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Historian Edward Larson has written extensively on the intersection of science, politics and religion. In 2004, Larson's Evolution: The Remarkable History of A Scientific Theory traced the contentious path the theory of evolution has followed.

New Orleans' Ninth Ward has been stricken by bad luck, poverty and most recently, five weeks of dangerous flooding. Despite its devastation, for many, it's not a target for demolition, it's home.

Economist and Slate contributor Austan Goolsbee shares his thoughts with Alex Chadwick about whether high gas prices in the wake of the Gulf Coast hurricanes will change American driving habits. His conclusion? Americans will only change their driving habits if they are forced to pay $5 or more per gallon, for at least five years.

Are Americans getting dumber or smarter? Author Steven Johnson discusses his book Everything Bad Is Good for You. He argues that the complexity of modern TV shows and video games might make today's media consumer sharper than those of 30 years ago.

Philip Reeves has been reporting in and out of Iraq over the past two years. Steve Inskeep talks to Reeves about his experience there, about the pre- and post-election atmosphere and about how the people of Iraq are slowly adjust to living in a war zone.

Pizza, tacos and onion rings -- just another balanced lunch in many school cafeterias across the Unites States. If given a choice, most kids won't opt for the broccoli. And financial constraints are keeping many school districts from doing away with more popular -- but more fattening -- choices.

Despite cautions, many Houston-area residents who fled the approaching storm are trying to make their way back home. The city escaped severe damage from Hurricane Rita, but gas supplies are limited.

About half of the nation's chemical manufacturing capacity resides in the Texas Gulf Coast, now threatened by Hurricane Rita. More than 160 chemical plants are potentially in Rita's path. Environmental groups are concerned, but industry officials say the plants are designed to withstand hurricane winds.

During the pandemic scientists launched a vaccine in record-breaking time. Their successful use of mRNA technology could lead to progress in the decades-long effort for an HIV inoculation.

At a facility in Virginia, Customs handlers train dogs to detect explosives, narcotics and potential terrorists. Search-dog advocates say it's a low-tech approach that may be more reliable than costly detection equipment.