Newser Story Index from February, 2009
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Congress Debates Easing Cuba Travel Restrictions
Miami Herald
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Feb 25, 2009 10:08 AM CST
(Newser) -
A bill pending in the US House includes a provision relaxing travel restrictions on Cuban-Americans who wish to visit Cuba by slicing out funding for enforcement of a 2004 law, the Miami Herald reports. The bill, which will likely see a vote today, allows annual visits rather than one every 3 years, and permits easier access for Americans with...
Conan, Andy to Reunite on Tonight
E! Online
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Feb 25, 2009 9:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Conan O'Brien will be back together with longtime Late Night sidekick Andy Richter when he takes the reins of the Tonight Show this summer, E! Online reports. Richter, who first teamed up with O'Brien in 1993, will be more than a wingman this time around—he will be the show's official voice as well as appearing in comedy skits.
Commerce Nom Locke a Rock Star in China
New York Times
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Feb 25, 2009 9:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
The third time was the charm for China—at least in terms of President Obama's picks to head the Commerce Department, reports the New York Times. Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, to be introduced today as the administration's latest nominee, brings a reputation for pragmatism, a scandal-free resume, and deep ties to China. “He’s...
Damage Control: Brown Enrolls in Anger 101
New York Daily News
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Feb 25, 2009 9:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
Chris Brown is trying to salvage his public image with anger management classes, the New York Daily News reports, but some insiders are quick to gripe that Rihanna—whom Brown is accused of beating up Feb. 7—should do the same. “Rihanna is temperamental, too,” said one source. “They're both too hot-headed for their own...
Everyone, Even Tiger, Is Watching That New Knee
Miami Herald
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Feb 25, 2009 9:26 AM CST
(Newser) -
As Tiger Woods returns to golf today after an 8-month hiatus, the big question is how his surgically repaired left knee will hold out, the Miami Herald reports. If the injury that had plagued him for years is really fixed, could Tiger’s swing become even more fearsome? “I’m as curious as you,” Woods told eager reporters.
Misguided Cartoonist Has 'Right to Fail': Parker
Washington Post
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Feb 25, 2009 9:18 AM CST
(Newser) -
The New York Post cartoon that has Al Sharpton up in arms was poorly thought out, to be sure, writes Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post . It "was offensive for reasons unrelated to race," she argues, but it’s important to remember that “outrage is out of proportion to the offense, and demands for retributive justice are...
Obama Goes on the Liberal Defensive
Politico
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Feb 25, 2009 9:06 AM CST
(Newser) -
In his speech last night, President Obama outlined an expansive liberal agenda, write John F. Harris and Jonathan Martin in Politico, but packaged it in conservative language, stressing caution and prudence. As if to preempt critics—in what they call a "pre-buttal"—the president invoked “responsibility” 14 times. He...
Eye on Banks, Stocks Sink Early
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2009 8:50 AM CST
(Newser) -
Stocks sank after the opening bell this morning, with traders’ eyes still on troubled banks, which face regulators’ stress tests starting today, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Dow quickly plunged 30 points; the S&P slipped 0.5% with a 2.2% drop in financials; and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.5%. It was the markets’ first chance...
Oops! NYT Posts Obama Hottie's Number
Gawker
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Feb 25, 2009 8:41 AM CST
(Newser) -
It wasn't next to "For a good time, call," but the New York Times inadvertently published the digits of hot young Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau last night in a slideshow devoted to the president's speech. The photo, a closeup of Obama's hand next to his speech, appears to show Favreau's personal number in the header field, reportsGawker....
Brit's Ex Charged in Hit-and-Run
E! Online
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Feb 25, 2009 8:26 AM CST
(Newser) -
Britney Spears’ paparazzo ex has been charged with three felonies after police say he hit a man with his car while trying to dodge restraining order paperwork from the Spears clan, E! reports. Adnan Ghalib allegedly injured the process server and drove off—he is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, battery, and hit-and-run in the...
Gap Narrows Between Mortgage Payments, Rents
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2009 8:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
During the housing boom, mortgage payments held steady, consistently topping rent levels; now, with the market cratering, they’re returning to historical levels, the Wall Street Journal reports. After-tax mortgage payments averaged about 26% more than rent over the past 18 years; during the boom that figure surged to 66%. By the end of last...
Michelle Breaks Out Killer Accessories: Her Arms
New York Times
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Feb 25, 2009 8:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
Washington is freezing cold, but last night Michelle Obama strode into Congress wearing a sleeveless dress, her bare arms on display. It's hardly the first time recently she's gone sleeveless, notes Jodi Kantor of the New York Times : from a photo op in the White House kitchen to the cover of Vogue , the first lady has made her guns a key accessory....
