FROM whale sperm to colon cleansers, to the shape of a woman’s foot when she has an orgasm, celebrities did not disappoint during 2011 with their penchant for peddling suspect science in the world’s media.

TEXAS governor Rick Perry has ridden a wave of anti-government sentiment to top a crowded field of Republicans who want to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has become the second major Republican to announce a challenge to President Barack Obama in 2012, declaring he will “put America back on a course of greatness”.