The Point

On certain issues – not all, but some – the science is clear: evolution gave rise to the diversity of life on Earth; climate change is happening, and humans are largely responsible; and vaccines do not cause autism. And yet, significant portions of the American public reject these scientific realities. “No one looks at scientific findings, scientific results from a completely objective point of view,” said Kenneth Miller, professor of biology at Brown University and author of Finding Darwin’s

WCAI's Sean Corcoran hosts a roundup of local news stories with several area journalists. His guests this week include Cindy McCormick of the Cape Cod Times; Tim Wood of the Cape Cod Chronicle; Jim DeArruda of the New Bedford Standard Times; Ann Wood of the Provincetown Banner; Sara Brown of the Vineyard Gazette; and Bill Chaisson of the Martha's Vineyard Times. Among the stories they discuss this week: State officials pressure the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to meet to discuss safety

Bronx teen Judith Rudge turns to poetry to express her experience as an outsider, in this piece from Radio Rookies : for teens, by teens, about the challenges of teen life. Next, as part of the series titled Ocean Gazing , host Ari Daniel spoke with John Delaney, a professor of oceanography at the University of Washington, about on how he blends science and poetry to achieve a deeper understanding of our planet.

Olivia Morgan , the founder of the National Student Poetry Program and Cape Cod summer resident, speaks with Sean Corcoran about the importance of encouraging youth to pursue creativity, and to excel creatively.

Each year the President’s Council of Arts and Humanities hosts a nation-wide poetry competition, the National Student Poets Program. The 5 winners are chosen from the more than 20,000 submissions. Each year’s class of winners goes on to serve as literary ambassadors and shares their passion for poetry and the literary arts with their communities. Past winners of the poetry competition convened in Woods Hole over the holiday break for a writing retreat: Ashley Gong, Michaela Coplen, and Julia

Parents have real concerns about raising children in a world saturated with technology . There are impacts on childhood development, safety, and long term implications on how children learn and communicate. On The Point , we discuss the effects of technology on children and why parents and caregivers need to become more aware of their own use of technology around kids.

Gravitational waves, the Zika virus, and finding water in unexpected places in the solar system were some of the biggest science stories of 2016. In the U.S., it was also a year that highlighted the strained relationship between science and politics. Climate change and other science policy questions were almost absent from the presidential campaign. The election of Donald Trump came as a surprise to most political pundits and sent scientists scrambling to find out more about the incoming Trump

If only the Capitol Steps had some funny material to work with in 2016! On The Point, we listen to their Year In Review New Year's Special. All the election favorites will be there: President Elect Trump, Hillary, Bernie Sanders, Vladimir Putin...(well, maybe)... Let's not let the election divide us any further. Tune in, and unite in laughter! And for goodness sake, can someone give Merrick Garland a hug?

As the new year begins, you may be planning to make some changes. And, as a nation, we seem to be in a state of flux – socially and politically. Following through on resolutions and staying sane in a rapidly changing world takes more than will-power and positive thinking. Here are three tips based on the latest science of psychology and neurobiology: Tell yourself the right stories. Whether or not we realize it, we are constantly interpreting what’s going on around us and telling ourselves

WCAI's Sean Corcoran is joined by Patrick Cassidy of the Cape Cod Times to discuss some of the top local news stories of the year. Among the stories they discuss: problems throughout the year lead to the NRC launching a comprehensive, multi-week inspection of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station; a worker at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station was fired after being found to have falsified fire watch records at the plant; Mashpee's superintendent of schools stands trial in a breaking and entering case