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Amborella is the first known flowering plant and, like the platypus, a genetic dead end. Selaginella's relatives are the fossils in fossil fuel. Now, scientists are studying the genes of these plants, looking for clues about evolution and compounds that might be applied to medicine or agriculture.

In the media, Stanley Ann Dunham is often identified simply as "a white anthropologist from Kansas," or "a single mother on food stamps." But biographer Janny Scott argues that those descriptions don't do justice to the president's mother — a complex, intellectual woman who led an "unconventional" life.

William Dodd served for four years as the ambassador to Germany before resigning — after repeated clashes with both Nazi Party officials and the State Department. Erik Larson chronicles Dodd's time in Berlin in his new book, In the Garden of Beasts.

The gun-slinging glory of Louis L'Amour Westerns might be romanticized past the point of reality, but not even American history scholar Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman can resist the pull of their ruggedly glamorous adventures that sweep across the Great Plains.

In 1914, thousands of soldiers eagerly boarded trains across Europe to fight in World War I; they thought it would be a quick and easy battle. Five years later, more than 8 million troops were dead and countless families were split apart. Author Adam Hochschild explores those divisions in his book To End All Wars.

These days in jazz, great records are being made by hot new trumpeters, steel-lunged veterans, New Orleans stars and an "orchestra" of young French musicians. Preview new releases by Ambrose Akinmusire, The Cookers, Rebirth Brass Band and France's ONJ.

They're partying inside Buckingham Palace Friday evening. Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married Friday.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are now man and wife. The ceremony was watched by millions around the world as the two were wed at Westminster Abbey.

The annual shareholders meeting of Berkshire Hathaway takes place this weekend in Omaha, Neb. Financial journalist Roger Lowenstein talks to Renee Montagne about the Oracle of Omaha drawing a crowd.

In her memoir, Sideways on a Scooter, NPR's Miranda Kennedy reflects on marriage practices and the nature of love in India.