Good day, bad day: February 21, 2012

Gambling addicts get hope for a new treatment, while high school dropouts get a reality check — and more winners and losers of today's news cycle

Gambling addicts may actually have a chemical imbalance in their brain that makes them less sensitive to the pain of monetary loss, according to new research.
(Image credit: Tim Pannell/Corbis)

GOOD DAY FOR:

Stacking 'em high

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Dolphins

Scientists present years of research that suggests dolphins have a high level of self-awareness, and therefore deserve the same rights as humans. [BBC]

Gambling addicts

New research sheds light on a chemical imbalance that leads some people to gamble their money away, opening the door to potential treatments. [Newser]

BAD DAY FOR:

Health awareness

Experts announce that deaths due to Hepatitis C are on the rise, and that half of infected Americans aren't even aware that they have the disease. [The Consumerist]

Would-be attackers

An innovative company creates an iPhone case with a built-in cannister of pepper spray. [TIME]

Dropouts

A new report shows that half of American high school dropouts over the age of 25 are out of work. [Huffington Post]

For more winners and losers see: Good day, bad day: February 17, 2012