Washington, February 23: A potential new flu vaccine to cure almost all kinds of the disease, including bird flue, may be available in just two years because scientists have identified 10 antibodies that target an "Achilles heel" in most forms of influenza.

The researchers have revealed that the antibodies they have discovered target the weak spot in the "neck" of the virus, just below its peanut-shaped "head" which stops it shape-changing and infecting cells.

London, Feb 23 : In a study on the need for sleep in animals, scientists at North Carolina State University have identified almost 1,700 genes associated with the variability of sleep in fruit flies.

Led by Dr. Trudy Mackay, the study has shown that the fruit fly is genetically wired to sleep, although the sleep comes in widely variable amounts and patterns.

The researcher believes that understanding the genetics of sleep in model animals could lead to advances in understanding human sleep, and how sleep loss affects the human condition.

London, February 23: Scientists at the University of Dusseldorf in Germany say that they may have unravelled the mystery as to how some people can eat and never put on weight, while others struggle to shed a single ounce may have finally been solved by scientists.

Research leader Dr. Ulrich Ruther says that a gene called FTO appears to be behind these differences.

London, February 23: A new study conducted by researchers of McGill University in Montreal, Canada, has shown that childhood abuse victims can carry chemical changes to their DNA into adulthood.

Study leader Michael Meaney, a neurobiologist at the university, says that the research team observed that suicide victims with childhood abuse history were more likely to carry such chemical changes in their DNA as could affect their ability to respond to stress as adults.

He revealed that people without childhood abuse history did not show the same pattern of DNA modification, and had normal expression of NR3C1, a gene linked to stress responses.

London, Feb 23: Jogging triggers cravings for fruits, while swimming prompts a desire for biscuits, says a new study, which found how our bodies react to different types of exercise.

The study has shown that intensive activity need not increase the appetite but certain workouts result in hankerings for particular foods.

Hamburg, Germany - Acupuncture is more effective than painkillers for chronic back pain and migraines, according to a new study by German researchers who admit that no one knows how or why the needles work.

The study also showed that needles, which were deliberately inserted at the wrong acupuncture points, were just as effective as needles inserted at the points specified by Chinese medicine tradition.

Traditional Chinese medical texts claim that acupuncture taps into "meridians" or channels which are pathways through which Qi (the vital energy) and "Blood" flow to all parts of the body.