Washington, Mar 3: A naturally occurring compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against respiratory inflammation that causes conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, says a new study.

Washington, Mar 3: In a novel study, an international team of researchers has identified a genetic variant linked to cocaine addiction and cocaine-induced paranoia.

They have discovered variant in gene called á-endomannosidase (MANEA) that contributes to cocaine dependence and related behaviours.

During the study, the researchers looked at 3,992 individuals from two family-based samples of European American and African American families, and were then genotyped for 11 markers spanning the MANEA gene.

Hong Kong - Hong Kong recorded its highest-ever number of HIV infections in a single year in 2008, the city's Department of Health announced Tuesday.

There were 435 new cases of HIV recorded, the highest total since records began in 1984 and 5 per cent more than in 2007, a spokesman said.

Of the 435 infections, 131 people acquired the disease through heterosexual contact while another 145 were infected through homosexual or bisexual contact. The remainder of cases were unknown or from other sources.

Washington, Mar 2 : Women with low blood levels of vitamin B12 shortly before and after conception may have children with increased risk of a neural tube defect, according to a new study.