When selenium is scarce, brain battles testes for it
Mice studies reveal dueling demands for essential nutrient
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/111715_ls_selenium_free.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
ESSENTIAL ELEMENT Brains and testes both require selenium, a nutrient people get from such foods as fish, organ meats and plants grown in selenium-rich soil. Mouse studies show that when the element is in short supply, the testes and brain compete.
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