Washington, Oct 24 : Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama holds a 13-point lead over Republican rival John McCain, a new CBS News/New York Times poll shows.

Obama now leads McCain 52 percent to 39 percent among likely voters nationwide, roughly the same lead he held last week. Just five percent are undecided, and more than 9 in 10 of each candidate''s supporters say their mind is made up.

US researchers say hydrogen sulfide, known for its bad smell is important for regulating our blood pressure. According to the study published in Science, researchers at John Hopkins University, in Maryland found that hydrogen sulfide; a toxic gas responsible for the foul odor of flatulence is also produced by an enzyme called CSE in the thin lining of the blood vessels. This regulates blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.

Guangdong Yang, PhD, of the University of Saskatchewan and Lakehead University in Canada, and colleagues examined two groups of mice in the study. One group of mice was normal while the second group of mice had been engineered to not have CSE, an enzyme long suspected of making hydrogen sulfide.

Washington, Oct 24 : Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered the first gene behind one of the most common birth defects in human - clubfoot.

In a study on a multi-generation family with clubfoot, the researchers closed in on a gene called PITX1, which is critical for early development of lower limbs.

The finding is the first step toward improved genetic counselling and the development of novel therapies, say the researchers.

A recent study has suggested that warm hands lead to warm thoughts about the person.

The study headed by Lawrence Williams of the University of Colorado studied a group of college students in a controlled experiment.

The volunteers were tested at the psychology building of Yale University of Colarado.

During an elevator ride a woman handed over cups of coffee to the volunteers. Half the volunteers were given hot cup of coffee whereas the other half were given iced coffee. They held the cups while riding an elevator which means just for a few seconds.

Thereafter the students were asked to fill up a questionnaire.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved carotid stent for the treatment of patients with carotid artery disease. The stent will be manufactured by Boston Scientific Cardiovascular Business.

Hank Kucheman, Senior Vice President and Group President of Boston Scientific's Cardiovascular business said,"We are pleased to bring this proven technology to physicians in the United States.Excellent patient outcomes and ease of use in complex anatomy have already made this system the number-one stenting option for treating carotid artery disease in Europe and other countries outside the U.S. It offers a less-invasive alternative to surgery for treating carotid artery disease, and can help reduce the risk of stroke, which can have devastating effects."

Washington, Oct 24 : Just 12 days before the US presidential election, Republican White House nominee John McCain continues to keep “Joe the Plumber,” as well as his concerns about how rival Barack Obama’s tax policies would affect him, at the center of the campaign.

The economy is hands-down the top issue for voters, and the candidates are escalating their battle over whose tax plans would do the most for cash-strapped Americans.

Joe Wurzelbacher, the Ohio plumber who caused waves on the campaign trail after Obama told him he wants to “spread the wealth around,” is more than a talking point.

McCain is making “Joe the Plumber” his battering ram, FOX News reported.