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Science Friday > Archives > 2003 > May
> May 16, 2003:
Hour One: SARS /
Terrorism Test / Journey to the Center of the Earth
This week, the World Health Organization called for screening of
donated blood and organs for potential SARS contamination (although,
as yet, no cases of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome have been
traced to blood or organ transplants.) British scientists reported
the first case of SARS in the UK. And in two separate studies, researchers
reported that they had both definitely identified the cause of the
disease and a possible treatment in the form of a pharmaceutical originally
created for the common cold. We'll get a wrapup of the week's SARS
news this hour, including a look at how the disease is affecting Beijing.
Then, we'll hear about the results in a nationwide anti-terror drill
being conducted this week. The drill featured a simulated biological
attack in Chicago, and a simulated radiological 'dirty bomb' in Seattle.
We'll find out how the drill went.
And finally, we'll hear about another kind of drill -- a proposal
to send a probe to the center of the Earth. Under the plan (which
is not expected to be put into practice any time soon) a crack would
be created in the Earth's crust and a heat-resistant probe would be
sent downwards, borne by a huge pool of liquid iron. We'll find out
more. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255,
and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
Richard Harris
Science Correspondent
National Public Radio
Washington, DC
John McCormick
General Assignment Reporter
Chicago Tribune
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Bernard Turnock
Clinical Professor, School of Public
Health
Director, Illinois Public
Health Preparedness Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
David Stevenson
George Van Osdol Professor of Planetary Science
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
CDC
| Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Wired
News: SARS Gene Sequence Unveiled
WHO
Calls for SARS Screening of Blood, Organ Donors
FEMA:
"TOPOFF 2" - Week-Long National Combating Terrorism Exercise
TOPOFF2
Press Room
Ready.gov - From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal
Emergency Management Agency
DHS
| Department of Homeland Security | DHS Home Page
Cracking
idea gets to the core
A
"Modest Proposal" to Launch an Earth-Core Probe
David
J. Stevenson's Publications
This segment produced by Karin
Vergoth and Adrian MacDonald
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