People used to believe the brain was a battleground. The left side was a rational Dr. Jekyll, the right a monstrous Mr. Hyde. The two constantly battled for supremacy, but scientists are finally ending the fight. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, research that will bring you peace of mind.

SEGMENT 1:

Psychologist Robert Ornstein tells Steve Paulson that the right brain is not the left brain's evil twin. He says new research has led to a better understanding of how the two halves of our brain work together. Ornstein is the author of "The Psychology of Consciousness" and "The Right Mind: Making Sense of the Hemispheres."

SEGMENT 2:

Psychologist Steven Pinker talks with Steve Paulson about how the mind and brain evolved into a biochemical machine capable of making aesthetic judgements and appreciating a good joke. Pinker teaches at MIT's Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and is the author of "How the Mind Works."

SEGMENT 3:

Neurologist Jonathan Pincus tells Jim Fleming that the combination of childhood abuse and frontal lobe brain damage results in violent criminal behavior, and that despite their deficits, people must be held responsible for their actions. Also, NPR senior correspondent Jackie Lyden tells Jim Fleming what it was like to grow up with a mother whose bi-polar disorder made her psychotic. Lyden's memoir is called "Daughter of the Queen of Sheba."

Distribution dates:

• week of 11/23/97 - hour 2
• week of 03/07/99 - hour 2