Children appear to be less at risk for developing nut allergies if their mothers are not allergic and ate more nuts during pregnancy, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. read more

A study on 39 depressed patients found their emotional memories were disrupted using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), according to a study published in Nature Neuroscience. read more

Researchers publishing in Cell discovered a naturally produced compound rewinds aspects of age-related demise in mice. read more

In a review of recent evidence, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a statement that two neonicotinoid insecticides may affect the developing human nervous system. read more

Nature Communications published findings that diamonds may be present in the geology of the Antarctic.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US warned that ingredients in antibacterial soaps might pose health risks, calling for a safety review. read more

The journal Acupuncture in Medicine published a small study which suggested 5-point ear acupuncture was better than single point in trying to reduce abdominal fat. read more

The man accused of being a fake sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service says he suffered a schizophrenic episode during the service and was hearing voices in his head. read more

A study in PLOS One by Professor Robert Plomin suggested genetic difference accounted for over half of the variation between pupils’ GCSE results. read more

The European Food Safety Authority conducted a review of the scientific literature and risk assessment on aspartame and its breakdown … read more

Randy Schekman, a winner of this year’s Nobel prize in physiology or medicine declared a boycott of top science journals, claiming they are distorting the scientific process. read more

A Nature Communications paper showed a mutation in newly emerged H7N9 influenza can render it resistant to the only class of drugs active against the virus, without affecting its ability to spread in animals. read more

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recommended that ketamine should be upgraded to a Class B illegal drug and a schedule 2 substance for legal use by medics and vets. read more

The SMC rounded up reaction to the report on the approach to animal care and welfare at Imperial College London. The independent committee, chaired by Professor Steven Brown of the MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit at Harwell, presented their report at an SMC briefing read more

Research in The Lancet suggested exposure to tiny particles of soot or dust may be more deadly below current European Union (EU) air quality limits than previously thought. read more

A comprehensive review in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found low vitamin D levels are not a cause but a consequence of ill health, raising doubt over whether vitamin D supplements protect against serious disease. read more

JAMA Pediatrics published a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcing the elimination of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) from the United States was sustained through 2011. read more

Cell published a paper linking autism-like neurodevelopmental symptoms in mice to changes in the animals’ gut bacteria. read more

A study in PNAS looked at gender-specific differences in brain connectivity, suggesting male and female brains might be structured differently. read more

A new biomarker could help identify abnormal breast cells that will develop into tumours, according to research published in Clinical Cncer … read more