My picks from ScienceDaily

Unusual Ultrasonic Vocalization Patterns In Mice May Be Useful For Modeling Autism:

Scientists have found novel patterns of ultrasonic vocalizations in a genetic mouse model of autism, adding a unique element to the available mouse behaviors that capture components of the human disease, and representing a new step towards identifying causes and better treatments.

New Concepts In Contraception:

Latest research into dual-purpose contraceptives and non-hormonal contraception will be presented August 27 at a major scientific conference in Melbourne.

Heart Attack Prevention: Potential New Use For Viagra?:

A basic science breakthrough by Queen's researchers into regulating a single enzyme may lead to new drug therapies that will help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Over 10 Million Americans Are Taking Opioids Each Week, Study Finds:

Researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have found that in a given week, over 10 million Americans are taking opioids, and more than 4 million are taking them regularly (at least five days per week, for at least four weeks).

How The Brain Compensates For Vision Loss Shows Much More Versatility Than Previously Recognized:

Previous research has found that when vision is lost, a person's senses of touch and hearing become enhanced. But exactly how this happens has been unclear.

Genetic Underpinnings Of Sheep Traits May Yield Clues To Greater Productivity:

Keeping America's sheep healthy and productive while expanding the market for wool and lamb is the goal of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists who are matching the animals' physical traits to the genes that underpin their expression.

Consumption Of Nuts, Corn Or Popcorn Not Associated With Increased Risk Of Diverticulosis In Men:

Contrary to a common recommendation to avoid eating popcorn, nuts and corn to prevent diverticular complications, a large prospective study of men indicates that the consumption of these foods does not increase the risk of diverticulosis or diverticular complications, according to a new study.

Jamaican Lizards' Shows Of Strength Mark Territory At Dawn, Dusk:

What does Jack LaLanne have in common with a Jamaican lizard? Like the ageless fitness guru, the lizards greet each new day with vigorous push-ups. That's according to a new study showing that male Anolis lizards engage in impressive displays of reptilian strength -- push-ups, head bobs, and threatening extension of a colorful neck flap called a dewlap -- to defend their territory at dawn and dusk.

Student-designed Device To Help Poor East Africans Coax Oil From Coconuts:

A team of Brigham Young University student engineers designed an innovative and cost-effective apparatus that enables poor East African women to turn abundant coconuts into valuable coconut oil.

Protection Zones In The Wrong Place To Prevent Coral Reef Collapse:

Conservation zones are in the wrong place to protect vulnerable coral reefs from the effects of global warming, an international team of scientists warn.

Profiling Protective Proteins In Dairy Cows:

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) molecular biologist John Lippolis is delving into the dynamics of the dairy cow immune system. His work is resulting in the first close-up look at how immune system proteins help protect the cows, and how bacterial proteins fight back.

Facades: A Source Of Water Pollution:

For many years, fingers have been pointed at agriculture whenever pesticides are detected in rivers and streams. Studies carried out by Eawag and Empa now show that built-up areas also account for a considerable proportion of such inputs. For example, substances can be leached out of facade renders and paints by rainwater and enter the environment, where they may have toxic effects on organisms. In cooperation with manufacturers, cantonal authorities and other partners, the researchers have studied these leaching processes and are currently discussing ways of tackling the problem.

Proteins Have Controlled Motions, Researcher Shows:

Iowa State University researcher Robert Jernigan believes that his research shows proteins have controlled motions. Most biochemists traditionally believe proteins have many random, uncontrolled movements. Research conducted by Jernigan, director of the L.H. Baker Center for Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics together with Guang Song, an assistant professor in computer science and graduate student Lei Yang, over a 10-year period shows that not only are protein motions more restricted, but also that these restricted, controlled motions are part of the function of the proteins.