Talk of the Nation

Pap tests, which are routinely used to detect cervical cancer, may be capable of spotting ovarian and uterine cancers as well, according to a new paper published in Science Translational Medicine. Study co-author Luis Diaz, of Johns Hopkins, discusses the findings.

Florida and Virginia adopted new academic standards for students based on race and ability — refocusing attention on the U.S. achievement gap. In a piece in the Miami Herald, syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts argues that lowering the bar is not the way to fix the education system.

Living with an overweight parent, child or spouse can be difficult. Loved ones who want to help a family member struggling with obesity may be hesitant to broach the subject for fear of causing shame or making matters worse.

President Obama nominated Jack Lew, his current chief of staff, for Treasury Secretary today. Former cabinet members explain what it takes to put together a good cabinet, and how to get the members to work together.

NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics — from Chuck Hagel's nomination for Secretary of Defense, to the swearing-in of the 113th Congress. Exiting Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) shares his thoughts on the current state and future of the Republican Party.

Today would be the 100th birthday of President Richard Nixon. From civil rights to Watergate, Nixon's term shaped the office of the presidency. NPR's Ken Rudin and Stanley Kutler, professor emeritus in history at the University of Wisconsin and author of Abuse of Power, talks about the legacy of the 37th president.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had surgery today to repair damage to his right knee. Griffin initially injured his knee during a December matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, but continued to take the field. NPR's Mike Pesca discusses the decision that's sparked a national debate.

When school shootings happen, experts work backwards to connect the dots. After the tragedies at Columbine High School and Virgina Tech, a number of studies have been conducted to identify potential threats. The disclaimer is always the same: every case is different.

NPR's Celeste Headlee reads from a flood of remembrances listeners sent in during our annual show acknowledging the lives lost in the previous 12 months.

When Janell Burley Hofmann's son turned 13, she faced a question: Was it finally time to give her son a smartphone? She decided he was mature enough to handle it, but not without signing an 18-point contract regarding appropriate iPhone use.

Each January, people flock to gyms and raid the produce aisle at grocery stores to fulfill New Year's resolutions. NPR food and health correspondent Allison Aubrey and Dr. Timothy Church, professor of preventative medicine at Louisiana State University, discuss what the latest research on fitness and weight loss.

The American Dialect Society deemed "hashtag" the word of the year. NPR digital culture correspondent Laura Sydell and NPR senior strategist Andy Carvin explain how the social media tool works and why some get so popular.

The United Nations released statistics estimating that more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011. In his first public appearance in six months, President Bashar Assad addressed a crowd of supporters in Damascus Sunday to outline new structural reforms within the government.

While most causes of accidental death are on the decline, drug-related deaths are increasing. This is due in part to the increase of deaths caused by prescription pain medication, like Vicodin or OxyContin. A Los Angeles Times investigative series looks at how doctors are contributing to the trend.

Hundreds of reporters and news organizations cover the president's trips and speeches. Few people are given as much access as the White House photographers who capture the presidency through photographs.