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George F. Kennan, who died Thursday at 101, was one of the best-known diplomats of his time, and a deeply influential figure in American foreign policy. His famous "long telegram," sent in 1947, outlined what would become the policy of "containment" of the Soviet Union, which guided U.S. relations with the Soviet Union for 40 years. NPR's Liane Hansen interviewed Kennan in 1993.

A dinosaur bone recently discovered in Montana appears to contain some of the animal's blood vessels and other soft tissues. The bone came from a T. Rex that died some 70 million years ago, and its tissues should be long gone by now. The technique used in this discovery might help find more ancient tissue from long-extinct animals.

Some U.S. utility companies manipulate lead tests for drinking water, according to The Washington Post. Analyzing 65 water systems, the paper found that high lead levels were concealed from regulators. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and Post reporter Carol Leonnig.

A new Microsoft upgrade tries to make Windows XP more secure against attack. Service Pack 2 contains a program -- known as a firewall -- that keeps out some destructive computer worms. But the upgrade doesn't always work well with computers that already have firewalls installed. Hear NPR's Larry Abramson.

Health officials in Canada close some hospitals to all patients but those with a new, contagious form of pneumonia, called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). So far, the new disease has struck more than 130 people in Greater Toronto and killed seven. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

Comedianne and actress Mo'Nique hosts the first televised beauty competition and boot camp for full-sized women. Fat Chance airs on the Oxygen Network this weekend. The funny lady and actress talks about being a role model for those with dress sizes 14 and up.

Scientists in California have made new embryonic stem cell lines that overcome a potential problem facing the use of stem cells in human therapy. But distributing the new lines to other researchers is a challenge; the government restricts federal funding on lines not created prior to 2001. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

With the fire season expected to be another rough one in California, firefighters in the state have armed themselves with a new tool: a Cobra attack helicopter recycled from the U.S. Army. It's the first time an attack helicopter has ever been used to fight fires. Rob Schmitz of member station KPCC reports.

Neuroscientist Sophie Scott studies laughter, specifically its effect on our body and brain. She discusses laughter's contagious nature, as well as its role in maintaining social bonds.

Linus had his blanket. But for millions of children, it was the tattered dollies and "stuffies" that were their first true friends. Authors Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz celebrate 50 of these comforting companions in Dirty Wow Wow and Other Love Stories.

PFAS is a substance used on non-stick pans and fire retardants.

Scientists achieve "ignition," where the fusion energy generated equals the laser energy that started the reaction for the first time ever, a major advancement that may produce near-limitless clean energy in the future.

It's no surprise that placebos -- fake pills that contain no active ingredient -- often work to relieve symptoms. Doctors think placebos work because patients think they might be getting an active drug but there's an element of deception. But now Harvard researchers show that even when volunteers with severe bowel disease know they're getting a placebo, 59 percent had relief from symptoms. Call it an "honest placebo."

A new report by the Institute of Medicine at the National Academies says the federal government should stop sending mixed messages about seafood, boost testing for contaminants and make it easier for consumers to find up-to-date information.

A new study links provocative TV with unwanted teen pregnancy. So should you limit your kids TV time to Sesame Street or is there more here than meets the eye? Dr. Spiesel looks at the factors at play.

The incident did not impact the county's voter registration or ballot tabulation systems.

Packaging can be a big part of a brand or product's appeal, and there are many examples through history of a product's packaging dramatically changing its fortunes.

Republicans are feeling less pressure to talk about how to support working families with child care, according to The 19th.

Israeli women’s groups spoke before the UN on violence they say the international community has ignored.

After a two-month investigation, a team of three times reporters concluded that the attacks against women were not isolated but part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence that day.

Seeking stardom for their underage daughters, parents often begin by posting innocent images of them online. But as their children become influencers and even make money from their accounts, they may be coming into contact with men who prey on children.

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Legal experts worry that this could have a chilling effect on free speech.

Phthalates are in lots of things, including shampoo, perfume and certain plastic food containers.

With Independence Day coming up, we'd love for you to reflect on what it means to be an American.