Genome mapping showing that pandas may prefer a bamboo-based diet because they can't taste meat could unlock secrets to ensuring the survival of the endangered species.

An international team of more than 120 researchers has now sequenced this rare bear's genome. It is the first genome project to rely solely on short-read next-generation sequencing technology, and the panda's sequence is the first in the bear family and only the second member of the Carnivora order (after dogs) to be decoded, report the researchers. The findings were published online Sunday in Nature.

Mutations in certain sequences of the giant panda's taste gene, which can affect the ability to experience savory flavors such as meat and other high-protein foods, may have turned them onto a strict bamboo diet, the study said.

Half of children and younger adolescents meeting criteria for mental disorders had not seen a health professional for their symptoms in the past year, researchers found.

The data came from youths aged 8 to 15 whose families participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2004.  The youths were interviewed, and parents and caregivers also provided information about their children's mental health.

These are the first estimates of the prevalence in children of mental disorders as defined in DSM-IV, the psychiatric profession's standard reference, the researchers wrote online in Pediatrics.

The researchers wanted to establish a baseline on the prevalence of six mental health disorders affecting children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 15. Using data from 3,042 kids who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, they  found:

- 8.6% had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- 3.7% were depressed
- 2.1% had conduct disorder
- 0.7% suffered from generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder
- 0.1% were anorexic or bulimic
- 13% of kids surveyed had at least one of these disorders, and 1.8% had two or more.

According to a recent Associated Press poll,  more Americans support creation of a new government-run health insurance plan to compete with the private insurance market. But the level of enthusiasm depends on how the question is asked.

When they were told that letting the government sell insurance would be cheaper for them, and a majority is in favor.

When they were told that  the government would be making decisions about what medical care they could get, and support sinks.

So, the plan commanded majority support only when cast in positive terms that emphasized benefits to consumers over government control, AP reported.