Today - 10/07/2009

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Media law expert Mark Stephens discusses possible legal action against the News of the World by alleged victims of phone hacking. Professor Gilbert Welch discusses the importance of research that suggests breast cancer is being over-diagnosed. Professor Alan Wilson explains the techniques researchers use to find out how cheetahs can run so fast. Adam Brimelow reports on research in India which found that Asians can develop diabetes and heart disease before they reach dangerous levels of obesity. Quentin Sommerville reports on the latest unrest after several days of ethnic violence between Uighur Muslims and Han Chinese in which at least 156 people have been killed so far. Professor Nick Shepherd-Barron says a new maths A-level abandons the idea that the subject is creative. Composer Benjamin Till describes his new work on the theme of the old nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons. Thought for the Day with Catherine Pepinster, Editor of The Tablet. Former defence minister Lord Moonie and Sir Jeremy Greenstock discuss whether British troops can maintain their current level of engagement in Afghanistan. Professor Karsten Jorgensen, Professor Valerie Beral and Dr Paul Pharoah discuss new research on breast cancer screenings. Reporter Ian Pannell speaks to some of the youngest soldiers in Helmand Province. Major General Patrick Cordingley describes the pressures facing the youngest members of the armed forces. Arts correspondent Rebecca Jones reports on the life and work of novelist Barbara Pym. The Pakistani Government is encouraging people displaced by fighting in the Swat Valley to return to their homes. Reporter Zubeida Malik explains the current situation in the Swat and whether it is safe for families to return. Professor John Mu and author Christopher Beha discuss The Harvard Classics, an anthology of literature with aims to give a 'liberal education' to anyone willing to work through the full 50 volumes. What happens to the people who die alone without friends or family? Nicola Stanbridge spent a day with Welfare Funerals Officer Elaine Gaston in Brighton to find out. The military equipment used by British troops in Afghanistan has been criticised following the deaths of British soldiers. David Pickup, former senior lecturer in Defence Studies at Sandhurst, discusses whether British soldiers are being properly equipped.