London, Feb 16: In the biggest clinical trial to date, a group of scientists have found gene therapy to be a safe and beneficial option for HIV patients.

Ronald Mitsuyasu, of the University of California, Los Angeles, headed the trial for testing gene therapy against HIV.

"To our knowledge, our study was the first randomised, controlled study performed with gene therapy in HIV," New Scientist magazine quoted him as saying.

London, Feb 16: Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified two common genetic variants associated with increased risk of hypertension - a significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

The variants are located on two genes called NPPA and NPPB, which control proteins that relax blood vessels and help the excretion of dietary sodium.

London, February 16: A commonly prescribed drug for blood pressure can eliminate phobias and post traumatic stress for good, say researchers.

Merel Kindt and her colleagues at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, have revealed that this drug is called the beta blocker propranolol.

London, Feb 16: Worries about the recession could lower testosterone levels among men, a doctor has warned.

Dr Richard Petty said, who works at a private clinic for men, said that chronic stress caused by financial worries, redundancy or working longer hours may cause levels of the hormone to drop.

Testosterone is associated with sexual function, circulation and muscle mass, as well as mood, memory and concentration.

London, Feb 11: A new vaccine to protect kids against meningitis B may be available by 2011, according to researchers.

Although vaccines are available for pneumococcal meningitis and the "C" and "Hib" types, scientists have struggled to find an effective vaccine for meningococcus B, reports Times Online.

Now, pharmaceutical company Novartis has developed a meningococcus B vaccine, which is the frontrunner in the race to provide immunisation against the infection.

London, Feb 11: Scientists have debunked the myth that one in 10 kids are illegitimate without their legal fathers knowing that they have been cuckolded, saying that the real figure is 1 in 25.

London, Feb 10: Grating rather than slicing cheese could cut your risk of dying from heart disease, according to a new UK research.

The Food Standards Agency has urged general public to opt for low fat milk instead of semi-skimmed, select leaner cuts of meat and try to cut down on unhealthy snacks, reports the Telegraph.

London, Feb 10: Experts have warned that computer games are actually causing an anxiety epidemic in young people, bringing their stress levels up.

The report, submitted by a clinic, showed that playing certain games increased stress disorders.

London, Feb 10: Ever wondered why you've that recurring dream about being chased or ending up back in the classroom at school? Well, a researcher has come forward to solve the mystery.

Finnish researcher Antti Revonsuo reckons it is your link to when wild animals chased our cavemen ancestors and without them we could be wiped out.

London, February 9: Ever wondered what exactly creates that perfect aroma that sends you drooling while walking past a chip shop?

Well, food scientists at Leeds University say that a mixture of butterscotch, onion and ironing boards is behind that familiar smell.