The researchers combed through 31 studies and concluded the flu vaccine is effective for 59 percent of healthy adults. They called that inadequate but still encouraged people to get the shots, saying it's the best protection available.

A University of Minnesota veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Bender, is releasing the results of his study and it comes with a warning for anyone planning to visit the Minnesota State Fair -- which starts one week from Thursday. Scientists found 19 percent of the 57 pigs tested at the Minnesota State Fair in 2009 had the H1N1 flu virus -- compared to none of the 47 samples the year before. Fair officials tell the Star Tribune they've stepped up precautions for both fairgoers and livestock.

A psychology professor from the University of Minnesota is making waves with an article in the Sunday New York Times. L. Alan Sroufe says medicating children is a misguided approach to treating attention disorders. "Putting children on drugs does nothing to change the conditions that derail their development in the first place," he writes.

An international team that includes University of Minnesota scientist Gary Muehlbauer has mapped the genome of barley, one of the world's most important and genetically complex cereal crops, and a key beer ingredient. The researchers say the findings could lead to higher yields and a grain that can more easily handle climate change.