Shauna Wright
![Alcohol Targets the Brain’s ‘Reward Centers’ in Heavy Drinkers](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/underagedrinking.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Alcohol Targets the Brain’s ‘Reward Centers’ in Heavy Drinkers
In the quest to discover why some people drink heavily while others don’t, researchers have found the answer may actually be quite simple: brain differences between the groups make alcohol consumption feel better to the heavier drinkers.
![Study: New Hormone Could Help Fight Obesity, Diabetes](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/106396406.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Study: New Hormone Could Help Fight Obesity, Diabetes
Researchers have isolated a protein in mice muscle cells that trigger the same health benefits as exercise.
![Eating Too Much Red Meat Could Raise Your Risk of Strokes](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/97089531.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Eating Too Much Red Meat Could Raise Your Risk of Strokes
A diet high in protein may be healthy, but the type of protein you eat could determine your risk factors for having a stroke. New research indicates red meat raises those risks, while poultry lowers them.
![Doctors Should Offer All Smokers Help with Quitting, Study Says](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/doctortalk.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Doctors Should Offer All Smokers Help with Quitting, Study Says
Although doctors typically gauge a smoker’s willingness to quit before offering help in doing so, new research indicates that help should be offered to all smokers.
![Web Addicts and Substance Abusers Have Similar Brain Changes](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/internetaddict.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Web Addicts and Substance Abusers Have Similar Brain Changes
Researchers in China find internet addicts have brain changes similar to those with drug or alcohol problems.
![Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Meet with President Obama — What Did They Talk About?](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/jolie-whitehouse.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Meet with President Obama — What Did They Talk About?
While Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were in Washington, DC recently to screen Jolie’s new movie, ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey,’ they also dropped in on one of Pitt’s old acquaintances — President Obama.
![Pennies, Nickels and Dimes, Oh My! Coins on the Rise in the US — Dollars and Sense](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/coins.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Pennies, Nickels and Dimes, Oh My! Coins on the Rise in the US — Dollars and Sense
Officials at the US Mint have spotted a sign they say is indicative of an improving economy — coin shipments are increasing.
![Ohio Landlord’s Controversial ‘White Only’ Pool Sign Ignites Anger [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/poolsign.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Ohio Landlord’s Controversial ‘White Only’ Pool Sign Ignites Anger [VIDEO]
A Cincinnati landlord who was found in violation of Ohio law when she posted a “white only” sign at her swimming pool wants the state’s Civil Rights Commission to reconsider and reverse its ruling.
![Leslie West Returns to Touring, Thanks to a Generous Gift](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/WestandCar.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Leslie West Returns to Touring, Thanks to a Generous Gift
After being forced to have his lower right leg amputated as a result of diabetes complications last year, guitar legend Leslie West, 66, was forced to cancel a tour — not because he was unable to perform, but because he didn’t have transportation equipped for a wheelchair.
But now, thanks to an incredibly generous gift from The Vehicle Production Group, those worries are behind him.
![New Movie Releases — ‘Beauty and the Beast 3D,’ ‘Contraband,’ and ‘Joyful Noise’](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/newmovies011112.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Movie Releases — ‘Beauty and the Beast 3D,’ ‘Contraband,’ and ‘Joyful Noise’
Animation, action, or comedy? Take your pick — there’s one of each opening in wide-release this weekend.
![Vaccine Thought to Keep Women from Getting Genital Herpes Proven Useless](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/herpes21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Vaccine Thought to Keep Women from Getting Genital Herpes Proven Useless
Scientists searching for a vaccine to prevent infection with two types of herpes simplex, or H.S.V., have run into a roadblock: in results published Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine, a new vaccine that was previously thought to protect uninfected women from genital herpes has now been found useless.
![Taking A Routine Aspirin May Cause More Harm Than Good](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2012/01/painkiller.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Taking A Routine Aspirin May Cause More Harm Than Good
Aspirin is often prescribed to people who’ve had a heart attack or stroke to ward off future attacks. But new research indicates that may not be such a good idea.