Citi Struggles Under Fed Oversight, About to Get More
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2009 7:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
Citigroup is in talks with Washington about a restructured deal that would see the US convert its 7.8% stake of preferred shares into up to 40% of common stock. The deal would provide Citi with desperately needed capital, but would place the bank under further control of the federal government. Already, reports the Wall Street Journal , Citi...
Obama Finds His Inner Roosevelt
Washington Post
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Feb 25, 2009 7:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama's address to Congress last night “staked his presidency on bringing the nation out of its economic crisis,” writes Steven Pearlstein in the Washington Post . Not since FDR have citizens been so desperate for economic leadership, and yesterday's speech made clear that Obama plans to reshape American capitalism with a bold program...
9 Dead in Amsterdam Jet Crash
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 25, 2009 7:09 AM CST
(Newser) -
At least nine people died and more than 50 were injured when a Turkish Airlines flight with 135 people on board crashed while attempting to land at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport today, reports the Guardian. The Boeing 737, believed to have been coming from Istanbul, split into three sections as it came down in a field near the airport.
Holocaust- Denying Bish Makes Fightin' Exit
BBC
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Feb 25, 2009 6:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
Holocaust-denying British bishop Richard Williamson made an angry exit from Argentina today, the BBC reports. The bishop brandished a fist at a reporter and briefly scuffled with him as he passed through the airport. Williamson, who was ordered to leave Argentina when officials there learned of his views, arrived in London later in the day and was...
Salmonella Toll Hits 666 Sick— and Climbing
Reuters
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Feb 25, 2009 6:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Peanut-linked salmonella has sickened 666 people and counting, despite a massive food recall, Reuters reports. The illness has killed nine. “To date, 19 clusters of infections in five states have been reported in schools and other institutions,” said a health official. “King Nut brand peanut butter was present in all facilities.”...
15 Things We Learned About Obama Last Night
Time
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Feb 25, 2009 6:08 AM CST
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So what did last night teach us about our president? Mark Halperin runs down the list in his Time blog The Page: He's optimistic and realistic, and unafraid to be both at the same time. He's unafraid to use his wife as a political asset. He likes Joe Biden, really, despite his garrulousness—and the VP is happy to...
UK Conservative Leader's Son Dies at Age 6
Times (UK)
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Feb 25, 2009 5:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
The eldest son of David Cameron, leader of Britain's Conservative Party and the country's possible next prime minister, died early this morning at age 6. Ivan Cameron suffered from severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy and required constant care, reports the Times of London. He was born with Ohtohara syndrome, a rare neurological condition from which...
Murdoch: I'm Not Cowed by Recession, Chernin Exit
Financial Times (UK)
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Feb 25, 2009 4:53 AM CST
(Newser) -
Rupert Murdoch is touting his own "contrarian" tendencies as what will see News Corp. through the current recession and the implosion of the print media business. “In the past, we have met downturns with vigor, often departing from the herd. We have emerged much stronger," he said in an internal memo aimed to calm anxieties over...
8th-Grader's Letter Inspired Obama Speech
WSAV
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Feb 25, 2009 4:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
South Carolina eighth-grader Ty'Sheoma Bethea became the symbol of the stimulus package in President Obama's speech to Congress last night, WSAV reports. The president has repeatedly referred to Bethea's dilapidated school in his calls for spending on education infrastructure, and during his speech he quoted from a letter the 14-year-old wrote to Congress...
Jindal's GOP Response Flops
The Atlantic
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Feb 25, 2009 3:57 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pundits are split on the substance of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's Republican rebuttal to President Obama's speech, but most agree that his flat delivery revealed a politician not ready for prime time: His speech was as patronizing "as if he were talking to kindergartners," writes Andrew Sullivan in the Atlantic , who has received...
Palin Paying Back State for Family Travel
Anchorage Daily News
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Feb 25, 2009 3:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Sarah Palin has agreed to reimburse Alaska for family travel she billed to the state, reports the Anchorage Daily News . An investigator probing an ethics complaint filed against the governor found nine trips involving Palin's children in which the personal benefit clearly outweighed any benefit to the state. Palin will shell out some $7,000 for the...
9th Body Unearthed in New Mexico Desert
KRQE (Albuquerque)
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Feb 25, 2009 3:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
A ninth body has been unearthed in the New Mexican desert in what one expert believes is the work of a serial killer, reports KRQE-TV. Only one of the victims in the secret graveyard outside Albuquerque—a prostitute reported missing in 2003—has been identified. There are currently 24 women listed as missing in Albuquerque, including several...
Octu-Mom Fears Hospital Won't Release Babies
Associated Press
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Feb 25, 2009 2:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
Nadya Suleman has told TV talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw that the hospital where her octuplets were born will not release them unless she can prove her ability to care for the babies, reports the Los Angeles Times . A distressed Suleman—due to appear on two episodes of the program starting tomorrow—called McGraw after speaking to hospital...
