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An article in today's issue of Nature magazine suggests a large single cell organism is capable of solving a labyrinth, finding the shortest distance between it's entry and exit points. Slime Mould experts say this is far from remarkable.

NPR's Martin Kaste talks to Robert Siegel about the OPEC summit underway in Caracas, Venezuela. This is the first summit of OPEC nations in 25 years. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez convened the summit in a bid to reinvigorate the organization, at a time when member nations are benefiting from soaring oil prices. Yesterday, some member nations warned the west against releasing more oil from strategic reserves, saying it could prompt an OPEC response.

Robert talks to David Macaulay, host of the five-part PBS Television Series "Building Big," and author of the book of the same name, about the secrets of constructing huge structures. Macaulay describes some of the equipment, and techniques used to erect dams, skyscrapers, tunnels and giant domes. (8:00) On the Web, see /www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig. The book, "Building Big," by David Macaulay, is published by Houghton Mifflin, ISBN # 0-395-96331-1, publication date October 2000.

NPR's Julie Rovner reports on the political implications of the FDA's approval of the abortion pill and how its availability is likely to change the public debate over abortion. It's going to be harder for abortion opponents to demonstrate their disapproval.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau has died, at the age of 80. Trudeau was prime minister for nearly 16 years, beginning in 1968. His party lost power in a 1979 election, but quickly regained it less than a year later, and Trudeau re-took his post until 1984. He was known as one of Canada's most colorful politicians. Robert talks to Jeffrey Simpson National Affairs Columnist stationed in Ottawa, Canada for "The Globe and Mail" newspaper.

Josh Levs reports on the surprising lack of protests during the Olympics on one of the most controversial issues in Australia --relations with the aborigines.

NPR's Martin Kaste from Caracas reports on the end of the OPEC summit. The meeting finished with the release of a statement reassuring the world that OPEC nations would continue to provide a steady, dependable supply of oil. But also maintained they would continue to adjust production to keep price within a "fair" range.

Euen Kerr of Minnesota Public Radio reports on the popularity of the 101 fiberglass statues of Snoopy that are spread around St. Paul. The city commissioned the representations of Charlie Brown's dog to celebrate the 50th anniversary of native son Charles Shultz's Peanuts comic strip. Many of the statues will be auctioned this weekend, with proceeds going to a Charles Shultz memorial scholarship fund.

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr suggests that radio and TV networks benefit as much from soft money contributions as the political candidates do.

Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration approved the abortion drug, RU486. NPR's Joanne Silberner explains how the drug works and how it will be dispensed. The drug will only be available from doctors, not from pharmacies. It's expected to cost about the same amount as a surgical abortion.