London, Apr 21 : A leading British scientist has cast doubts on claims that genetic research could provide a cure for a host of common illnesses, insisting they are "plainly wrong".

Prof Steve Jones, head of the biology department at University College London, claims that the hope has proved a "false dawn".

He has called for a complete rethink of what he calls the "scattergun" approach to genetic research, which has millions of pounds investments.

Washington, Apr 21 : University of Illinois scientists have identified a new gene linked to vision loss in common form of muscular dystrophy.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, or FSHD, is the world''s third most common type of muscular dystrophy. It is characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakening in the face, shoulders, and upper arms.

Over half of FSHD patients also have abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye, which can cause vision problems.

Washington, Apr 21 : Researchers have confirmed what many people already knew: abstinence is the only way to survive severe alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver.

Alcohol-related cirrhosis develops silently but usually presents with an episode of internal bleeding or jaundice - which is often fatal.

Washington, Apr 21 : News coverage detailing harmful effects of trans fat, along with labelling information, could prompt shoppers to stay away from short-term purchases of foods high in trans fat, according to a new study.

However, such coverage does not suffice to influence consumers to avoid these potentially artery-clogging purchases over the long term.

Washington, Apr 21 : Eating eggs for breakfast can help adults manage hunger and reduce calorie consumption throughout the day, according to a new research on breakfast choices.

On the other hand, teens who choose a protein-rich breakfast are less hungry and eat fewer calories at lunch.

Washington, April 21 : A new study conducted by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) has found that breast cancer cells that don''t respond to tamoxifen may be producing high amounts of cholesterol in order to provide a kind of shield against the drug.

The findings suggest that widely available statin drugs, which reduce cholesterol levels, may be useful for patients with tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.