Washington, Apr 7 : Commonly used osteoporosis drugs have not been found to increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, say research team led by Indian-origin scientist from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Bisphosphonates, found in prescription drugs reduces the risk of fractures, especially those of the spine and hips in older patients, however studies have revealed that they might cause problems with heart rhythm, thereby increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Washington, Apr 7 : Children as young as eight who suffer from mental problems are more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide in later life, finds a new study.

While studying 5,302 Finnish individuals born in 1981, the researchers found that most males who commit suicide or need hospital care for suicide attempts during their teen or early adult years appear to have high levels of psychiatric problems at age 8.

The rates of mortality [death] by suicide have been found to be high among those with medically serious suicide attempts. For effective prevention, knowledge of the key risk factors for suicide is essential.

Washington, Apr 7 : Adult dogs and 2-year-old kids are similar when it comes to understanding human gestures, according to a new study.

Gabriella Lakatos of Eotvos University in Budapest, Hungary, looked at how dogs and young children respond to adult pointing actions.

The researchers showed that three-year-olds rely on the direction of the index finger to locate a hidden object.

Washington, Apr 7 : Young adults, who carry a genetic variant that raises their risk of developing Alzheimer''s Disease (AD), have different brain activity than normal adults, according to a study.

Led by scientists from the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, the brain imaging study has revealed that young carriers of APOE4 genetic variant show changes in their brain activity decades before any symptoms might arise.

Washington, April 7 : Researchers at North Carolina University, US, have developed a device that controls electron spin at room temperature.

The researchers have designed a magnetic semiconductor memory device, using GaMnN thin films, which utilizes both the charge and spin of electrons at room temperature.

This is a major breakthrough, as previous devices that used magnetic semiconductors (GaMnAs) and controlled electron spin were only functional at 100 K (or -173 Celsius).

Washington, Apr 7 : Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have devised a simple bedside test that can effectively diagnose chronic back pain.

According to the study, the new test is better than currently used techniques in identifying specific symptoms and signs that could signify underlying pain mechanisms.