May 23, 2013--------News Archive—Latest research covered daily, archived weekly

Chemicals in plastics and processed food elevate blood pressure in children and teens
Data from nearly 3,000 children shows dietary exposure to certain plastics may play a hidden role in epidemic increases in childhood hypertension.

Calcium supplements linked to longer lifespans in women
Study finds calcium-rich diet, or taking a calcium supplement of up to 1,000 mg per day can help women live longer.

Eyes on the prey
Researchers analyse the hunting behaviour of fish larvae in virtual reality.

May 22, 2013--------News Archive—Latest research covered daily, archived weekly

A molecule in human breast milk proves to be successful in killing tumor cells
The molecule has been found to have strong and wide-ranging tumour killing properties when bound to certain lipids. Lipids are molecules like amino acids and carbohydrates, are made up of carbon and hydrogen, help to store energy, and to form biological membranes.

Genetic predictors of postpartum depression uncovered
Alteration of 2 genes, detectable by simple blood test during pregnancy, foretold illness with 85 percent certainty in small study of 52 pregnant women.

Genetic predictors of postpartum depression uncovered
Alteration of 2 genes, detectable by simple blood test during pregnancy, foretold illness with 85 percent certainty in small study of 52 pregnant women.

May 21, 2013--------News Archive—Latest research covered daily, archived weekly

New X-ray method shows cell movement in frog embryos
An international team of scientists using a new X-ray method recorded the internal structure and cell movement inside a living frog embryo in greater detail than ever before.

Immune protein could stop diabetes in its tracks
Melbourne researchers have identified an immune protein that has the potential to stop or reverse the development of type 1 diabetes in its early stages, before insulin-producing cells have been destroyed.

Changes in brain chemistry sustain obesity
Found in the brain cells of rats—obesity impedes the production of a hormone that curbs appetite and inspires calorie burning. The root cause appears to be a breakdown in the protein-processing mechanism of the cells. In the lab, the researchers showed they could fix the breakdown with drugs.

May 20, 2013--------News Archive—Latest research covered daily, archived weekly

Slim women have a greater risk of endometriosis than obese women
Women with a lean body shape have a greater risk of developing endometriosis than women who are morbidly obese, according to the largest prospective study to investigate the link.

Female reproduction may be tied to immune status
Previous studies have found this link in human males, but not females, even though the immune system is related to survival—and survival is the first priority of the body.

New approach to improving treatment for MS
Recent research results could have therapeutic implications for MS as well as cerebral palsy and leukodystrophies, disorders associated with loss of white matter—the brain tissue where information is carried between nerve cells and the spinal cord.