London, Jan 13 : Scientists from Children''s National Medical Centre have identified key developmental mechanisms of the amygdala - a brain region critical in processing and memory of emotional reactions.

The finding may provide insights into autism.

Using studies of embryonic mice, the researchers have identified a group of precursor cells of neurons that are set aside specifically for the amygdala, and are crucial to the growth and development for this portion of the brain.

Autism and similar disorders are often attributed to altered function of this region.

Washington, January 13 : Conducting experiments on mice, a group of German researchers has shown that chemicals known as opiods reduce the symptoms of neuropathic pain.

Halina Machelska and colleagues, at Freie Universitat Berlin, describe neuropathic pain as the pain that is associated with injury to nerves, such as caused by the trauma of amputation, entrapment, and compression.

The researchers point out that it can be extremely debilitating, and treatments show limited or no effectiveness.

They also reveal that nerve injury underlying neuropathic pain is associated with an inflammatory response, and immune cells are thought to be contributors to the pain.

Melbourne, Jan 13 : It seems things are heating up between Kylie Minogue and her new man Andres Velencoso, for the stunning beauty is reportedly heading to Spain to meet her model beau's family.

Yesterday, the star pair spent strolling through Barcelona before heading to Velencoso''s nearby hometown of Tossa de Mar, where the New York-based model''s family lives.

It has reported that after the completion of KylieX2008 world tour, Minogue is looking after her beau with all affection, reports the Herald Sun.

Minogue and Velencoso were recently photographed holidaying together in the French Alps.

London, Jan 13 : People visiting newsstands in Germany were in for a shock on Monday when they were confronted with the lead story of "Hitler, Chancellor of the Reich!" That story appeared in the Der Angriff as also a histrionic commentary by Dr. Joseph Goebbels.

According to The Times, a British publisher has taken the initiative to reproduce facsimiles of original Nazi-era newspapers. The weekly publication costs Euro 3.90 (3.50 pounds). The start-up print run is 300,000 and kiosks in Berlin are reporting brisk sales.

The paper says that there is a visible surge of interest in national socialist pamphlets. The daily talk about a return of the Great Depression has stoked up interest in the

London, Jan 13 : After knocking X Factor champion Alexandra Burke off the top of the UK singles chart, New York singer Lady GaGa has hit out at TV talent show wannabes.

Lady Gaga a. k. a Joanne Stefani Germanotta has slammed reality show winners saying that they are handed instant stardom.

She stated that unlike reality show winners, she learnt her trade by working hard and slogging on stages in the clubs.

"I did this the way you are supposed to. I played every club in New York and found myself as an artist," The Daily Star quoted Lady Gaga, as telling The Daily Record.

Leading auto-major, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) have added another feather to its cap.

The much-awaited Mahindra XYLO was launched on Tuesday by M&M Ltd at its Nashik plant.