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Why would a cat crave mushrooms? A scientist says it's the umami. Though cats can't taste sweetness like people can, they are aces at sniffing out the amino acids that signal protein-rich foods.

The small New England state, which holds its primary on Tuesday, may not be racially diverse. (In fact, it's 93.9 percent white.) But its residents defy stereotypes with their political independence. More voters in the state are registered "undeclared" than Republican or Democrat.

Nearly nine years after U.S. forces stormed into Iraq, American involvement in the war ends with a flag-lowering ceremony attended by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Only a few thousand U.S. troops remain, and they are to leave within days.

In 1887, Julius Petri invented a simple pair of nesting glass dishes, ideal for keeping specimens of growing bacteria sterile--the 'Petri dish.' Science historian Howard Markel recounts the history of this ubiquitous lab supply, and the serendipitous discovery of the stuff in it, agar.

Jobless college graduates regularly march through the streets at appointed times, wearing color-coded vests. It's all part of an effort to secure a government job. But critics say that creating more government workers is not a solution to Morocco's economic woes.

Opposition leaders have coalesced into a united and focused movement that is preparing to choose one candidate to run against the president, posing the strongest electoral challenge to Hugo Chavez's populist rule. Chavez still leads his nearest rival, but the gap is nothing like in years past.

A new report from a bipartisan group warns that with the exception of Ron Paul's plan, the GOP candidates' economic proposals would likely worsen the nation's debt problem. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget also says the candidates need to spell out specific cuts rather than offering vague targets.

The Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda the Musical, based on the beloved children's book by Roald Dahl, is taking London by storm.

At Lake Superior State University, college officials have been releasing a list of banished words since 1976. Words that you're not allowed to say this year include "baby bump" and "occupy." It's a list destined to receive some "blowback."

In response to new sanctions, Iran is threatening to cut off oil exports to Europe immediately. That in turn could deal a blow to vulnerable European economies like Greece, Italy and Spain.