One key characteristic of autism-spectrum disorders is difficulty in interacting with others. Recent research has opened the door to a possible solution.
Category Archives: The Bonds Between Us
Wife on Mars: A love story
In marrying, a couple may vow “to have and to hold” each other “till death do us part.” But what if what parts spouses is not death, but more than 35 million miles of empty space? Learn how one couple hopes to sustain the bonds between them while one remains on Earth and the other journeys to Mars, never to return.
How photography connects us
Powerful photographs can both connect us with the experiences of people on the other side of the world and reveal to us the wonders in our own backyard. In this TED Ed Talk, the photo director for National Geographic magazine shares compelling photos and reflects on their impact.
Dogs at War: Smoky, a Healing Presence for Wounded WWII Soldiers
Corporal Bill Wynne had a special bond with his dog, Smoky. That bond helped Wynne recover from a serious illness during WWII. Smoky and Wynne later spent years touring hospitals together, helping other ill or wounded soldiers heal.
Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is an acclaimed author and scholar. In this PBS series, he explores the family histories of twelve prominent Americans to answer these questions: What made America? What makes us? Explore the site to discover more.
U.S. Olympic Athlete Gives Up Team Spot to Twin Sister
What sacrifices would you make for a sibling? Read this article to find out why Tracy Barnes gave up her spot on the U.S. Olympic biathlon team for her twin sister.
After Chernobyl, They Refused to Leave
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster was the world’s worst nuclear accident. Thousands of people were relocated to other cities. But 1,200 people, mostly older women, came back to live in the toxic Exclusion Zone, unwilling to be displaced from their homes. Read the article and view the video to find out what bonds these women to their homeland.
Why I Gave Up a High-Paying Corporate Career to Start a Charity
Jim Ziolkowski left a high-paying job in the financial industry to start buildOn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens give back to their communities through public service. Read the article to find out more.
Lessons Learned from My Birthday Friend
In high school, Robert Yoon learned that he and a classmate shared the same birthday. Read about the lessons Yoon learns from sharing this bond with his friend.
The Emotional Lives of Animals
Have you ever wondered if your pet has emotions? What connections do animals feel to people and to other animals? Read this excerpt from Marc Bekoff’s book The Emotional Lives of Animals. Then, explore the site for the PBS film Animal Odd Couples to learn about the special bonds animals form with unlikely partners.
Joseph Kim: The Family I Lost in North Korea. And the Family I Gained.
As a teen, Joseph Kim escaped alone from North Korea. Listen to his inspiring story as he remembers the family he lost and the family he gained in the United States.
Dolphins Have “Names,” Respond When Called
We know dolphins are smart. In some studies, dolphins come in just behind humans in terms of brain power. Now researchers have discovered that dolphins use names for each other and have individual identities. Read this article to find out how these amazing marine mammals communicate with one another.
Urban Farms Herald Green City ‘Revolution’
In today’s world, who would have thought that farming could unite those living in bustling urban areas? Find out how some city dwellers are coming together to feed themselves with locally grown fruits and vegetables.