Today's podcast is half tech, half science. We'll hear about some MIT researchers who are using scientific methods to help alleviate poverty. Then, a podcast exclusive interview about how science is, and isn't, practiced in the Islamic world. Then, we'll talk about the prospects of cyberwar: who can wage it, and why? And we'll finish with a story about a new video game that's getting bad reviews from British and Irish authorities. Have a great weekend

Download mp3

Host Marco Werman talks with members of the Zimbabwean band, Bongo Love.

Zimbabwe's inflation rate reached four-thousand-percent today and could go as high as a million and a half percent by the end of the year. Host Marco Werman brings us more.

The country where an estimated 90 percent of all wine bottles are topped with metal screw caps is ... New Zealand.

The World's Gerry Hadden tells us why wine-makers around the world are increasingly choosing metal screw caps over natural cork. Some vintners say twist offs can provide the perfect seal for a great wine, and keep wines from getting spoiled by mold in the cork.

For today's Geo Quiz we're headed for wine country, specifically the country that launched the official Screwcap Wine Seal initiative. Here's a hint, 90% of its homegrown wine comes in screw cap bottles. Can you name the country?

Host Marco Werman speaks with Eric Due, a reporter with the Japan Times in Tokyo, about Japan's take on the World War II battle with the US in Okinawa. Residents of that island claim their government is rewriting history.

President Bush met with his Vietnamese counterpart today in Washington. It's the first time a Vietnamese president has visited the White House since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Now, with the U.S. embroiled in another long war, many Vietnamese-Americans say they see similarities between the two conflicts. Virginia Biggar reports from Washington.

Religious and political tensions are soaring in Lebanon as violence increases. The last month has seen fighting between the Lebanese army and Islamic militants and a number of assassinations. Correspondent Ben Gilbert reports on the growing divisions among the peoples of Lebanon.

First Lady Laura Bush travels to four African countries next week. One of her goals will be to highlight the impact US government money is having on HIV prevention and treatment in Africa. Host Marco Werman speaks with Paul Zeitz, Executive Director of Global AIDS Alliance in Washington, about his role in getting the Bush administration to be more aggressive in combating AIDS in Africa.

A new Russian film offers a critical view of Russia's Soviet past. The film is also part of grander struggle over Russia's national identity. The World's Alex Gallafent reports.