This week, researchers announced that the genomes of three parasites -- Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania major. Respectively, those parasites are responsible for sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, diseases that affect millions each year. Strangely, although the three parasites are quite different, are spread in different ways, and cause different types of illnesses, the sequencing done at 20 labs around the world found that the three organisms have a core of 6,200 genes in common. Although the research is in its early stages, researchers involved in the project hope that having the genetic blueprint of the parasites may give scientists new clues to ways to attack the organisms.

Then, we'll turn our attention to an anti-bioterror effort known as Project Bioshield. In his January 2003 State of the Union address, President Bush announced the initiative "to quickly make available effective vaccines and treatments against agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin, ebola and plague. We must assume that our enemies would use these diseases as weapons, and we must act before the dangers are upon us," he said. The proposal included some new funding for research, as well as ways to speed up research in certain key areas by reducing red tape. In July of 2004, legislation incorporating parts of the proposal was signed into law, including $5.6 billion over 10 years for research. A year later, we'll take a look at how the project is progressing, and how some of that money is being spent. Are we safer, biologically, than we were then?

Plus, we'll get an update on the space shuttle launch. A flight scheduled for Wednesday was scrubbed after flight officials detected a malfunctioning fuel sensor. We'll get the latest on the shuttle's progress towards return to flight. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Richard Harris
Science Correspondent
National Public Radio
Washington, DC

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Peter Myler
Member, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute
Research Professor, School of Medicine
School of Public Health and Community Medicine
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington

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William Raub
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Office of Assistant Secretary
Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth