Science

States, Feds Get Tough on E-Scams, Spam

April 30, 2003 • Federal and state officials say they've filed more than 50 suits alleging fraud via the Internet. Most cases involve sellers who fail to deliver the goods, but some are more elaborate. And Virginia passes the toughest anti-spam law in the nation. Hear NPR's Jack Speer and NPR's Neda Ulaby.

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Report Calls for Tighter Rules on Care for Elderly

April 30, 2003 • A new Congressional report proposes federal and state guidelines for regulating the growing "assisted living" industry. Assisted living facilities traditionally offer more independence than nursing homes, and aren't as regulated. But as the number of facilities grow, so do the complaints. NPR's Joseph Shapiro reports.

WHO Lifts SARS Travel Advisory to Toronto

April 30, 2003 • The World Health Organization lifts its warning against travel to Toronto, citing improved measures to stop the spread of SARS. But travel advisories remain in effect for Hong Kong and several provinces in China, where more than 150 people have died after contracting the disease. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner and Laurie Garrett of Newsday.

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Officials Say SARS Contained in Toronto

April 29, 2003 • The SARS death toll in Toronto reaches 21, but Canadian officials say the outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease is under control. They cite a decline in the number of people in quarantine, a decrease in new cases. But hospitals fear the spread of SARS among employees. Hear NPR's Richard Knox.

WHO Lifts SARS Travel Advisory for Toronto

April 29, 2003 • The World Health Organization lifts an advisory against traveling to Toronto, Canada, because of SARS infections. Toronto hasn't seen a new case of the respiratory illness in 20 days, and the epidemic appears to be contained to hospital workers there. NPR's Robert Siegel talks to NPR's Richard Knox.

WHO: SARS Under Control in Vietnam

April 28, 2003 • The World Health Organization announces that Vietnam is the first country to contain severe acute respiratory syndrome and says the worst of the SARS outbreak is over in Hong Kong, Canada and Singapore. But in China, officials announce several new cases. SARS has killed more than 300 worldwide. Hear NPR's Rob Gifford and Hong Kong doctor Wan Song.

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U.S. Health Officials Caution Against Overreacting to SARS

April 27, 2003 • As Beijing and Toronto struggle to halt the spread of SARS, health officials in the United States say they do not expect an outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease and caution the public not to overreact. And CDC Director Julie Gerberding says she believes Toronto is a safe place to visit despite a WHO travel advisory. Hear NPR's Eric Niiler and Dr. Barry Bloom, of the Harvard School of Public Health.

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Beijing Shuts Down Public Venues to Stop Spread of SARS

April 27, 2003 • Officials close theaters, cafes and other entertainment venues in Beijing in an effort to fight the spread of SARS, the deadly respiratory disease that has killed more than 130 in China and 290 around the world. In Toronto, where WHO officials have warned travelers to avoid, the death toll from SARS rises to 20. Hear NPR's Rob Gifford, NPR's Richard Knox and epidemiologist Michael Osterholm.

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Fiscal Woes Worsen AIDS Drug Crisis

April 26, 2003 • At least 100,000 Americans with HIV aren't getting the medicines they need as federal and state funding for AIDS drug assistance has lagged the amount needed. Programs are overwhelmed because the drugs are expensive and helping people live longer. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports.

Russian Rocket Carries Crew to Space Station

April 26, 2003 • A Russian Soyuz rocket takes off for the International Space Station carrying fresh supplies and a two-man relief crew -- a Russian and an American -- for the station's current residents. In the wake of the Columbia tragedy, Russia's space program has stepped into the gap left by grounded U.S. shuttle fleet. NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports.

China SARS Toll Grows; Travel Advisories Backed

April 26, 2003 • Chinese health officials report seven more deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, raising China's SARS-related deaths to 122. In Beijing, a second hospital is sealed off and 4,000 residents are under quarantine. Disease experts urge people to heed travel advisories. Hear NPR's Rob Gifford and NPR's Linda Wertheimer.

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Russian Craft Set for Space Station Trip

April 25, 2003 • A Russian Soyuz spacecraft is scheduled to blast off Saturday to carry one Russian cosmonaut, one U.S. astronaut and much-needed supplies to the International Space Station. The mission takes on added importance after the Feb. 1 loss of shuttle Columbia. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Chinese Cope with SARS Fears

April 25, 2003 • More than half of the cases of SARS reported so far have occurred in China, where officials say 115 people have died and more than 2,600 are infected. NPR's Melissa Block talks with Chen Min, a Beijing teacher, about life with SARS; and with Shannon McEwan about the situation in Wuhan, in Central China, where she teaches English at a private school.

Chinese Take More Steps to Thwart SARS

April 25, 2003 • Thousands of Chinese exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome are told to stay home, and police seal a second Beijing hospital, isolating SARS patients and staff isolated from outside contact. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and reporter Anthony Kuhn.

DNA and the Brain

April 25, 2003 • In the final of four stories marking the 50th anniversary of DNA's discovery, NPR's Jon Hamilton reports that genetic causes of mental illness have proved illusive to find. As scientists began to understand how genetic material controls the human body, they were confident that such research could help unlock the secrets of the brain, but that hasn't happened.