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Scientists report that they have developed a tiny molecular computer that has the potential to monitor individual cells and release drugs if signs of illness or cancer arise. The innovation, reported in Nature this week, is still being studied, but researchers say it could revolutionize therapy methods. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

The nation's gross domestic product, or value of goods and services, grew at a 4.2 percent annual rate during the first three months of the year, an improvement over the end of 2003 but not as strong as many analysts were expecting. The Commerce Department's prime price index, omitting food and energy, rose 2.3 percent, compared with 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

U.S. Marines begin pulling back from their positions in Fallujah, a day after negotiating an end to the U.S. siege of the Iraqi city. The Marines will turn over security to an Iraqi unit led by one of Saddam Hussein's former generals. The Marines will remain positioned outside Fallujah. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves.

A U.S. civilian working for Halliburton in Iraq has escaped his captors after being held hostage for three weeks, say U.S. military commanders. Truck driver Thomas Hamill, from Macon, Miss., was taken captive during an April 9 ambush on a supply convoy and held in a house south of Tikrit, the U.S. military said. Hear NPR's Peter Kenyon.

We hear excerpts from the commission investigating U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in the intelligence and law enforcement communities. The panel also inquires into what changes have been made to ensure future attacks are stopped. Among the speakers we hear from include George Tenet, director of the CIA in both the Clinton and Bush administrations; and Robert Mueller III, Director of the FBI from June 2001-August 2001.

Five Marines die Sunday in fierce fighting near Iraq's border with Syria. And Spain says it will start bringing its 1,300 troops home from Iraq as soon as possible. Spain's prime minister says he does not believe the United Nations will be able to take over the occupation of Iraq. Hear NPR's Cheryl Corley and Jerome Socolovsky.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the debut album by the Eagles of Death Metal called Peace Love Death Metal. The group's drummer is Josh Homme, the singer-guitarist of the hard-rock band Queens of the Stone Age.

Scientists have developed a new type of refrigeration system for Ben and Jerry's. It chills ice cream using sound waves, rather than with gases that may contribute to climate change. The "thermo-acoustic" chiller is a pricey prototype, but its creators hope the device can be produced for the commercial market. NPR's Robert Smith reports.

U.S. troops in Iraq have some tasks that aren't in line with traditional warfare -- establishing checkpoints and searching for improvised explosive devices. These often require soldiers to be out in the open and vulnerable. NPR's Anne Garrels profiles the soldiers who protect their fellow soldiers: snipers.

Hoping to end a tense stalemate in Iraq's Sunni Muslim stronghold of Fallujah, U.S. Marines and a representative of the U.S. occupation authority hold direct talks with a delegation of insurgents. Marines maintain their one-sided cease-fire, and continue to surround the city. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and embedded KPBS reporter Eric Niiler.