A made-for-TV movie broadcast this week by ABC featured a bird flu outbreak that starts in Hong Kong, passes between humans, and soons spreads around the world causing chaos. Some experts say the movie did a good job of raising public awareness of avian influenza, while others say the movie got a lot more wrong than it did right. Join Ira and guests in this hour of Science Friday for a look at the movie, and how it stacks up to reality. Plus, the latest on real research into protecting against avian flu.

Plus, a new play explores the tension between science and race. We'll talk with the playwright of 'Relativity' about her work, and about the intersection between science and the stage. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Michael Osterholm
Director, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
Professor, School of Public Health
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota

William Karesh
Director, Field Veterinary Program
Wildlife Conservation Society
Bronx, New York

Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Clinical Bioethics
The Clinical Center
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland

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Cassandra Medley
Playwright, "Relativity"
Professor of Playwriting
Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, New York

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth