US beef has been banned in Japan and South Korean because of concerns over "mad cow disease." But last month Japan lifted that ban. Host Lisa Mullins previews the upcoming US negotiations with South Korea, and the importance of the Asian market for American beef sales.

Some South Africans hope to stop the spread of HIV-AIDS with an ancient ritual -- virginity inspections. But doctors say the tests themselves could spread disease. Reporter Jennifer Schmidt has the story.

The ruler of Dubai, passed away today at the age of 62 during a visit to Australia. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid-al Maktoum was the defense minister of the United Arab Emirates. He was also a world renowned racehorse breeder. Host Lisa Mullins discusses his life and legacy with Massoud Derhally, editor at "Arabian Business" magazine in Dubai.

Where in the world will we go today?

Today's geo answer is the Chartreuse Mountains, part of the French Alps, where a monastery of monks and their meditations are the subject of the new documentary film, "Into Great Silence." The BBC's Ray Furlong has the story.

What happens if you cross an old Romanian army band with some young, urban, musicians? You get "Mahala Rai Banda." Correspondent Catherine Girardeau reports.

Podcast #77 focuses exclusively on the stem cell scandal in South Korea. South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-Suk has been stripped of honors after it was revealed he committed scientific fraud. His work in cloning human embryonic stem cells has been discredited. Today, he accepted responsibility, but also placed some of the blame on his lab assistants. We'll explore what the stem cell scandal means for South Korea, and what it means for the stem cell debate in the United States.

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Ariel Sharon remains in critical condition in a Jerusalem hospital today. The Israeli Prime Minister suffered a serious stroke yesterday and underwent surgery to stop internal bleeding in his brain. The World's Aaron Schachter has the latest on his condition as well as reactions among Israelis.

The influence of Ariel Sharon - in health and in sickness is felt beyond the borders of Israel. Nowhere more so than in the Palestinian territories. Host Lisa Mullins speaks with Nabil Shaath, Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister, about how Sharon is viewed by Palestinians.