Search results for

One of the advances heralded by the mapping of the human genome moves a step closer this week. Differences in the way people respond to particular drugs is determined by the presence or absence of certain genes. NPR's Richard Harris reports that the identification of one of the genes responsible should make it possible to predict in advance who will benefit from a certain treatment and who will not.

NPR's David Welna reports from the Capitol on the other matter the Senate took up late yesterday after passing McCain-Feingold -- President Bush's budget proposal. The House passed that measure quickly and easily, but prospects for Senate passage are less certain.

From member station WRNI in Providence, Nate Di Meo reports that a Rhode Island judge is letting state officials pursue their lawsuit against companies that sold lead-based paint. They hope to set a national precedent by holding paint companies liable for health problems linked to lead in their product.

NPR's David Kestenbaum reports that a new study shows how shifts in the world's climates will affect outbreaks of infectious diseases such as malaria. But even the study's own researchers say that despite advanced technology, it's still very difficult to make detailed, accurate predictions in this field.

The numbers are hard to estimate but as many as 25,000 or even more transgender people live in the United States. For those males redefining themselves as women the voice can be a difficult part of the transition. From member station KUOW in Seattle Cathy Duchamp reports on a voice therapy program designed to help them sound more feminine.

From member station WHYY, Fred Mogul reports on the debut of composer Stephen Paulus's Voices of Light by the New York Philharmonic. Based on the work of two little-known medieval poets, this new sacred choral piece draws more on a "spiritual element" than evangelical tradition.

President Bush today outlined his thoughts on trade in the Western Hemisphere at a meeting of the Organization of American States. The president said he hoped to see completion of a Free Trade Area of the Americas -- potentially the largest free trade zone in the world -- by the year 2005. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

NPR's Jason Beaubien reports from Quebec on protests at the Summit of the Americas. Police used water cannons and tear gas against rock-throwing activists on Saturday. More than 30 nations are attending the summit, in which President Bush and other leaders are debating a free trade zone, which some oppose.

From member station KUOW in Seattle, Luke Burbank reports on the fading fortunes of the Vancouver Grizzlies. It's been six years since the National Basketball Association expanded to Vancouver, and the team is struggling to survive. Losses on the court and at the ticket office have made the team owner start looking toward a possible relocation to the U.S.

NPR's Rob Gifford reports that the U.S. Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces is visiting China. The communist country is warning the U.S. not to develop its planned national missile defense program, or to sell arms to Taiwan.