Slumdog Kids Promised New Digs
Reuters
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Feb 25, 2009 1:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
The two key child actors in Oscar-sweeping Slumdog Millionaire will receive new homes in Mumbai, compliments of the Indian government, Reuters reports. The children, who played the younger versions of the movie's main characters, "have brought laurels to the country, and we have been told that they live in slums which cannot even be classified...
Alcohol Linked to Women's Cancer
Washington Post
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Feb 25, 2009 1:12 AM CST
(Newser) -
Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer for women, reports the Washington Post . Consuming an average of just one drink a day of any kind of alcohol was found to result in a higher risk of breast, liver and rectal cancer. The study estimated that 5% of all cancers in women result from drinking.
Viewers Hopeful After Obama Speech
CNN
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Feb 25, 2009 12:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
Viewers who watched Barack Obama's first speech to Congress felt hopeful and reassured about the country's direction after the president spoke, a CNN poll finds. Of those polled, 68% said they felt very positive about the speech, 24% felt positive, and just 8% said they had a negative reaction. An overwhelming 85% of the audience—which...
Jindal: Don't Trust Federal Government—Look at Katrina
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2009 10:08 PM CST
(AP) -
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal called President Obama's plan to fix the economy "irresponsible" and certain to increase taxes and federal debt. "The way to lead is not to raise taxes and put more money and power in hands of Washington politicians," said Jindal, who gave the Republican Party's response to Obama's speech. The stimulus...
Obama: 'We Will Recover'
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 24, 2009 8:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
President Obama returned to a familiar theme tonight—hope—as he sought to reassure Americans buffeted by the recession. "The day of reckoning has arrived," he told a joint session of Congress, but American ingenuity can save us. "Now is the time to act boldly and wisely—to not only revive this economy, but to build...
Cera Joins Arrested Development Movie
E! Online
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Feb 24, 2009 7:49 PM CST
(Newser) -
Fans of the family Bluth, rejoice. Michael Cera has signed on to the Arrested Development movie, reports E! Online. Details have been sketchy, but Cera—whose role as George-Michael Bluth on the show helped propel him to teen stardom in movies such as Superbad and Juno —had reportedly been the lone holdout. Creator Mitchell Hurwitz...
Hearst May Shut Down San Francisco Chronicle
MarketWatch
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Feb 24, 2009 7:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
More bleak news from the world of newspapers: Hearst is threatening to shut down the San Francisco Chronicle —the nation's 12th largest daily—unless it makes massive cuts. Otherwise, Hearst will seek a buyer for the 144-year-old paper, which lost $50 million last year and is doing worse in 2009, MarketWatch reports. The prospect of...
Post Drops Liz Smith Column
Editor & Publisher
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Feb 24, 2009 6:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Liz Smith will dish no more at the New York Post . The paper is dropping her gossip column this week to save money, Editor & Publisher reports. It will be the first time in 33 years that Smith, 86, won't have a spot in one of New York City's newspapers. Smith fans, however, can find her at wowowow.com, a site for women she helped found....
Commerce Pick Has Fundraising Skeletons
Michelle Malkin Blog
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Feb 24, 2009 6:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
President Obama's administration surely hopes Gary Locke will prove a relatively uncontroversial pick for Commerce after the messy Bill Richardson and Judd Gregg nominations. Not likely, writes Michelle Malkin, who covered Locke for the Seattle Times when he was Washington's governor. Locke, she reminds, faced a series of probes from the IRS and...
Bush Ready for New Gig: Speeches
Politico
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Feb 24, 2009 6:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
George Bush is officially ready for his new job: speech-maker. Now signed up with the Washington Speakers Bureau, Bush plans to make at least 10 speeches around the world in the next year. The first—"A Conversation With George Bush"—will be March 17 in Calgary to business leaders, reports Politico. But his ambitions on the lecture...
Gamers, Beware This Skin Disorder
BBC
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Feb 24, 2009 5:48 PM CST
(Newser) -
Dedicated gamers beware—researchers have identified a skin disorder just for you, the BBC reports. “PlayStation palmar hidradenitis” is characterized by painful lumpy sores on the palms. British researchers think it's caused by gripping the controller tightly with sweaty hands for extended periods. Good news, though: Symptoms appear...
Rebel Singer Out to Save 'Dusty' Operas
New Yorker
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Feb 24, 2009 5:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Natalie Dessay is still butting heads with opera purists after twenty-some years in the business. The zesty soprano, an actor at heart, upsets some critics by adding theatrical gestures and even screams to her roles. "At least it's alive," Dessay says of her style. Opera, on the other hand, "is dusty. But it can be dusted. That's my...
