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Some question the need for a costly pill that's basically made of peanut flour. But with standardized capsules, more peanut allergy sufferers could gain access to a treatment now available to few.

Consumer Reports expressed concern about high levels of lead in some two dozen protein powders, but only with repeated high exposure. Here's what to know before you make your next grocery run.

Images of DNA and genetic technology are everywhere, from the .J. Simpson trial to advertisements for blue jeans to television commercials or automobiles and skin care products. Liane Hansen speaks with Dr. Dorothy elkin, Professor of Sociology and Law at New York University about these and ther issues brought up in her book, "The DNA Mystique." (W.H. Freeman and ompany)

Commentator Stuart Cheifet says that the computer industry is unlike any other ...after consumers spend thousands of dollars on new products, those investments become obsolete in eighteen months...and rather than offer trade ins or recalls, you are just expected to spend more money.

NPR's Barbara Bradley reviews possible criminal and civil court actions that could be taken in relation to the Firestone tire failures. Both federal and state criminal charges seem unlikely. But several southern states are investigating possible civil suits, saying the tire maker should have reported tire failures and suspicions that the products might be defective.

Host Bob Edwards talks to NPR's Debbie Elliott about the prospect that tobacco companies will be able to reduce or overturn the huge damage award in the Florida smokers class action suit. The companies say they will file an immediate appeal to the Friday jury verdict, which awards 145 Billion dollars in damages to smokers whose health was harmed by smoking tobacco products.

NPR's John Ydstie reports that once again the economy has outperformed expectations. The nation's gross domestic product increased five-point-two-percent in the second quarter, a much faster pace than most economists expected and a bit faster than growth in the first quarter. But even as overall growth sped up, inflation cooled off.

One-hundred-thirty prisoners in Washington and Oregon volunteered in the 1960s and 1970's to participate in a federally sponsored experiment to determine the affects of radiation on sperm production. After the experiments, they received vasectomies. Now they are seeking compensation from the federal government, saying they were coerced into taking part in the experiments. From KOPB in Portland Oregon, Jeff Brady reports.

NPR's Martin Kaste reports from Caracas, Venezuela, where high ranking representatives of oil exporting countries are gathering for a summit. OPEC leaders will discuss how to respond to demands for increasing oil production, as a way of lowering petroleum prices. They're not expected to take any action that would drive oil prices below twenty-five dollars a barrel.

Host Alex Chadwick talks with French-born medical anthropologist, Clotaire Rapaille, who's made a career of studying why people decide to buy certain products or vote for particular political candidates. Rapaille says he's cracked the code to understanding American culture.

Robert talks to Larry Makinson, Executive Director of the Center for Responsive Politics, about political donations made by the media. He says the Republicans have been getting more money from the broadcast and cable industries, and Democrats have been getting more money from the movie and television production companies.

to the Clinton administration's threat to impose punitive tariffs on products imported from China, while others worry about Chinese retaliation.

more efficient lights and motors is becoming a big business in the corporate world. He visits a glass factory in North Carolina that's cut more than a million dollars from its annual budget...while improving productivity.

After a period of relative silence, Pulitzer Prize-winner Lanford Wilson (Hot L Baltimore, Talley's Folly, Balm in Gilead) has four plays in production in New York City. Jeff Lunden reports.

Influential stage director Vinnette Carroll died this week at the age of 80. She was the first black woman to direct a Broadway production -- and the first to earn a Tony nomination for directing. NPR's Laura Sydell offers a remembrance.

Lawrance Bernabo holds a doctorate in rhetoric and teaches online courses at the community college in Duluth, Minn. In his spare time, he writes product reviews for Amazon.com. Lots of them. Chris Julin reports.

North Korea says it has reactivated its nuclear facilities at Yongbyon. The country says it needs the reactor to produce electricity, but U.S. officials fear the plant could be used for the production of nuclear weapons. NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

NPR's Larry Abramson reports on a cyber-break-in at Microsoft's headquarters this week. Microsoft says hackers accessed blueprints for software -- but didn't see codes for the most popular products such as Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Microsoft Office. The company said the programs that were involved were still under development and had not been corrupted or tampered with.

Host Bob Edwards talks with NPR's John McChesney about popular hand-held computers that are selling well this holiday season. Traditional products like Palm Pilots are giving way to Handspring models, as well as so-called pocket P-C's. Many of these small computers feature innovative functions like cell phone and digital camera capabilities.

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.