and, just for a change, more science

World's smallest steam engine is just three thousandths of a millimetre long

World's first programmable quantum photonic chip

Parts Of Mars May Be Habitable For Earth-Based Life

Did walking evolve underwater? 'Walking fish' suggests that it did.

Aspirin's Benefits Before Heart Surgery

Coffee May Help Cut Cancer Risk in Women

Trial Vaccine for Norovirus Shows Promise

Two Drugs Appear to Delay Progression of Breast Cancer

Cancer Vaccine Significantly Reduces Tumor Size

Why Working Mothers Are Happier and Healthier Than Stay-at-Home Moms

Today in depressing U.S. news

I know you've seen it everywhere, but I can't not post it: Obama to sign indefinite detention into law

And in case that's not enough for you, there's: Nearly 1 in 5 women say they've been sexually assaulted
I recommend reading -- or skipping -- to the last third, where the more surprising facts are, at least to me.

And for the hat trick, 1 in 2 Americans are now poor or low income
That's extra depressing when you realize how stringent the gov't definitions of poor and low income are. Add in all the people you know who wouldn't qualify but are struggling financially, and it gets pretty scary.

One ray of light:  Wage protection planned for home care workers