Obama: We Will 'Emerge Stronger'
CNN
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Feb 24, 2009 5:05 PM CST
(Newser) -
President Obama will lay out the nation's challenges in stark terms tonight but will strike a more optimistic note, CNN reports. "We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before," says Obama's prepared excerpts. The solutions exist "in our laboratories and universities; in our...
Senate Confirms Solis for Labor
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2009 4:45 PM CST
(AP) -
The Senate today confirmed California congresswoman Hilda Solis as labor secretary. Solis' confirmation gives the agency a decidedly pro-worker tilt after eight years of business-friendly leadership under the Bush administration. The 80-17 vote comes after more than a month of delays. GOP lawmakers were concerned over her work for a pro-union group...
Coleman Won't Rule Out Further Minn. Challenges
Politico
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Feb 24, 2009 4:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
Norm Coleman expects a decision on the US Senate race in Minnesota within weeks, and hopes “they’ll do the right thing,” but has not decided whether to challenge a decision, Politico reports. “I’m not ruling it in or ruling it out,” he said. Coleman is currently behind Democratic challenger Al Franken by 225 votes...
Jindal Excerpts: Obama Too Pessimistic
Politico
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Feb 24, 2009 4:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
When Bobby Jindal gives his response to the president's speech tonight, Ben Smith of Politico notes that he will sound a little like Bill Clinton: In prepared excerpts, Jindal concludes that Barack Obama is being too pessimistic. “A few weeks ago, the president warned that our nation is facing a crisis that he said ‘we may not be able to...
Obama to Withdraw Troops From Iraq in 19 Months
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2009 4:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
President Obama plans to withdraw most US troops from Iraq by August 2010, the AP reports. Insiders say a training force of 30,000 to 50,000 will remain but will be largely evacuated by December 2011, when the security pact between the US and Iraq expires. The US has about 142,000 troops in Iraq now, and Obama the candidate pledged to bring them...
Vitamins Lower Risk of Vision Loss: Study
Boston Globe
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Feb 24, 2009 4:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
Folic acid and two B vitamins lowered the risk of vision loss in middle-age women who took the supplements for several years as part of a study, the Boston Globe reports. The study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that the combination lowered the chances of age-related macular degeneration by 35-40%.
7 Shot in New Orleans Watching Mardi Gras Parade
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
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Feb 24, 2009 3:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
Seven people, one of them a toddler, were shot in New Orleans today as they watched a Mardi Gras parade, police say. Two men are listed in serious condition, reports the Times-Picayune , and all of the victims appeared to be innocent bystanders. Police chased down and arrested two suspects, ages 18 and 20, the Times-Picayune notes. It's not clear...
Fla. Bans Fish Pedicures
Orlando Sentinel
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Feb 24, 2009 3:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Fish pedicures—in which small carp eat dead skin from clients’ feet—have been banned in Florida, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The state’s Board of Cosmetology determined that the practice, introduced last year, violated a ban on animals in salons, as well as sanitation requirements that mandate disinfecting of pedicure materials...
Megan Fox, Brian Austin Green Split
Us Weekly
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Feb 24, 2009 3:40 PM CST
(Newser) -
Actors Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, engaged since 2006, have called off their engagement, Us Magazine reports. “The relationship had run its course,” a source said. “It’s completely amicable, and they are remaining friends.” Both are reportedly “focusing on their careers.” Just last year, Green had laughed...
Durbin to Burris: Resign
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 24, 2009 3:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin told his junior colleague, Roland Burris, that he should resign during a meeting today, the Chicago Tribune reports. Burris declined, and also would not confirm whether or not he would run in 2010, despite earlier accounts that he would give up the seat. Durbin said he was “disappointed” by both responses, and...
Facebook May 'Infantilize' Your Mind, Expert Warns
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 24, 2009 3:28 PM CST
(Newser) -
A British neuroscientist thinks the children of today, exposed to “instant new screen images flashing up with the press of a key,” will develop differently from past generations, and that’s not a good thing. Facebook, for instance provides an experience “devoid of cohesive narrative and long-term significance,” Lady Greenfield...
Street Battles Back; Dow Up 236
Financial Times (UK)
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Feb 24, 2009 3:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
Stocks rallied today as traders snapped up bargains in the wake of yesterday’s sell-off, the Financial Times reports. Citigroup and Bank of America led the surge after Ben Bernanke said the government would not have to resort to nationalization to save the beleaguered banks. The Dow gained 236.16, ending at 7,350.94. The Nasdaq added 54.11,...
Lab-Grown Teeth Could Kill Need for Fillings
BBC
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Feb 24, 2009 3:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
Scientists have identified a gene that grows tooth enamel and could be the missing link needed to grow teeth in labs—perhaps rendering fillings and dentures obsolete, the BBC reports. Researchers had already figured out how to grow the insides of animal teeth, but not enamel, which can’t grow back naturally. Tests in mice lacking the key...
