Washington, Nov 6 : A new study has determined that tornadoes that occur from midnight to dawn are 2.5 times more likely to prove fatal than twisters in the daytime.

The study, by scientists from the Northern Illinois University, also suggests that warning systems that have led to overall declines in tornado death rates might not be adequate for overnight events.

Nighttime tornadoes occur most frequently in the mid-South region of the United States.

Over the past century, the tornado death rate has declined, in large part because of sophisticated forecasting technology and warning systems.

Washington, Nov 6 : Stomach cancer has been strongly linked to chronic inflammation. Now, a new study, led by Columbia University scientists, has shed light on how inflammation contributes to the cancer of stomach.

The research team found that increased levels of a single proinflammatory cytokine, an immune system protein called interleukin-1 beta (IL-1â), can start the progression towards stomach cancer.

Washington, Nov 6 : An internal US military report has reportedly found that the deadly attack on a US outpost in eastern Afghanistan in July was executed with the support of local police, government leaders and villagers.

In the attack launched on July 12 by about 200 insurgents, as many as nine US troops were killed, and 27 wounded. At least 52 of the attackers were killed and another 45 wounded, the report said.

It also said the incident was an example of repeated problems in the volatile mountain region where the local population was offering “passive and active support” to the insurgents, which also had infiltrated the country’s security forces, reported the Dawn.

Washington, Nov 6 : MRI scans can help predict disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis, says a new study led by an Indian origin researcher.

The research team led by Dr Rohit Bakshi, Director of the Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research and an Associate Professor of Neurology and Radiology at the Brigham and Women''s Hospital and Harvard Medical School has found that detecting the gray matter damage in brain can help in identifying those at-risk for progression of disability.

In a four year study, the researchers found that patients with unnatural darkness of gray matter structures as seen on MRI pictures carried a higher risk for progression of physical disability.

Lahore, Nov 6 : Religious leaders in Pakistan are of the opinion that the mere election of Barack Hussein Obama as the new President of the US will not change America’s “falling democratic image and growing Muslim hatred” unless he reversed the present incumbent in the White House George Bush’s policies, “especially those foreign policies deemed as anti-Muslim”.

They say that Pakistan should not expect any major policy change from Obama, as, in their view, he would stick to US’ interests chalked out by American authorities.

Washington, Nov 6 : People often ignore the general symptoms of pain, thinking that the ache doesn''t merit a trip to the doctor, however, a new study has outlined some signs that should never be ignored or they can prove fatal.

The November issue of Mayo Clinic Women''s HealthSource has brought to light 10 generally ignored symptoms, which should be reported to the doctor immediately to avoid any kind of complication.

They are: