According to two major scientific studies, seven new genetic variants make people overweight. All new identified genes are linked to appetite control and obesity. An Icelandic biotechnology company, deCode Genetics, and an international academic consortium conducted the study and published their findings yesterday in the journal Nature Genetics.

According to a new research, scarring from heart attack can be reduced by targeting a protein involved in scar formation. During heart attack, damaged and injured heart gets excessive scar tissues that prevent the heart muscles from working at full capacity.

According to a U. S. study, healthy diet lowers the risk of breast cancer returning, by almost a third. Eating lots of fruit, vegetables and little fat can be beneficial.

San Diego team from the University of California found that healthy diet can reduce the chance of the cancer returning by 31%. Lead researcher Ellen Gold of the University of California Davis, said, "Women with early stage breast cancer who have hot flashes, have better survival and lower recurrence rates than women who don't."

For controlling HIV/AIDS, behavioral change at the individual level can be an important strategy. To find out the new ways of preventing the spread of HIV, a UN panel discussion was held on Tuesday. Many strategies have been taken to win the war against HIV/AIDS and there is hope with the strategy of behavioral change.

Mr Batho Molomo, the National Coordinator of NACA, said, “Behavior change is the responsibility of individuals and not the community.” adding that the latter could only provide the environment within which to effect behavioral change.

It was found that people under 50 with panic disorders have a higher risk of subsequent heart attacks. Researchers from the University College London said panic disorders might trigger nervous system changes which could help clog arteries. Lead researcher Kate Walters said, “The symptoms of panic attacks can closely mimic those of a heart attack or acute cardiac disease, and it seems that there may be a complex relationship between them.”

British researchers have identified a potential new avenue for encouraging lung growth in unborn babies. Researchers have discovered an important player, a well-known molecule called the calcium receptor in early lung development which is a potential drug target for treating very premature babies with small, immature lungs. The results of the study could lead to better outcomes for the premature babies.