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Fifty years ago this week, a paper in the British science journal Nature described the structure of DNA. This discovery kicked off a revolution in biology that brought with it fear as well as excitement. The ability to tinker with genes raised the specter of monster organisms that might threaten the world. As NPR's Joe Palca reports, back then it was scientists who took the lead in resolving such issues, but today it may not be researchers who get to choose how controversial science progresses.

A former Iraqi spy chief accused of plotting to assassinate President George H. W. Bush in the early 1990s is now in U.S. hands. A day earlier, U.S. forces took custody of Tariq Aziz, a longtime spokesman for the Iraqi regime. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards.

What if the notion that the world's people can be divided biologically along racial lines was proven to be a myth -- a social construct that has no basis in science? A three-part PBS documentary series, Race: The Power of an Illusion, tackles the thorny issue of race, biology and how the legacy of racial preferences still permeate U.S. society, 40 years after the Civil Rights Act. All Things Considered host Michele Norris reports.

American photographer and filmmaker William Klein isn't well known in his native country, in part because he's spent the last half-century in France. But this spring, Americans can acquaint themselves with Klein's work in a flurry of events -- including a new book, two New York City gallery shows, a film retrospective and the re-release of Klein's classic 1974 documentary, Muhammad Ali, the Greatest. David D'Arcy reports.

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Raad Alkadiri, Director of Market Intelligence for PFC Energy, about the current state of Iraq's oil operations.

NPR's Jackie Northam in Baghdad reports on the war from the perspective of an Iraqi army infantry officer. The Iraqi major says he expected the conflict to last much longer than it did, and he says he feels humiliated by the quick collapse of the Iraqi army.

For the folks of the Firesign Theatre comedy troupe, Earth Day is an opportunity to preserve pockets of surrealism on our planet. Listen to a collection of Earth Day-related satire and sheer silliness, and learn more about the men behind the microphones.

Some lawyers and economists estimate that Iraq's foreign debt tops $100 billion. Some economists say much of the debt should be forgiven so Iraqis can rebuild their nation all the faster. But creditor-nations likely would balk at sweeping debt forgiveness. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

On February 27, 1991, President Bush Sr. announced the end of war in Iraq, and Aileen Gentry celebrated. Her son, Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth Gentry, had been serving in the Gulf for months. Several days later, Aileen learned her son had been killed just hours before the Bush announcement. This is her installment in the NPR War Diary series.

The Canadian trio The Be Good Tanyas releases its second album, Chinatown. The album is a rich blend of folk, country, old-timey and new-timey music. Meredith Ochs reviews this new release.

Iraqi citizens with television sets now can watch Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings every night, along with Fox Network news and the PBS NewsHour. The networks agree to let their news programs be aired on a television channel being established by the U.S. government in Iraq. Critics say the broadcasts will do little to enhance America's image or to improve local journalism. NPR's John McChesney reports.

American forces are holding an estimated 7,000 Iraqi prisoners of war, including more than 30 captured Friday in a fresh battle north of Baghdad. Hundreds more Iraqis taken prisoner have been released because they were not soldiers. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Host Michele Norris talks with Christopher Dickey, Middle East regional editor and Paris bureau chief for Newsweek, about Ahmed Chalabi's financial dealings. Chalabi is Vice President Dick Cheney's first choice to lead Iraq. Financial institutions that Chalabi owns have been closed by authorities in Jordan, Lebanon and Switzerland because of questionable practices and unsecured loans.

The University of California at Berkeley announces that students from several Asian countries won't be allowed to attend summer school. School officials are concerned that they have no facilities to quarantine students who may contract severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. Fears about the spread of SARS are also affecting business in San Francisco's Chinatown. Deirdre Kennedy of member station KQED reports.

At least 16 cases of cholera are reported in the southern Iraq city of Basra. The World Health Organization says it fears the reports represent just a glimpse of an outbreak that may be affecting hundreds more. Hear Marc Santora of The New York Times.

Paul Bremer, the new U.S. civilian administrator for Iraq, arrives in Bagdhad as part of a broad shake-up in the U.S. reconstruction team. Moving out of the country are four top U.S. administrators amid charges that the team has been too slow restoring basic services and has failed to ensure security. NPR's Guy Raz reports.

Chinese health officials report 80 new cases of SARS, nearly half of which are in areas outside Beijing where hospitals are less prepared to deal with the disease. But inspectors from the World Health Organization say China is taking the right steps to stop the spread of SARS in rural areas. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn, who has been under fire for recent comments about Ukraine and life in D.C., joins former President Donald Trump at a North Carolina rally on Saturday.

Many blame the agency's earlier guidance for suffering and even suicide risk among chronic pain patients. Critics say the updated advice may not fix the problem.

Silicon Valley-based technology firms are increasingly worried about the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, on business. Many manufacture computer parts in Asia and are preparing for business disruptions if the disease continues to spread. NPR's John McChesney reports.

While recalls are a common political tool, normally it's the opponents of an unpopular leader who favor a recall. But Sunday's referendum is the president's own idea. And he's expected to win.

China's highest court threatens harsh new penalties -- including life in prison -- for anyone caught violating quarantine orders or otherwise intentionally spreading SARS. The move comes as China steps up efforts to battle SARS in rural areas, where poor conditions at health care facilities may make it easier for the virus to spread. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Pancho Doll knows what makes a good swimming hole. Nice rocks, deep pools and privacy are all important in selecting the perfect place to take a summertime plunge, the expert tells NPR's Bob Edwards. See Doll's list of the 15 best places to cool off.

The United States is expected to push for a U.N. Security Council vote this week on a resolution for rebuilding Iraq. The measure is expected to pass, although Russia, France and China have expressed reservations. At issue are control of the country's oil industry and the role the United States and Britain will play in governing postwar Iraq. Hear United Nations Under-Secretary General Shashi Tharoor.

In the final installment of a three-part series, NPR's Brenda Wilson examines sexual behavior in young adolescents today, and the role that parent-child communication can play. Some experts say parents may need to broach the topic of sexuality with their kids much sooner than they might think.