Human Diseases Mirrored in Rat Genome March 31, 2004 • The laboratory rat rattus norvegicus may become even more useful to researchers studying human disease, as researchers find that almost every human gene related to disease has a rat-gene counterpart. Analysis of the rat genome, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, is expected to aid development of new drugs. NPR's Richard Harris reports.
Saving the World's Spineless March 31, 2004 • Insects are usually near the bottom on the list of species given protection from extinction. Yet, like the vertebrates, they're losing habitat to development. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports on a campaign to give the spineless their due.
Safety of Generic AIDS Drugs Debated March 30, 2004 • Experts gather in Botswana this week at a meeting sponsored by the United States and World Health Organization to examine the safety and effectiveness of compound generic AIDS drugs. Critics say questioning the cheaper drugs' safety is a ruse to protect the brand-name drug industry. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports.
U.S. Firm Wants to Test All Cattle for Mad Cow March 30, 2004 • In an effort to win back reluctance Japanese consumers, a small U.S. beef producer has proposed testing all of its cattle for mad cow. But Creekstone Farms is meeting resistance from the USDA and others in the beef industry worried the move would pressure them to follow suit. NPR's Greg Allen reports.
Embryo Use Rules Called For March 30, 2004 • The President's Council on Bioethics will release a report this week calling on Congress to regulate the use of human embryos in research. The panel also wants Congress to lay out a roadmap for the kinds of technologies doctors will be allowed to use to help infertile couples conceive. Hear NPR's Joe Palca.
Future of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. March 28, 2004 • Since the accident at Three Mile Island, no new nuclear facilities have been built. Many in the nuclear power industry feel that as existing plants are getting older, now is the time to build new plants to meet the country's growing energy needs. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.
Genetic Ethics: 'Against Perfection' March 28, 2004 • An article in this April's Atlantic Monthly makes the argument that the quest for genetic perfection through bioengineering may degrade the human will and the appreciation of life itself. NPR's Liane Hansen speaks with the article's author, Michael Sandel , professor of government at Harvard University.
How NASA Averted Mars Rover Crisis March 27, 2004 • Just hours before touchdown, a few weeks ago, a serious software problem almost ruined the landing of the Mars rovers. NPR's Joe Palca talks to Rob Manning, one of the engineers who solved the problem about what the moment of crisis was like.
U.S. Picks Medicare Drug-Card Providers March 26, 2004 • The Department of Health and Human Services names the 28 companies chosen to market discount cards intended to make prescription drugs more affordable for low-income Medicare participants. The cards will be available in May, but discounts don't take effect until June 1. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.
NASA to Test 'Scramjet' Aircraft March 26, 2004 • NASA plans to test an aircraft this weekend designed to fly seven times the speed of sound, using an innovative engine called a "scramjet." The test is part of an effort to develop missiles that can reach any target on Earth within two hours, and spacecraft that can transport people and cargo more cheaply. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.
Researchers Decode Malaria Link March 25, 2004 • Scientists announce that they have identified four key genes in the mosquito immune system that aid in the spread of malaria to humans. The genes allow the malaria parasite to live in the mosquito's gut before being transmitted to humans. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and Dyann Wirth of the Harvard Malaria Initiative.
Rescuers Race to Save Entangled Whale March 25, 2004 • Rescue crews are working frantically to free a North Atlantic right whale entangled in fishing nets off the coast of South Carolina. The right whale is one of the most endangered marine mammal species in the world. Hear NPR's Ari Shapiro.
Rating System for Doctors in the Works March 25, 2004 • Twenty-eight of the country's largest employers band together to develop a rating system for doctors and hospitals, in an effort to help employees pick the best health care provider, The Wall Street Journal reports. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and Journal Assistant Managing Editor Laura Landro.
Active Seniors Challenge Aging Myths March 25, 2004 • Minnesota's fastest-growing population consists of people 65 and older -- a reflection of a national trend. Many of the state's elderly are staying active and healthy longer, ditching retirement to head back to work in large numbers -- and exploding myths about what it means to grow old. Annie Baxter of Minnesota Public Radio reports.
Trustees: Medicare May Be Broke by 2019 March 24, 2004 • The Medicare board of trustees reports that soaring health costs, an aging population and costs associated with the new Medicare law could leave the program bankrupt by 2019. Trustees say Medicare's hospital insurance trust fund will begin spending more than it takes in from taxpayers this year. Hear NPR's Kathleen Schalch.