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Shots - Health Blog
1:54 pm
Tue April 3, 2012

FDA To Fund Controversial Research Foundation

Credit Win McNamee / Getty Images
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg says there is a desperate need to have the Reagan-Udall Foundation up and running.
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Originally published on Tue April 3, 2012 9:05 pm

A nonprofit foundation set up to support scientific research of interest to the Food and Drug Administration is finally starting to take off after years of struggling financially — and it's about to get some long-promised funding from the FDA.

But some critics worry that this foundation, which will also raise money from private sources including industry, could provide a way for the food and medical industries to sway FDA decisions.

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The Picture Show
1:53 pm
Tue April 3, 2012

When Scientists Get Accidentally Artsy

Credit Sandra J. Raredon / National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
Winghead shark
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Originally published on Wed May 23, 2012 8:54 am

Smithsonian museum specialist Sandra Raredon has been making radiographs, or X-ray images, for some 25 years. And although she doesn't necessarily consider herself an artist, per se, she's not surprised to see her work on display in that context. "I wanted people to see that they're not only scientific, but they're beautiful as well," she says on the phone.

A new exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History lies right at the intersection of art and science, showcasing the inherent beauty of skeletons — that is, fish skeletons.

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Asia
1:53 pm
Tue April 3, 2012

Is North Korea Changing — Or Resisting Change?

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Credit EPA /Landov
In a photo released by North Korea's Korean Central Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (third from right) and other senior leaders attend a memorial service in Pyongyang, March 25, marking the 100th day since the death of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il. North Korea has been sending the world mixed messages since the death of the elder Kim.
Credit Susan Walsh / AP
President Obama delivers remarks at Hankuk University in Seoul, South Korea, last week. During his visit, Obama warned Pyongyang against more provocative actions, at the same time reiterating the U.S. has no hostile intent toward North Korea.
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Originally published on Tue April 3, 2012 9:05 pm

Recent developments in North Korea are puzzling watchers of the "Hermit Kingdom" in both the U.S. and South Korea.

There are some signs of change within the new leadership in North Korea — and there are signs of resistance to change as well.

When he was in Seoul, South Korea, last week, President Obama said he didn't know who is calling the shots in Pyongyang, which is making it difficult to determine what's next for North Korea.

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The Salt
1:17 pm
Tue April 3, 2012

'Nature's Barcode' Tells The Story Of Foods' True Origin

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Credit Matthias Schrader / AP
Some extra-virgin olive oil is adulterated with lower-priced, lower-grade oils and artificial coloring along the supply chain without retailers or consumers ever knowing.
Credit Courtesy of Picarro
Aaron Van Pelt of Picarro uses one of the company's isotope analyzer in the field in China.
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As we've reported, fish fraud – labeling a less-desirable species as a more desirable one – is more widespread than you'd think. Olive oil, too, isn't always what it seems. And honey from Asia is fraught with suspicion.

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Music Reviews
1:10 pm
Tue April 3, 2012

Dr. John: Swamp Grooves From The Bayou Underworld

Credit Alysse Gafkjen
Dan Auerbach (left) joins Dr. John on the latter's new album, Locked Down.
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Originally published on Wed April 4, 2012 8:41 am

Right now, Dan Auerbach is living a rock-star moment, with his hard-hitting blues-rock duo The Black Keys selling out arenas all over the country. Lots of people want him on their records. So what does he do? He seeks out the 71-year-old Dr.

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