Diseases
High levels of a natural substance in the blood called urate might slow the progression of Parkinson's, a study out today suggests.
Walk into Naughty Auties, a virtual resource center for those with autism, and you'll find palm trees swaying against a striking ocean sunset. Were it not for the pixelated graphics on the computer screen in front of you, you would swear you were looking at a tropical hideaway.
Lead researcher Dana Hancock said: "I think there is very strong evidence now linking the two. What we need to find out how - the biological process.
"What we noticed in our research was that recreational pesticide use in the home and garden was more of a source of exposure than occupational use."
US scientists may have discovered why long nerve cells do not break when you move or stretch your limbs.
Experiments in worms showed that when a protein called beta spectrin is missing, nerve cells are brittle and break, leading to paralysis.
The finding may help to explain why people with a condition called spinocerebellar ataxia progressively lose co-ordination and movement.
"The best of all healing worlds -- modern Western medicine blended with centuries-old Oriental wisdom."