WBUR Newsroom Election 2008 CommonHealth Blog Boston Weather BBC World News NPR Top Stories NPR's Morning Edition NPR Topics: Books NPR Topics: Movies Fresh Air All Things Considered Marketplace Submit a Story Idea RSS Feeds Podcasts Research Vessel Returns to Boston By Athena Desai Listen to story (Real Audio) Crew members of the Research boat Odyssey celebrate their return. Boston, MA - August 18, 2005 - After a five year, round-the-world voyage, the crew of a Massachusetts-based research vessel called "The Odyssey" landed safely in Boston Harbor yesterday. Scientists and others on board the 93-foot boat sailed to remote waters, collecting skin and blubber samples from over 1,000 sperm whales in order to measure the level of toxins these mammals are consuming. They discovered every whale was polluted with heavy metals and insecticides, no matter how far from land they were found. Although researchers are still analyzing the data, Richard Payne of the non-profit Ocean Alliance says measuring contaminants in ocean mammals that are high up on the food chain says a lot about human health. WBUR's Athena Desai reports. RELATED LINKS Voyage of the Odyssey Ocean Alliance website Odyssey Returns View photos of the Odyssey's return to Boston after a five-year, global voyage.    From The WBUR Newsroom Connecticut's High Court OKs Gay Marriage in Ruling BOSTON (October 10, 2008) Connecticut has become the third state where gay marriage is legal, following the lead of Massachusetts and California. Confident Rays Prepare to Take on Red Sox in ALCS ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (October 10, 2008) The best-of-seven ALCS begins tonight. Sox v Rays: Florida POV BOSTON (October 10, 2008) We talk with a Florida sports columnist about the history of bad blood between the Red Sox and the Tampa Rays in advance of their first game for the American League pennant. Mass. Home Sales Flatline BOSTON (October 10, 2008) We deliver an update on the Massachusetts housing market, where sales have flatlined as buyers get picky and sellers hold back.