On today’s show: Alicia Menendez fills in for Leonard Lopate. Jesse Prinz examines nature versus nurture in human development and tells us why our DNA is not necessarily our destiny. Massimo Montanari on his new book Let the Meatballs Rest, about food culture, cooking methods, and eating habits throughout history. Dena Kaye talks about the centenary celebration of her father, the award-winning entertainer Danny Kaye. And Cali Williams Yost tells us how small, consistent, everyday changes can help us all find a better fit between work and life.

Morning Edition is your perfect morning companion: gentle, but straightforward, explaining the vagaries of international diplomacy, reporting weather and even recommending the best film in town.

Infectious disease specialist Kent Sepkowitz explains the science behind the current flu outbreak and how to avoid catching what's going around. Plus: Daily News columnist Juan Gonzales on his 25-year career; and the little-known history of South Asian immigrants in late 19th-Century America.

Science Friday is a weekly science talk show from NPR, broadcast Fridays at 3PM on 93.9 FM. Each week, Science Friday's host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, looks at science topics that are in the news brings an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science -- to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Today on Soundcheck: The breakout HBO comedy Girls chronicles the trials and travails of a group of 20-something women who are figuring it all out -- or at least trying to -- in New York City. Girls returns this Sunday for its second season, and so we speak with the show's music supervisor Manish Raval about his work on the series, and about as the new Girls Soundtrack Vol. 1 compilation.

Then, Slate film critic Dana Stevens tells us about this year's music-related Oscar nominations including the categories for Best Original Song and Score, as well as a few notable snubs.

And the dance-ready Eithopian funk band Debo Band performs in the Greene Space.

We will listen to music written as dance music but played on acoustic instruments, including covers and also acoustic music that delivers an electronic feel. Listen for Alarm Will Sound, Nik Bartsch/Ronin, Francesco Tristano, and much, much more.