University of Illinois researchers Soo-Yeun Lee and Shelly Schmidt are trying to solve a mystery: Why doesn't diet soda taste more like regular soda? Can a well-trained panel of "taste testers" pinpoint the exact problem? And can food scientists do anything to fix it? "If we could make diet soda taste better, it would be a big step in fighting the obesity epidemic," said Shelly Schmidt, a U of I professor of food chemistry. "Many people know they should cut calories, but they won't drink diet pop because they don't like the taste"........

Medicare and some insurers might allow physicians to use either their new National Provider Identifiers or older IDs on claims after the May target date.

Also, a lawsuit in North Carolina seeks to change how physicians are nominated for the state's board.

House and Senate 2008 budget resolutions include enough to cover all eligible children and expand enrollment. Meanwhile, 14 states still need additional funds for 2007.

Doctors and state auditors say the plan could violate a law stipulating the fund be used only to compensate injured patients and curb liability costs.