Washington, Apr 14 : Aspirin and other medications that prevent blood clotting by inhibiting the accumulation of platelets could increase the likelihood of asymptomatic cerebral microbleeds among older adults, says a new study.

Cerebral microbleeds-small deposits of the iron-storing protein hemosiderin in the brain-can be a sign of cerebral small-vessel disease.

Washington, Apr 14 : Erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs like Viagra and sildenafil pose no threat to vision, say researchers.

According to a report in the April issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, two medications used to treat the disorder in men do not appear to have visual side effects when taken daily for six months, despite concerns about eye-related complications.

Washington, April 14 : Vegetable and nut intake and a Mediterranean dietary pattern seem to lower the risk of heart disease, according to a review of past studies.

However, the review also suggests that the consumption of trans-fatty acids and foods with a high glycemic index may be harmful to heart health.

Washington, April 14 : Muscle disorders like writer''s cramp may result from abnormalities in fibres connecting different brain areas, according to a study.

Dr. Christine Delmaire, of Centre Hospitalier Regional Universitaire Roger Salengro, Lille, France, and Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Paris, came to this conclusion after studying 26 right-handed patients with writer''s cramp and 26 right-handed control participants, who were the same sex and age.

Melbourne, Apr 13: Researchers from Murdoch Children''s Research Institute in Melbourne have revealed that there is no safe level of drinking for teenagers, as even moderate amounts could lead to alcohol abuse or promote risky sexual behaviour.

According to the Fairfax newspapers, the new study casts doubt on national guidelines that suggest there is a "low risk" level of drinking for under-18s.

Washington, April 13 : A new study has shed light on racial disparities in the treatment of lung cancer between black and white patients.

Dr. Dale Hardy, of the University of Texas School of Public Health, has found that black lung cancer patients are less likely to receive recommended chemotherapy and surgery than white lung cancer patients.

He says that this disparity is showing no signs of lessening.