In May, the conservative magazine the American Spectator made the claim that Democratic Senators were interested in bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, an old FCC regulation that required broadcast media to be "balanced" in its coverage of political issues. The rule was suspended in 1987, as it was seen as arbitrary and difficult to enforce, not to mention the fact that it would seem to be a violation of the First Amendment (although this hasn't been tested in the courts). It now looks like the magazine's report was more or less correct, as Senator Dianne Feinstein said this weekend that a legislative remedy may be needed to counter the influence of right-wing talk radio, which she blamed for stymieing attempts to bring about immigration reform. Leaving one's political views aside, it's disturbing that a politician would want to regulate speech because of a single issue. As for talk radio influencing policy issues, it would seem that that's the whole point of politically-oriented speech. What's more, the whole fairness doctrine idea is a throwback to the days when radio broadcasters really did have a monopoly. These days, with so many options, ranging from internet radio stations to podcasts and satellite radio, it's easy enough to tune out, if you're not satisfied with the point of view that you're getting.

Fruit, yogurt, citric and soft drinks may seem like harmless snacks and beverages, but improper consumption and overuse may lead to devastating and permanent damage to teeth. It's known as tooth erosion. Soft drinks, which contain acids, break the tooth surfaces. These acids also damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving the mineral structure of teeth, thinning the teeth. Eventually, because of repeated exposure to acid, the tooth's enamel will lose its shape and color and as the damage progresses; the underlying dentin, (which is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth), becomes exposed causing the teeth to look yellow.

A woman's mouth has a lot to say, even when it's not talking. Things that alter a woman's body such as prescription medications to help prevent diseases, diabetes, or a vitamin deficiency, can affect a woman's oral health, according to recent research.

Canned by CAN-SPAM

Two men who ran a spam operation to promote pornographic websites had the book thrown at them today. A federal jury in Phoenix, Arizona convicted Jeffrey Kilbride, 41, of Venice, California and James Schaffer, 41 of Paradise Valley, Arizona of eight counts, including conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, and transportation of obscene materials.

By applying sophisticated genetic analysis to samples of a year's worth baby poop, researchers have developed a detailed picture of how an astonishing number of bacteria come and go in the intestinal tract during a child's first year of life.

Researchers have determined how a substance derived from the bark of the South American lapacho tree kills certain kinds of cancer cells, findings that also suggest a novel treatment for the most common type of lung cancer.

Researchers have, for the first time, reversed symptoms of mental retardation and autism in mice. The study may lead to new drug therapies for a leading inherited cause of mental retardation (Fragile X Syndrome) and some types of autism.

Latest research into health in medieval Europe -- taking in everything from demonic possession to miracles of healing -- is to be revealed at the University of Nottingham.

In an advance toward a new era in recycling of plastics, scientists in Japan are reporting development of a process that breaks certain plastics down into their original chemical ingredients, which can be reused to make new, high quality plastic. That approach fostered recycling of beverage cans, scrap steel, and glass containers, which are melted to produce aluminum, glass and steel.

Both red and white wine may have previously unknown health benefits at the very start of the journey described in that classic childhood food rhyme, "Through the lips and round the gums, look out stomach here it comes." The study showed that red and white wine were effective in controlling the growth of several strains of streptococci bacteria that are involved in tooth decay, and some cases of sore throat.