A fight over abortion in Texas could lead to a shutdown of a major women's health care program. Texas’s federally-funded Women's Health Program serves 130,000 women who don’t meet strict Medicaid eligibility requirements. The program also supports many clinics, including branches of Planned Parenthood. But Republican lawmakers who don’t want Planned Parenthood to get any funding say they will give up 35 million dollars in federal money — effectively shutting down the program. For many low-income Texas women, that would mean the loss of access to the only health care services they have.

A study released on Monday shows that women using two popular hormonal contraceptives put themselves — and their partners — at greater risk for HIV. While this is a problem for all users of these drugs, it is particularly worrying to people in southern and eastern Africa, where these affordable and easily available contraceptives are used in a very high risk environment.

Within hours of the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed and buried at sea, the Internet lit up with commentary, speculation, and the beginnings of conspiracy theories. The more conspiracy minded wondered: How do we know it wasn't a double? And how do we know that the real Osama is not still alive — or on the other hand, hasn't been dead for years?

Scientists have long wondered why humans are the only species that cries for emotional reasons. It turns out that our tears may convey much more than just sadness, grief or anger. In a new study, scientists have proved that more complicated chemical reactions may be at play, like subduing male arousal.

Archaeologists have discovered what they say is the world's oldest leather shoe, dating back to around 3,500 B.C.  The shoe has laces, is approximately a woman's size 7, and is an orphan: no left shoe was found.

It's not just the market that's bottoming out in this recession. There are nationwide reports of anxiety and stress in the face of these trying economic times. Reports are so widespread that the federal government was prompted to put up website warnings about symptoms of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. Pam Belluck is covering the story for the New York Times and in her research she met Victoria Villalba, a woman who has been experiencing severe anxiety about the economy. They both join The Takeaway to share their stories.


For more, read Pam Belluck's article, Recession Anxiety Seeps Into Everyday Lives in today's New York Times.

Also, check out the government's website, Getting Through Tough Economic Times for more information on the signs of recession depression and where to get help.