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Thursday

Senators to Vote on Greenhouse Gas Limits

The Senate will vote this week on a measure to limit emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Supporters say the bill will help minimize global warming. But the Bush administration says the limits will harm the economy, and instead encourages companies to develop new energy products that will not emit greenhouse gases. Hear NPR's Allison Aubrey.

Senators to Vote on Greenhouse Gas Limits

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CDC Urges Spraying to Combat West Nile

In an effort to stop the spread of the West Nile virus by mosquitoes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage local communities to spray pesticides from trucks or aircraft. But many cities, citing possible side effects from the chemicals, say they won't spray unless an outbreak occurs. Hear Jeff Brady of Oregon Public Radio.

CDC Urges Spraying to Combat West Nile

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Wednesday

Insurers Wary of Proposed Medicare Reforms

As Medicare turns 38, Congress is considering sweeping changes that would greatly expand both the program's benefits and the role of private insurers. But many insurance companies worry about their ability to turn a profit under the proposed changes. Hear NPR's Snighda Prakash.

Insurers Wary of Proposed Medicare Reforms

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High PCB Levels Found in Farmed Salmon

A new report suggests farmed salmon contain toxic PCB's at levels higher than those designated as acceptable by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Working Group study found PCB levels in 10 farmed salmon samples were higher than those found in any other protein source. Hear Carl Safina of the Blue Ocean Institute.

High PCB Levels Found in Farmed Salmon

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Agencies Discuss International Space Station

In Monterey, Calif., leaders of the world's space agencies meet to discuss the future of the international space station. Officials say they have no completion date for construction on the station, which was halted after the Feb. 1 Columbia space shuttle disaster. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.

Agencies Discuss International Space Station

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Tuesday

Azerbaijan Pipeline Project Prompts Opposition

Construction begins on a 2,000-mile pipeline that will pump crude oil from Azerbaijan to Turkey. But some criticize the project, saying the pipeline cuts through environmentally and culturally sensitive areas, including the Gobustan National Reserve. The reserve is home to some of the world's oldest human settlements. Hear Natalia Antelava.

Azerbaijan Pipeline Project Prompts Opposition

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Link Between Alzheimer's, Brain Abnormalities Elucidated

New research suggests that two brain abnormalities commonly found in Alzheimer's patients work together to bring about the destruction of brain cells that occurs in the disease. The findings may help scientists pinpoint new targets for drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports.

Link Between Alzheimer's, Brain Abnormalities Elucidated

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Monday

Illegal Immigrants Tax U.S. Health Care System

Florida hospitals seek federal help to meet the rising costs of long-term medical care for illegal immigrants with no insurance. It's a growing problem throughout the United States, highlighted recently when one Florida hospital put a severely brain-damaged patient on a plane back to his native country after his unpaid bill reached $2 million. Alan Tomlinson reports.

Illegal Immigrants Tax U.S. Health Care System

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Paris Metro Offers Wireless Internet Zones

The Paris metro system experiments with wireless technology, creating access points at which anyone with a laptop, PDA or cell phone can access the Internet for free. If successful, the trial could expand to include more metro stops, allowing users to go online from virtually anywhere in the French capital. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer.

Paris Metro Offers Wireless Internet Zones

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Gene Linked to Cancer Susceptibility

Scientists in San Francisco believe they've found the first of about 20 to 30 genes that together may increase a person's susceptibility to cancer. The gene, known as Aurora2, was found in both human and mouse tumors. The research appears in the online edition of the journal Nature Genetics. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Gene Linked to Cancer Susceptibility

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Saturday

FDA Discourages Use of Syrup of Ipecac

The Food and Drug Administration is warning against the use of syrup of Ipecac, which induces vomiting in children who have swallowed poison. The FDA now says the popular home remedy does more harm than good. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Dr. Alistair Wood, who advised the FDA on the issue.

FDA Discourages Use of Syrup of Ipecac

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Friday

Study Suggests Ocean Once Teemed with Whales

Hundreds of thousands more whales may have once populated the North Atlantic Ocean than scientists previously thought, according to a new study. The findings have huge ramifications for commercial whaling, which was banned in the mid-1980s to allow whale populations to rebuild to their former numbers. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

Study Suggests Ocean Once Teemed with Whales

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White House Calls for More Climate Research

The Bush administration releases its latest plan to address climate change, and says more research is needed to inform policy decisions. Meanwhile, a report in the current issue of Science magazine analyzes how humans have been causing global climate change. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

White House Calls for More Climate Research

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House OKs Cheaper Drug Imports

In a defeat for the drug industry, the House of Representatives approves a bill making it easier for Americans to "re-import" U.S. brand-name prescription drugs from countries where they are available at a lower cost. The Bush administration and House Republican leaders had opposed the bill. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner.

House OKs Cheaper Drug Imports

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Thursday

White House Sets Climate Research Goals

The Bush administration unveils a new plan for studying climate change. Administration officials say the 10-year effort will help determine whether and how much human activity contributes to global warming. The National Academy of Sciences panned an earlier version of the plan for not being sufficiently specific in its aims. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

White House Sets Climate Research Goals

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