Washington, Feb 18 : Two new studies have brought scientists one step closer to the development of a pill that could stave off noise-induced and perhaps even age-related hearing loss in humans.

In the studies, scientists found that vitamin supplements prevented hearing loss in laboratory animals.

The supplements used in the studies are composed of antioxidants - beta carotene and vitamins C and E - and the mineral magnesium.

When administered prior to exposure to loud noise, the supplements prevented both temporary and permanent hearing loss in test animals.

Washington, Feb 18 : Dreams may not mean anything but they shape humans' judgment and behaviour, that's the conclusion of a new research.

The findings are based on six different studies, in which researchers surveyed nearly 1,100 people about their dreams.

"Psychologists'' interpretations of the meaning of dreams vary widely. But our research shows that people believe their dreams provide meaningful insight into themselves and their world, "said Carey Morewedge, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University and the study''s lead author.

Washington, February 18 : Scientists have identified new gene variants associated with an increased risk for heart attack.

The international team of researchers behind this work say that the identified genes and their underlying mechanisms provide new starting points for understanding genetic patterns in heart attack, and for developing new treatment options.

One of their findings is that the heart attack risk is more than twice as great in individuals who carry not only one but several of the genetic markers.

Washington, Feb 18 : Playing computer games, reading magazines or crafting in middle age or later in life can delay or prevent memory loss, says a new study.

The study, which will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology''s 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, April 25 to May 2, 2009, involved 197 people between the ages of 70 and 89 with mild cognitive impairment, or diagnosed memory loss, and 1,124 people that age with no memory problems.

Lahore, Feb. 18: Alarmed by the recent upsurge in militant activities in Pakistan and other countries of the region, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has said that extremists not only pose threat to Pakistan, but it also is a major concern for the United States.

"Activity by the extremist elements in Pakistan poses a direct threat to the government of Pakistan as well as to the security of the US, Afghanistan and a number of other nations beyond the immediate region," The Daily Times quoted Clinton, as saying.

Washington, February 18 : An apple a day, along with other fruits and vegetables, may keep breast cancer at bay, according to scientists.

Rui Hai Liu, Cornell associate professor of food science and a member of Cornell''s Institute for Comparative and Environmental Toxicology, has found that fresh apple extracts significantly inhibited the size of mammary tumours in rats.

The researcher said that the more extracts the subjects were given, the greater the inhibition.