— Executives at life science companies can expect smaller bonuses this year, according to a survey by Ernst & Young and the executive search firm J. Robert Scott. But before you get all teary-eyed, keep in mind that ‘smaller’ means an expected average bonus of $48,000 in 2009. (WaPo)

— An analysis of cord blood samples from ten US babies found traces of more than 200 toxic chemicals, including lead, perchlorate and mercury. The report, from the Environmental Working Group, says that “any chemical found in cord blood should be a top candidate for tough regulatory action to protect public health.” (SciAm)

— At this very moment researchers at the University of California San Diego are recommencing their live-streaming of a brain dissection. It’s not any brain, however. They are slicing the brain of Henry Molaison, known to many as the patient H.M., who could not form new memories. Molaison consented to the dissection prior to his death a year ago. You can watch the video here. (NYTimes)

— There’s a new twist in the battle against anemia. In the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health a researcher proposes that snail meat could offer a cheap way to boost iron levels in certain countries, such as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. Escargot, anyone? (SciDevNet)