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When a rookie lawmaker slipped a handwritten letter to Emperor Akihito last month, the collective public gasp was heard nationwide. The lawmaker's sin was to violate Japan's ban on using the emperor for political gain, but the incident highlighted lingering sensitivity over the emperor nearly 70 years after the end of World War II.

The first bite of a bitter fruit or nut can be shocking, even revolting. That's led scientists to think that bitter tastes evolved to help us avoid poisonous plants. But a new a genetic study in Africa challenges that notion.

Plans offering coverage that lasts 364 days can cost half as much as those that are in force for a year. But the savings may be illusory for people who need care for injuries or illnesses because the coverage can be skimpier.

"I have so many Bluetooth speakers, it's ridiculous," Amazon's top reviewer says. He's also received headphones, laser printers and a spin bike.

Violence is rising again in Iraq, with at least 5,000 people killed this year. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki wants U.S. military hardware to fight back. He's also seen as a key figure when it comes to developments in Iran and Syria.

Every brake screech, whistle and rattle from the movie The Polar Express came from recordings of a historic locomotive, the Pere Marquette 1225. After four years of costly repairs, passengers can once again jump onboard and travel to see Santa Claus at the North Pole (imagination required).

Ten years ago Congress approved a $15 billion plan to combat HIV in developing countries. Since then, the global health initiative has funded HIV treatment for nearly 7 million people and prevented hundreds of thousands of babies from getting infected during childbirth.

Najla Said's father, Edward Said, was an outspoken professor and prominent voice for Palestinian independence. Yet Najla's life felt less grounded. Growing up as a Palestinian-Lebanese-American in New York City, she balanced competing cultures and multiple lives, searching for a place to fit in.

Each summer, thousands of security researchers, hacktivists, black hats, white hats and feds descend on Las Vegas for Black Hat and Def Con. A look at the stories and trends we're keeping an eye on.

Work will begin next year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on what's touted as the world's biggest investment in public transportation. The biggest impact is likely to be social, providing greater independence and affordable transportation options for women — who are forbidden from driving — and the poor.