Tracey Logan
As a senior science journalist for BBC Radio since 1990, Tracey Logan covered some of the biggest science stories of recent times, from the human genome project to the building of the internet, the search for life on Mars, the revolutionary impact of mobile phones, and the recent discovery of remains of a new human species in Indonesia. The numerous awards she received for her work as a radio presenter and producer include the BT Technology Journalists Award of Excellence and the BT Technology Journalist of the Year award. Her programs have appeared both on BBC World Service and Radio. She has also written extensively on technology and engineering for BBC News Online.
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 Aliens Calling Where is ET and should he have not called by now? Tracey Logan asks exactly that question after speaking to the top scientists hunting for proof of alien life. She went to the Royal Society in London where the possibility of detection of extra-terrestrial life, and its consequences for science and society, were discussed. |
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Faith & Pain ReportBBC report on Religion & Pain Relief research carried out at the Oxford Centre for Science of the Mind |
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Raising Spirits to Combat Alchoholism The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, found their treatment also costs 30% less than conventional cognitive behavioural therapy. According to lead researcher Dr. Keith Humphreys, based at Stanford University, this is because it requires fewer hospital visits and admissions. Up to 80% of alcohol dependent patients start drinking again within six months of a hospital detox. So why do AA members have a better chance than average? Dr Humphreys told the BBC's Health Check programme that many AA members point to the spiritual component of their 12-step programme as crucial in fighting the urge to drink. All faithsIts non-doctrinal approach means people of all faiths—or no faith—can benefit. Dr Humphreys said: “It used to be accepted dogma that there would never be a 12-step group in an Islamic country. But today I would bet that it is Brazil and Iran where 12-step groups are growing the fastest.” Last year a group of Iraqi clerics visited Britain, where Professor Sadar Sadiq, the country's National Advisor on Mental Health works as a practicing psychiatrist, to study approaches to alcohol treatment at first hand. “They attended AA meetings and would like to implement it in Iraq,” said Professor Sadiq. “But with the conflict and lack of security our progress is very slow.” |
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 Alcohol and Spirituality How far can spirituality help alcoholics stay sober? In Health Check this week Tracey Logan looks at two non-medical approaches which use spiritual growth to combat alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous is the world's biggest self-help group with meetings in 85 different countries. Research has shown that it helps more people than conventional treatments and counselling. It was originally inspired by a form of evangelical Christianity in 1930s America, and its 12-step programme emphasises a God or Higher Power, as well as taking responsibility and helping others. But AA is very flexible, and its Higher Power isn't fixed, which means the group has flourished among non-Christians and atheists. VipassanaIn India in 1975 Vipassana, or mindfulness meditation was introduced into a prison in Jaipur. This 10 day intensive meditation course helps people to understand what's happening in their bodies; to accept their cravings, but not to act on them. It's now used in many of the country's jails, including Tihar in Delhi. Scientists in the US have been studying the effectiveness of Vipassana to help prisoners who are dependent on drugs and alcohol, and have shown it can be used to help people give up alcohol, or cut back on their drinking. |