Today I’ve got answers to questions from readers about tax preparers, inflation hedges and student loans. Q: Jonathan P. asks, “Between the increasing national debt, looming Social Security insolvency, out-of-control Medicare expenses, Iraq war costs and the falling dollar, I have a fear that we will eventually face high or even hyper-inflation. Where is a good place to invest to protect yourself from this contingency?” A: Stephen Cecchetti, a professor at Brandeis International...

Paedophilia may be caused by faulty wiring in the brain, a controversial study suggests.

Scientists came to the conclusion after comparing the brain scans of child molesters and non-sexual criminals.

They found that convicted paedophiles had significantly less “white matter” in their brains.

White matter is composed of message-carrying nerve fibres, as opposed to the nerve cell bodies which make up “grey matter”. It is what wires different parts of the brain together.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were taken of the men’s brains and analysed by computer

The findings, published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research, challenge the popular belief that paedophilia is triggered by childhood trauma or abuse. But according to the Canadian scientist who led the research, it does not let paedophiles off the hook.

Dr James Cantor, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, said: “There is nothing in this research that says paedophiles shouldn’t be held criminally responsible for their actions.

“Not being able to choose your sexual interests doesn’t mean you can’t choose what you do.”

Previous research from the same team has strongly hinted that brain development may hold the key to paedophilia.

Paedophiles tend to have low IQs, are three times more likely than average to be left handed, and are often of short stature.

The scientists are calling for more research to be conducted on the way the brain governs sexual interests. Such information may yield strategies for preventing the development of paedophilia, they argue.

A total of 127 men took part in the study comprising equal numbers of paedophiles and non-sexual offenders.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans were taken of the men’s brains and analysed by computer.

Vocus, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand software for public relations management, announced today that it will provide a live web cast of its analyst day meeting on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET from its headquarters in Lanham, Maryland. Lanham, MD («www.vocus.com» ) November 30, 2007 — Vocus, Inc., (NASDAQ: VOCS) a leading provider of on-demand software for...