Washington, Apr 3 : Hypodermic needles often lead to medical complications when the jab penetrates too far in the skin. However, now MIT researchers have developed a novel needle that aims to reduce the risk.

Based on the drilling technique from the oil industry, scientists have developed a mechanical device that automatically stops once the needle tip enters a cavity or lower-density tissue.

Washington, Apr 3 : Want to shed those extra pounds? Well, then focus more on what you drink than what you eat, suggest Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers.

The researchers studied the relationship between beverage consumption among adults and weight change and found that weight loss was positively linked to a reduction in liquid calorie consumption and liquid calorie intake had a stronger impact on weight than solid calorie intake.

Washington, Apr 3 : A diet rich in whipping cream, butter and vegetable oils can help control epileptic seizures in children, suggests a new study.

In the study, children on highly regimented ketogenic diet, a high-fat nutritional therapy, were found to have 90pct reduction in seizure frequency.

Washington, Apr 3 : High levels of lead concentrations in blood might put women at increased risk of death from coronary heart diseases (CHD), according to a new study.

The research led by University of Pittsburgh and the University of Maryland scientists found that those with blood lead concentrations above 8µg/dL were three times more likely to die of CHD.

During the study, the team followed a group of 65-87 year old women and recorded their cause of death.

"Lead is a toxic metal, and our results add to the existing evidence of adverse affects of lead on health as seen in an older cohort who experienced greater historic environmental lead exposure," said lead researcher Naila Khalil.

Washington, Apr 3 : Chicken soup with matzoh balls can help combat high blood pressure, say researchers.

According to lead researcher Ai Saiga, from Japan, the popular home remedy also used to treat common cold sometimes can help fight high blood pressure.

Previous studies have shown that chicken breast contains collagen proteins with effects similar to ACE inhibitors, mainstay medications for treating high blood pressure.

Washington, April 3: Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have gained fresh insights into how the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is used by nerve cells to communicate with one another, helps brain cells to process important information.

Studying cells in mice, the researchers have found that this neurotransmitter causes certain brain cells to become more flexible, and changes brain-cell circuitry to process important information differently than mundane information.