Incoming AAAS President Peter Agre hopes to visit North Korea in the coming year, according to a new report on Science Podcast. In an interview with Podcast host Robert Frederick, the 2003 Nobel laureate explained the idea behind the plan: "Individuals can change things and science can create friendships that cross boundaries."

Agre will assume the AAAS presidency next week, after the close of the Annual Meeting in Chicago. He noted that 49 U.S. states are represented at this year's meeting, but as a native Minnesotan, he'd like to bring in some scientists from North Dakota, which is not represented, and from other heartland states.

Agre also talked about national science priorities and the impact of the global financial meltdown. To hear more, listen to Science Podcast.