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Saturday

If Life Traveled From Mars To Earth On A Rock, Who Are We?

What if we're all from Mars? AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/Getty Images

Simon Says

If Life Traveled From Mars To Earth On A Rock, Who Are We?

A number of scientists say evidence is building for the theory that life started on Mars. With potentially infinite possibilities for life to bloom in this vast universe, NPR's Scott Simon wonders what it means to be human.

If Life Traveled From Mars To Earth On A Rock, Who Are We?

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There's Nothing To Do Here, And It's Perfect

Visitors explore Robert Irwin's Scrim Veil--Black Rectangle--Natural Light during its 2013 reprise at the Whitney Museum of American Art. ©Robert Irwin/Photography ©2013 Philipp Scholz Rittermann/Courtesy of the Whitney Museum hide caption

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©Robert Irwin/Photography ©2013 Philipp Scholz Rittermann/Courtesy of the Whitney Museum

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

There's Nothing To Do Here, And It's Perfect

Robert Irwin's current showing at the Whitney Museum of American Art is astonishing. But why? Alva Noë gives it a good look over and finds that the work is nothing and everything at once.

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Enough Already With This 'Theory Of Everything'

Physicists searching for a "Theory Of Everything" are like kayakers paddling against the current, in search of the water's source. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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iStockphoto.com

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Enough Already With This 'Theory Of Everything'

Boiling the Universe down to its essence is an age-old dream. But does the notion that we can sum up everything in a single, hopefully elegant, theory make sense? Physicist Marcelo Gleiser doesn't think so, saying that the very idea of a final theory clashes with the essential premise of science.

How About A Gold Medal For Human Rights For Gay People?

A gay-rights activist chants slogans during a demonstration in front of the Russian Consulate in New York on July 31. Gays in the United States and elsewhere are outraged by Russia's intensifying campaign against gay-rights activism. Mary Altaffer/AP hide caption

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Mary Altaffer/AP

Sweetness And Light

How About A Gold Medal For Human Rights For Gay People?

Russia is pledging that the 2014 games will be free of discrimination despite its anti-gay measures. Frank Deford isn't buying it and says Olympic officials need to be accountable.

How About A Gold Medal For Human Rights For Gay People?

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Tuesday

Monday

Debate: Does The U.S. Have A Dog In The Fight In Syria?

John Donvan moderates an Intelligence Squared U.S. debate on Syria at the Aspen Institute in Aspen, Colo. Those debating are: (from left) Graham Allison, Richard Falkenrath, Nicholas Burns and Nigel Sheinwald. Riccardo Savi/Intelligence Squared U.S. hide caption

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Riccardo Savi/Intelligence Squared U.S.

Intelligence Squared U.S.

Debate: Does The U.S. Have A Dog In The Fight In Syria?

So far, the Obama administration has been reluctant to intervene in a major way in the Syrian civil war. Is there a clear course of action the U.S. could take to help the Syrian people that would lead to a better outcome?

Debate: Does The U.S. Have A Dog In The Fight In Syria?

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