Last Friday, the Mars Reconaissance Orbiter arrived safely into orbit around Mars. This hour, we'll get an update on the status of the orbiter, and a preview of its science mission.

We'll also talk about the recent confirmation that a cow in Alabama died of mad cow disease. Are testing and tracking procedures adequate to protect against the spread of BSE?

Finally, new research examines the role of the immune system in asthma. We'll talk about the work, and whether it could lead to treatments that could help those afflicted breathe easier. 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:

Alfred McEwen
Prncipal Investigator, High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), Mars Reconaissance Orbiter
Professor, Planetary Geology
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

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Linda Detwiler, D.V.M.
Former Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
United States Department of Agriculture
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Maryland

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Dale Umetsu, MD/PhD
Senior Associate in Medicine, Immunology
Children's Hospital, Boston
The Prince Turki al Saud Professor of Pediatrics
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts

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This segment produced by Charles Bergquist