Science

Health Officials Edge Closer to Containing SARS

March 29, 2003 • Doctors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there are now more than 60 suspected cases of Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the United States. The disease, which is believed to have originated in China, has no specific treatment, but there should soon be a blood test to help confirm suspected cases of the disease. Hear NPR's Joe Palca.

SARS Cases Growing Inside China

March 28, 2003 • Evidence grows that the dangerous, atypical pneumonia called SARS may be spreading within China. The Chinese government -- reluctant with information so far -- admits that deaths in Guangdong province have increased ten-fold, and there are at least 10 confirmed cases in Beijing. NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

China Agrees to Openly Report SARS Cases

March 28, 2003 • China pledges to work more openly with international health officials investigating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. Health experts have criticized China for being too slow to reveal information on the flu-like disease's spread. SARS has taken its highest toll in China, with 806 cases and 34 deaths. NPR's Rob Gifford and NPR's Joe Palca report.

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California to Restore San Francisco Bay Wetlands

March 27, 2003 • In what's being hailed as the largest wetlands restoration in the West, state and federal officials close a multi-million-dollar deal to expand the San Francisco Bay. Ever since the days of the gold rush, the bay has been losing ground as cities and businesses grew around it. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Smallpox Prevention Campaign Hits Complication

March 26, 2003 • Federal officials warn that people with heart disease should not be vaccinated against smallpox. One nurse has died of a heart attack after vaccination and six others have developed heart problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating whether the health problems are a coincidence. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

China Raises Toll from Flu-Like Illness

March 26, 2003 • Chinese officials more than double their estimate of people who've contracted a form of pneumonia known as SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The new figures indicate the outbreak is ongoing in parts of the country. China has been slow to release information on SARS, hampering efforts to control the illness worldwide. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports.

Study: Elite U.S. Troops May Have a Natural Advantage

March 25, 2003 • U.S. Special Operations forces conduct some of the most dangerous missions in a war. Yale researchers say these elite troops have brain chemicals that respond differently to high-stress situations, setting them apart from others in the military. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Officials Target Cause of 'Mystery' Disease

March 24, 2003 • Scientists isolate the organism that causes a new type of pneumonia blamed for at least 11 deaths in the last three weeks. Research from several labs indicates Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome may be caused by a cousin of measles and mumps. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

Fatigue a Concern for U.S. Troops in Iraq

March 21, 2003 • As the war progresses, military commanders keep a sharp lookout for fatigue in front-line troops. Studies provide a good model for how much sleep deprivation soldiers can take before performance rapidly deteriorates. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

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SARS Update

March 19, 2003 • An organism similar to viruses that cause measles and mumps may be behind a global outbreak of a new form pneumonia, known as SARS. World health officials also report it looks like the disease is on its way to containment. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.

Mystery Respiratory Illness

March 17, 2003 • World Health Organization officials say a mysterious -- and deadly -- respiratory illness that has spread in Asia could be a new strain of flu or virus. The virus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, is now blamed for at least nine deaths since November. Hear NPR's Joe Palca.

CDC: Illness Spreads

March 17, 2003 • Health officials in Hong Kong say the number of people suffering from an unusual type of pneumonia has nearly doubled since the weekend. At least 160 cases have been confirmed worldwide, including four deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are handling the U.S. response. Hear NPR's Rob Gifford and NPR's Joe Palca.

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Respiratory Illness Alert

March 16, 2003 • The World Health Organization issues an emergency travel advisory after a mysterious -- and deadly -- form of pneumonia emerges in Asia and spreads rapidly. The disease is highly contagious, resistant to antibiotic and antiviral drugs, and has killed at least nine people. NPR's Liane Hansen talks to NPR's Jon Hamilton.

WHO Health Alert

March 15, 2003 • A mysterious -- and deadly -- form of pneumonia emerges in Asia and spreads rapidly enough that the World Health Organization issues a global alert. The disease is highly contagious, resistant to antibiotic and antiviral drugs, and has killed at least half a dozen people. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports.

FDA Proposes Bar Codes for Drugs and Patients

March 14, 2003 • The Food and Drug Administration proposes bar-coding every prescription drug -- just like retail items on store shelves -- and doing the same for each hospital patient. It's believed those measures would prevent medication errors that cost billions of dollars and thousands of lives. NPR's Richard Knox reports.