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Wednesday

Veneman Discusses U.S. Mad Cow Probe

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced new regulations Tuesday aimed at reassuring consumers that American beef is safe. The rules come a week after the department announced the country's first case of mad cow disease. Veneman says the United States learned much from Britain, which has had thousands of cases of mad cow disease. Hear Veneman and NPR's Bob Edwards.

Veneman Discusses U.S. Mad Cow Probe

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Scientists Grapple with 'Dark Energy' Theory

In recent years, scientists have theorized that as much as two-thirds of the universe may be made up of a mysterious substance called "dark energy." As new observations continue to support the existence of dark energy, scientists struggle to understand what it portends for the fate of the universe. Hear NPR's Richard Harris.

Scientists Grapple with 'Dark Energy' Theory

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Diet Supplement Rules Debated

The Bush administration's decision to ban sales of the herbal stimulant ephedra prompts calls for changes to the way dietary supplements are regulated. Many lawmakers want to revamp a 1994 law that limits the Food and Drug Administration's oversight of the supplement industry. Supplement makers say the FDA already has enough authority. Hear NPR's Joe Shapiro.

Diet Supplement Rules Debated

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Tuesday

FDA Bans Ephedra Sales

The Food and Drug Administration bans the dietary supplement ephedra because of concerns about its health effects. The herbal weight-loss treatment has been linked to heart problems and strokes. It was cited as a factor in the death of 23-year-old Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler earlier this year. Hear Washington Post reporter Guy Gugliotta.

FDA Bans Ephedra Sales

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FDA Moves to Ban Ephedra

The Food and Drug Administration plans to bar sales of the dietary supplement ephedra, citing health risks posed by the stimulant that has been linked to at least 100 deaths. The herb, often used to support attempts to lose weight, has been shown to influence heart problems and strokes. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports.

FDA Moves to Ban Ephedra

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'Mad Cow' Born Before Feed Ban

U.S. agriculture officials say the Washington state Holstein infected with mad cow disease was more than 6 years old -- older than previously thought. The cow was born before the United States and Canada banned the feeding of cattle parts to other cattle, a practice thought to be the principal means of transmitting the disease. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.

'Mad Cow' Born Before Feed Ban

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French Debate End-of-Life Decisions

A fierce debate has erupted in France over who should have the right to make end-of-life decisions. The controversy was sparked by the recent death of a young man who wrote a book called I Ask You for the Right to Die with only the use of his left thumb. Frank Browning reports.

French Debate End-of-Life Decisions

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Human Clones: Where's Baby Eve?

For a time late last year, it seemed possible that human cloning had been accomplished. Brigitte Boisselier, chief scientist with the Raelian religious group, announced the birth of the world's first human clone. A year later, the group has yet to offer proof. NPR's Joe Palca looks at cloning claims, past, present and future. Hear the 2002 Raelian press conference.

Human Clones: Where's Baby Eve?

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Monday

Mad Cow Case Sparks Organic Beef Debate

Even before the first U.S. case of mad cow disease, the organic and premium-meat market was growing rapidly in the United States. The FDA is reportedly considering banning the use of antibiotics for all beef, citing the potential increased resistance of harmful microbes. NPR's Melissa Block talks with Carol Tucker Foreman of the Food Policy Institute at the Consumer Federation of America.

Mad Cow Case Sparks Organic Beef Debate

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Saturday

Brain Flaw Tied to Bipolarism

A study in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry says MRI images reveal a common physical abnormality in the brains of people of various ages who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. NPR's Michelle Trudeau reports.

Brain Flaw Tied to Bipolarism

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New Year's Stories

New Year's Eve in Orbit

Astronaut Mike Foale and cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri talk about their plans for New Year's Eve. Living aboard the International Space Station, they raise a glass during celebrations in Moscow and in Houston six hours later.

New Year's Eve in Orbit

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Thursday

Downer Cows Stir Debate

Cows that are unable to stand or walk are known as "downer cows." The cow diagnosed with Mad Cow disease this week in Washington state was a downer cow. Though cows carrying mad cow disease are not necessarily downer cows, there's a debate over whether they should be included in the food supply. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and Shankar Vedantam of The Washington Post.

Downer Cows Stir Debate

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Wednesday

U.S. Investigates Suspected Mad Cow Case

Agriculture officials seek to learn more about a Holstein cow believed to have been infected with mad cow disease. Meat from the cow was sent from southern Washington state to several plants for processing. Efforts to recall that meat are under way; several nations have announced bans on imports of U.S. beef. Hear NPR's Christopher Joyce.

U.S. Investigates Suspected Mad Cow Case

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Tuesday

End-of-Life Decisions: Determining Consciousness

More and more people are surviving major brain damage caused by traffic accidents and strokes. But determining how much mental function remains can be a challenge, so doctors are turning to new technologies. Researchers say tools such as PET scans and MRIs may help unravel one of the great philosophical tangles: the nature of consciousness itself. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports.

End-of-Life Decisions: Determining Consciousness

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