Washington, Oct 24 : A new research has indicated that a powerful greenhouse gas is at least four times more prevalent in the atmosphere than previously estimated.

The research, based on data from a NASA-funded measurement network, examined nitrogen trifluoride, which is thousands of times more effective at warming the atmosphere than an equal mass of carbon dioxide.

Using new analytical techniques, Ray Weiss of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, led a team of researchers in making the first atmospheric measurements of nitrogen trifluoride.

The amount of the gas in the atmosphere, which could not be detected using previous techniques, had been estimated at less than 1,200 metric tons in 2006.

Washington, October 24 : Scientists at Temple University’s School of Pharmacy are studying whether it is possible to foresee any side effects a particular dose of a medicine can have on a patient by testing his/her saliva.

Dr. Evgeny Krynetskiy, associate professor and director of the Jayne Haines Center for Pharmacogenomics and Drug Safety, has revealed that he has thus far focused his research on one of the most widely prescribed anti-coagulant called Warfarin, as it is responsible for most of the drug reactions among patients.

Washington, Oct 24 : A US Congressman, who was known for his criticism of the recently signed Indo-US nuclear deal, has said that China’s decision to supply two nuclear reactors to Pakistan was in violation of the international trade rules established by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)”.

He also said that China’s resolve would also damage the international non-proliferation regime.

According to the Daily Times, in a letter written to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this week, Markey warned that the Chinese decision will “further destabilise South Asia”.

A federal health panel has suggested pneumonia vaccine for smokers due to high risk of the disease for them. The recommendations of the panel are likely to be accepted by the CDC.

The vaccination program would include smokers in the age group of 19 to 64.

Statistical data indicates that smokers are about four times more prone to pneumococcal disease than nonsmokers.

According to CDC spokesman Curtis Allen, nearly one-fifth of U.S. adults smoke cigarettes. Allen said.

Singapore - Singapore's ma

Manila - Philippine shares slipped by 2.12 per cent on Friday as investors remained jittery over the continued volatility in the stock markets around the world.

The Philippine Stock Exchange's 30-share composite index shed 42.43 points to close at 1,953.49, from Thursday's finish of 1,995.92.

A total of 847.39 million shares valued at 1.95 billion pesos (39.95 million dollars) were traded.

Losers outpaced gainers, 92 to 23, with 24 issues unchanged.