Washington, April 8 : Heart failure patients may slightly reduce their likelihood of death or hospitalisation by exercising regularly, without any safety risk.

This suggestion is based on a study supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which was conducted at 82 centres in the U. S., Canada, and France.

It has shown that heart failure patients who add regular, moderate physical activity to standard medical therapy generally have a higher quality of life compared to patients who receive medical therapy only.

Geneva  - The World Health Organization said Tuesday that developed nations should not be lax in taking steps to make sure their hospitals are safe in times of emergencies, particularly in light of the earthquake in Italy.

United Nations agencies noted that a hospital in the medieval town of L'Aquila had to be evacuated owing to severe structural damage caused by the quake.

"If we are prepared, we certainly can save an untold number of lives," said Fadela Chiab, WHO spokeswoman in Geneva.

Washington, Apr 7 : In a novel study, researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Centre have identified a gene that protects PTEN, a major tumour-suppressor in breast cancer.

They have found that the gene known as Rak helps protect and regulate PTEN, which also is important in several other types of cancer.

Washington, April 7 : A team of British scientists has identified a genetic mutation that may trigger up to 70 percent of cases of the most deadly form of skin cancer - melanoma.

Previous studies have shown that the BRAF gene was often damaged or mutated in melanomas - but it is not known whether this was a cause or result of the cancer.

The Institute of Cancer Research study shows that acquiring the mutation can be the first in a cascade of genetic changes leading to melanoma.

London, Apr 7 : Scientists have identified a new genetic variant associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that typically affects the large flexures such as the bend of the elbows or the back of the knees.

While analysing more than 9600 participants from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, the research team discovered a gene variant on chromosome 11.

"Our findings cast new light on the pathogenesis of the disease," Nature magazine quoted Professor Young-Ae Lee, as saying.

Washington, Apr 7 : Commonly used osteoporosis drugs have not been found to increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, say research team led by Indian-origin scientist from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Bisphosphonates, found in prescription drugs reduces the risk of fractures, especially those of the spine and hips in older patients, however studies have revealed that they might cause problems with heart rhythm, thereby increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.