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Science News for May 15, 2007


Peanut allergies overstated, study finds

A recent study by researchers at the University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital found that a third of children with a predicted peanut allergy were not allergic when challenged with peanuts. This suggests that diagnostic tests for peanut allergy may have poor sensitivity and specificity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMay 15, 2007

'Nondanger' signal lowers immune reactions

Researchers have identified a well-known cell receptor that sends a 'nondanger' signal to dampen the immune system. This discovery raises the possibility of targeting this receptor to prevent overzealous immune responses in transplant patients and alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 15, 2007

JDRF announces 2007 Scholar Award recipients

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced the 2007 Scholar Award recipients, providing $250,000 annually for up to five years to support groundbreaking research. The selected researchers aim to accelerate type 1 diabetes research and find a cure for this devastating disease.

SourceJDRF·DateMay 15, 2007

NMR advance relies on microscopic detector

A new highly sensitive NMR technique using a microscopic detector decreases protein sample size by several orders of magnitude, making it possible to diagnose diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's at an early stage. The technology could lead to the development of tabletop NMR devices in every research laboratory and medical office.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2007

Saliva clue to chronic bullying

Researchers found that chronically bullied kids have lower cortisol levels, linked to anxiety and stress. The study suggests a biological marker for early recognition and intervention of long-term psychological effects on youth.

Do fruit flies have free will?

A team of researchers analyzed fruit fly behavior and found it to be non-randomly generated by the brain, suggesting a mechanism for free will in animals. This discovery could lead to the development of robots with spontaneous behavior and help combat human disorders related to compromised spontaneity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 15, 2007

Spud origin controversy solved

Scientists have long debated the birthplace of the European potato. New genetic information reveals that remnants of early potatoes are of Andean and Chilean origin, with possible hybrids. This finding challenges previous assumptions and has implications for breeding programs.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateMay 15, 2007

Simple equations track Listeria trails

Biologists used simple equations to describe the motion of Listeria monocytogenes, reproducing all observed shapes with just two variables. The equations can help identify bacterial mutants and rule out mechanisms driving the motion.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2007