Does some corporation own the patent for my genes?

If you've got at least one kidney, a company called Biogen owns the patent for at least one of your genes. Find about about the contoversial "life patent" trend and what it could mean to the future of medical research.

How Newspapers Work

A fascinating article that explores all aspects of how a newspaper is structured and what has to happen before it arrives in your driveway every morning!

How Political Conventions Work

In an election year, political conventions take over the U.S. media for days, filling TVs, radios and newspapers with political-party platforms and propaganda. But what real purpose do the conventions serve? Does anything actually get done at these pep rallies? Find out what really goes on at a political convention.

How Presidential Pardons Work

Remember those Schoolhouse Rock songs from Saturday mornings? Yeah, we loved 'em, too. Remember that one "Oh, President, Pardon Me." No? Neither do we. Read more about this eyebrow-raising process.

How the Rules of War Work

In two incidents this week, U.S. troops and Iraqi gunmen have exchanged fire while surrounded by crowds of unarmed protestors. Find out what international law says about combat in civilian areas.

How the U.S. Draft Works

With the United States at war with Iraq, male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 are, in effect, on notice. Find out what would happen if the military needed more troops.

How the Virtual Border Fence Works

A virtual border fence uses a complex network of cameras and radar to detect illegal border crossers. Find out how a virtual border fence system works.

Is there genocide happening in Darfur?

The Darfur region of Sudan has been in a state of crisis since 2003. Whether what's going on in the African province qualifies as genocide is a point of international debate.

The World Trade Center

The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were true originals -- their history is one of innovation, persistence and grand ideas. Learn all about these remarkable structures.

What exactly is fascism?

President Bush recently referred to the "War on Terror" as "the war against Islamic fascism." Is that an accurate portrayal?

What happens in a coup d'etat?

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York, preparing to address the United Nations as the leader of Thailand, when he found out he was out of a job. Learn how a coup d'etat works.

What is water boarding?

Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey is under fire for refusing to classify a controversial interrogation technique called "water boarding" as a form of torture. What does water boarding entail? Does it work?

Which secret government documents will be declassified on December 31?

This New Year's Eve, at midnight on the dot, hundreds of millions of pages of U.S. government secrets will be revealed.

Why do corporations have the same rights as you?

The framers of the U.S. Constitution didn't add any clauses that limited the rights of corporations. But did a Supreme Court reporter set a radical precedent for businesses?

17 People in Line for the Presidency

We all know the vice president is second in line as the leader of our nation, but then who? See our list of 17 people in line for the presidency, including the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary of Labor.