paul Allen has taken on some pretty eccentric endeavors. Seattleites have often questioned both the scale and necessity of Allen’s local projects. A Big music museum, a Big South Lake Union neighborhood overhaul, even a Big voter-rejected sports stadium.
And with the Allen Institute for Brain Research, Paul Allen brings us Big Science.
JONES: “Paul’s simply interested in how the brain works, especially on a circuit basis. And you know, the brain is the last frontier in science. It’s the area that we really need to explore, it’s the one big area left. And Paul likes projects that have a really high impact.”
That’s Elaine Jones. She oversees operations at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. In 2003 Allen started the institute using his own funds.
JONES: “He convened scientists throughout the cou...
Read the full transcript
Intro and Outro
INTRO:Most Seattleites know about local billionaire Paul Allen’s projects remaking large sections of the city. But how many know of Allen’s interests in brains? He’s the patron of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. Why the interest in brains? And what does the institute do? One World Report’s science reporter Audrey Quinn visited the institute to find out. She also explores the larger issue of “Big Science” and its implications on the scientific community and the community at large.
OUTRO:You can view the Allen Brain Atlas online at www.brain-map.org.
Additional Credits
http://www.prx.org/pieces/38910-the-allen-institute-and-big-science/edit#step_message_top
Angeleah Smallwood
Posted on January 11, 2010 at 03:12 PM | Permalink
Interesting and Informative
This report speaks well to a broad range of people, disciplines, intelligence levels...