Washington, Oct 2 : The clue to the missing link in planet-formation theory might lie in nearby stellar systems, according to a new study by astronomers from the University of Rochester.

Scientists study planets, which are in the process of formation to piece together information on how our own planet came to be formed.

But, so far, they have been unable to find evidence for one of the key stages of planet development, a period early in the planet's formation when it is only as large as Pluto.

The US Food & Drug Administration has given nod to a new flu vaccine known as ‘Afluria.’ Austrian researchers have designed the new drug in order to defend grown-ups from influenza A and B viruses.

The Afluria vaccine is made from deactivated flu viruses developed in chicken eggs. Individuals allergic to eggs or any other constituent of the vaccine should not take it.

Washington, Oct 02 : A Saint Louis University study has found that during pregnancy, severely obese women should lose weight while obese women should gain less weight than recommended.

The study was conducted by Raul Artal, M.D., and chairman of the department of obstetrics, gynaecology and women’s health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

“This study confirms what we’ve suspected all along -- that obese women don’t have to gain any weight during their pregnancy,” Dr. Artal said.

Washington, Oct 2 : Researchers from the University of Manchester have revealed new methods of controlling and treating breast cancer.

One third of women diagnosed with breast cancer experienced that the disease recurred some years later after being successfully treated because some of these cancer cells survive the treatment and begin to grow again.

Washington, Oct 2 : A new study has uncovered the mechanism behind smokers’ persistent dependency on nicotine.

Researchers at the Scripps Research Koob lab found that, in rats, chronic nicotine use recruits the extrahypothalamic corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system, a major brain stress system, which contributes to continued tobacco use by intensifying anxiety and craving upon withdrawal.

The researchers pointed out that their findings might help explain why many cigarette smokers relapse even after a long abstinence from smoking.