When selenium is scarce, brain battles testes for it

Mice studies reveal dueling demands for essential nutrient

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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Faced with a shortage of the essential nutrient selenium, the brain and the testes duke it out.