Washington, Apr 20 : A new study has revealed that treatment with biphosphonates could prevent radiation-induced leukaemia.

Lead researcher Dr Alexandra Miller, a senior scientist at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, said that the study will not only help military and space agency personnel exposed to risky levels of radiation, it will also be beneficial for civilian populations.

Washington, Apr 20 : In a study, led by an Indian-origin scientist, researchers have found a combination therapy, which could reduce cancer stem cells and stop the growth pancreatic cancer-one of the deadliest cancers.

Rajesh Kumar N. V., Ph. D., a faculty member at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, led the study.

He said that a combination therapy using tigatuzumab, a novel humanized death receptor-5 (DR-5) agonist antibody, along with gemcitabine, could result in reducing pancreatic cancer stem cells to achieve tumour remission and prevent tumour recurrence.

Washington, Apr 20 : Exposure to marijuana or hashish during adolescence has a lasting impact on cognitive processes such as learning and memory, says a new study.

Lead researcher Dr. Peter Winsauer, from Louisiana State University suggests that illicit use of THC, an ingredient of marijuana or hashish, during adolescence produces persistent changes in the brain that sensitise females to the negative effects of THC later in life.

Washington, Apr 20 : Genetic variations in the micro-RNA (miRNA) processing pathway genes and miRNA binding sites could predict a woman''s risk of developing ovarian cancer and her prospects for survival, according to a new study.

The study by researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Centre was the first to examine the association of genetic variants related to miRNA with ovarian cancer risk, overall survival for ovarian cancer patients, and platinum-based chemotherapy response.

London, Apr 20 : In what is being called as a "big step" towards answering one of medical science''s great questions, Scottish scientists have discovered genetic "brakes" which could slow down or stop diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cancer.

The findings by the researchers at the Roslin Institute could lead to new treatments and even cures for illnesses, which affect the immune system.

London, Apr 20 : Cancer is not just down to genes, unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle also contribute to the potentially fatal disease, say experts.

Dr Rachel Thompson, science programme manager for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) dispelled the myth insisting lack of exercise and being overweight - causes three times as many cases of cancer as genetics.

According to her, 39 per cent of the most common cancers, including breast and bowel, could be prevented through a good diet, exercising and keeping weight under control.