Save the dolphins.

A group of scientists are asking for a suspension of Japan's annual dolphin drive in which thousands of dolphins are slaughtered with clubs and knives.They cite research in 2001 by Diana Reiss of Columbia University and Lori Marino of Emory University which shows dolphins to be smart,sophisticated and self-aware creatures.The dolphins were able to recognize their own reflections in a mirror an aspect of cognitive complexity that previously had only been documented in humans and chimpanzees.These scientists believe that the killing of such intelligent and comples creatures is simply not justifiable.They have issued their protest on-line to bring public pressure to bear on the Japanese goverment to halt this violent practice immediately.

Scientists link music,emotions.

Everyone who loves mucis knows that it can tap deep emotins,triggering many different kinds of strong memories and feelings.Now,neuroscientists have found a new clue as to why that's the case.

The University and her colleagues studied 10people while they listened to six versions of a pieace of music specifically composed for the experiment.The first was pleaseant,while the succeeding five were increasinglyh unpleasant.An area of the brain on the right side known to be important to emotion was more activated the more the music became unpleasant.When the music was pleasant,distinctly different areas of the brain involved in emotion

Child abuse scandal.

There have been numerous reports alleging massie child abuse at the McMaster's Preschool in Berkeley,California.Parents have been expressing outrage and have been intensifying their efforts to get the facility closed immediately.Today local police apprehended the entire preschool staff,and sometime next weel the prosecutor will indict them on five counts of sex abuse of minor children.
It is possible that arguments in the case may begin as early as next month.However,some observers point out that the already widespread media coverage in this case will hinder jury selection and may actually delay the proceedings.