OS is a unique blogging site.  Not only does it attract readers and writers because of its social-networking aspects, but it displays an incredibly diverse array of topics.  Personally, I've enjoyed the humorous posts, the foodie Tuesdays and the political commentaries.  But OS also has a wonderful, if somewhat hidden, collection of bloggers covering science, medicine, health and research (SMHR) topics. 

My hope is that this list will help shine a light on the talented bloggers covering these topics on OS, and will help foster a dialogue between scientists and the curious.  There's something for everyone, and you might be surprised where you find that thought-provoking or informative post...Here are some of my favorites in recent months:

 Best 'new on my radar' - doctorandmama (Linda Shiue)

 I discovered her today, and while not all her posts are  SMHR related, today's cover story shows we could be in for more medical-related treats like this one:

http://open.salon.com/blog/doctorandmama/2010/01/08/are_antidepressants_any_better_than_a_sugar_pill

Best controversial spokesperson for science and medicine - AmyTuteurMD

 Whether you love or loathe her, Amy spices up the cover page more often than not with controversial headlines, digs at the medically uneducated, a bit of exaggeration, and a load of important medical/scientific information.  Taking her stance on vaccines alone, its clear that Amy is doing a great service to the OS community by covering the most misunderstood topics in science and medicine, as illustrated here:

http://open.salon.com/blog/amytuteurmd/2009/10/21/when_did_b_movie_starlets_become_medical_experts

 Best connection of science to the 'real world' - Clay Farris Naff

Clay is a professional science writer who takes the time to enlighten OS readers with his musings on science and religion, his takes on popular culture, and most importantly, his coverage of cutting-edge scientific research.  A recent post debunking the supposed link between cell phones and cancer can be found here:

http://open.salon.com/blog/clay_farris_naff/2009/12/04/cell_phone_radiation_scare

 Best coverage of human research and science/medical ethics - researchethics

While this particular blog may seem like its geared toward the professional, fear not.  There is important information for everyone, try a sampling here:

http://open.salon.com/blog/researchethics/2009/10/01/being_excited_about_research_is_it_still_possible

Best Anthropology blog - Anthropologist Underground:

Many people think biologists, physicists and MDs are biased against the social sciences, which is not true at all.  This blog is a shining example of why disciplines like anthropology, sociology, archaeology, psychology and many other fields are teeming with interesting findings.  Take your pick, and prepare for some deep thinking:

http://open.salon.com/blog/anthropologist_underground

Best dialogue starter - Dr. Ayala:

Dr. Ayala is here to chat...not about last night's leftovers, but about your health.  Vegetarian diets, silly science and nutrition labeling are all topics of discussion.  You might just learn something! Join her:

http://open.salon.com/blog/dr_ayala/2009/12/14/what_would_you_change_about_the_nutrition_facts_panel_1

Best Overall - AliciaPhD:

 From the truth about mistletoe, exciting website discoveries highlighting the history of science, and coverage of current research topics, there is nothing Alicia can't do...  Read as many as you can here:

http://open.salon.com/blog/alicia_phd

Best supporter of new SMHR bloggers: NerdMafia

When we think no one is reading and no one gives a hoot, NerdMafia gives all of us that necessary shot in the arm...

http://open.salon.com/blog/nerdmafia

Best Science Fiction (and best goading of posts by scientists) - Andy Heizeler

This is the pen name of a published science fiction writer, and his posts are  no disappointment for fans of this genre.  However, we SMHR posters probably know him best for his heckling.  But beneath that sarcasm often lies little nuggest of wisdom, and we're all better for it. Note: Andy has recently left OS but his posts are still available here:

http://open.salon.com/blog/andy_heizeler

Notable Mentions:

David Brin  -- http://open.salon.com/blog/david_brin

Holly Tuten  -- http://open.salon.com/blog/holly_tuten

Rakul K. Parikh -- http://open.salon.com/blog/rahul_k_parikh

Dr. Evan Levine -- http://open.salon.com/blog/dr_evan_levine