Being Cute Helps, But It Won't Save You

Keeshond-Siberian Husky Puppy Richard Bartz (CC licensed)

It's always the pretty ones who get the attention. Scientists trying to raise awareness about a mysterious illness affecting bat populations along the East Coast say that bats' sketchy reputation keeps them from getting the attention they deserve.

But being cute didn't help little puppies in Hungary circa 900-1200 AD. New research shows that sacrifices of adult and baby dogs was more widespread than previously thought. The domestic animals were thought to have been killed to protect against evil. (Although apparently not the evil of killing puppies.)

Also in today's links: why it's okay to read this at work, another study on testosterone and risk, and more.

• Here's a special clip-n-save article to print out and show to your boss: a study found that employees who spend time online doing non-work activities actually perform better. I couldn't agree more, but then I also took a break from writing this to read about Chris Brown's not-guilty plea. But now look what fabulous work I'm producing! (Also, what say we all join together to popularize the term "wilbing," where WILB stands for "Workplace Internet Leisure Browsing.")
• Forget bioterror and wayward viruses. In Spokane, Washington, people are going rogue in hot pursuit of phosphates that'll get their dirty dishes nice and clean. Standing in their way are the county authorities who are trying to improve the health of the endangered Spokane River.
• Remember the research indicating that financial traders might be working in a state of testosterone-driven euphoria? A new study finds that women given testosterone are no more likely to engage in risky behavior, results that could either call into question the former study's findings, or suggest that women simply respond differently than men.