Wednesday assorted links

1. “A Japanese professor has created a prototype for a TV screen you can lick to taste different flavors…”

2. The quest to find the world’s best rice.

3. Will Poland raise its birth rates with this policy?

4. Israeli scientists train goldfish to steer car around room.

5. 2010 interview with Robert Barro.

6. Inside the Silicon Valley attempt to revolutionize science.  Quite a good piece, sees the bigger picture better than any other coverage to date.  (You do have to register to read it.)

7. Was Diana the best-dressed woman of all time?