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Saturday

Thursday

Whale Fossil Makes Public Debut

An ancient whale fossil found by an amateur paleontologist last November goes on public display in Maryland. The fossil, estimated to be 8 million years old, was unearthed by Tropical Storm Isabel's churning winds and flood waters. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and Stephen Godfrey of the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Md.

Whale Fossil Makes Public Debut

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Wednesday

Newly Identified Virus Linked to Children's Illnesses

A new study finds that 20 percent of respiratory illness in children can be explained by a newly discovered virus, metapneumovirus. Scientists say the virus has existed for many years, but has only recently been discovered. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.

Newly Identified Virus Linked to Children's Illnesses

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Tuesday

Bird Flu's Spread Worries WHO

Thailand reports a second bird flu death, bringing the total number of human victims to eight. More countries report infected poultry, and millions of chickens across Southeast Asia are slaughtered to contain the outbreak. The World Health Organization calls the bird flu's spread "historically unprecedented" and predicts additional cases. NPR's Michael Sullivan reports.

Bird Flu's Spread Worries WHO

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FDA Revamps Rules for Cattle Part Use

The Food and Drug Administration says it will ban the use of certain cattle parts from slaughterhouses in dietary supplements and cosmetics. The agency also plans to change the way cattle and chicken feed is made and used. The new rules stem from concern over last month's case of mad cow disease in Washington state. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

FDA Revamps Rules for Cattle Part Use

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Democrats Look to Revive Medicare Issue

Republicans hoped that the Medicare law signed by President Bush last month would take the issue off the table for this year's elections. But many seniors say the bill's prescription drug benefits fell short of expectations. Democrats see political advantage in reviving the health care debate -- an issue they've dominated for years. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner.

Democrats Look to Revive Medicare Issue

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Spread of Avian Flu Draws Questions

The avian flu outbreak in Southeast Asia is leading many in the region to ask whether the situation is out of control. Scientists say it is still a solvable problem. At least eight people have died and millions of chickens and other birds have been slaughtered. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

Spread of Avian Flu Draws Questions

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Monday

USDA Mad Cow Conflict

Since the first American case of mad cow disease was confirmed last month, officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been scrambling to reassure the public that American beef is safe. But many food safety advocates say the USDA isn't being as aggressive as it should be, because the department is too concerned about the U.S. beef industry's bottom line. NPR's Snigdha Prakash reports.

USDA Mad Cow Conflict

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Study Seeks Accurate Count of Child Autism

In recent years, cases of autism have increased sharply among U.S. children. Experts are unsure whether autism has become more common or just more likely to be recognized. In West Virginia, a federally funded project seeks to get the first accurate count of children with autism. Hear NPR's Jon Hamilton.

Study Seeks Accurate Count of Child Autism

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New Mars Images Wow NASA

Scientists say the Mars rover known as Opportunity, which landed on the Red Planet late Saturday, has landed inside a small impact crater completely different from any other place explored by previous robots. Early images from Opportunity reveal the first bedrock outcrop ever encountered on Mars, as well as "bizarre red gray soil." Hear NPR's Joe Palca.

New Mars Images Wow NASA

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Sunday

Second Mars Rover Lands

The second Mars rover, Opportunity, lands safely on the Red Planet and begins sending back data immediately. Its twin rover, Spirit, landed three weeks ago on the other side of Mars. Spirit has experienced software difficulties, but NASA engineers are slowly solving them. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Second Mars Rover Lands

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Twin Rovers at Work on Mars

The robotic explorer Opportunity is hard at work on Mars after NASA's second landing in a month on the Red Planet. And engineers hope to restore control over Opportunity's malfunctioning twin rover, Spirit. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Joe Palca.

Twin Rovers at Work on Mars

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Saturday

Second NASA Rover Nears Mars

NASA's robot explorer Opportunity is nearing a landing on Mars. If all goes well it will touch down half a planet away from its twin, Spirit. The first rover landed three weeks ago and has developed communications problems after a promising start. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Joe Palca at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

Second NASA Rover Nears Mars

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Friday

Digging for Dinosaurs in Antarctica

A discovery some 13,000 feet up a frozen mountain in Antarctic suggests the continent was once a pleasant place to live. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports that a team of researchers from Illinois have cut from the rock the bones of a huge, long-necked, long-tailed sauropod. See expedition pictures.

Digging for Dinosaurs in Antarctica

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