London, Nov 16 : Research on cancer drug is entering a whole new era, which will lead to more successful drugs for patients, according to a charity. 

Experts at Cancer Research UK have said that improved knowledge of cancer''s biology means 18 percent of new drugs, compared to 5 percent previously - will become standard treatments. 

The hunt for cancer drugs is conducted on a large scale, but there is also a massive failure rate, as promising candidates fall by the wayside in clinical trials. 

Although scientists can learn lessons even from expensive failures, this costs drug firms and charities such as Cancer Research UK many millions.

New York - The United Nations on Friday joined some 800 monuments and landmark sites around the world in commemorating World Diabetes Day by lighting its building in blue.

Other sites include the Pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Niagara Falls, the Tower of London, the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Alamo in Texas.

Washington, Nov 14: A research team led by an Indian-origin scientist at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have shown how eating red meat and milk products could increase the risk of cancerous tumours.

Ajit Varki, M. D., and colleagues have found that inflammation resulting from a molecule introduced through consumption of these foods could promote tumour growth,

Washington, Nov 12 : In a new study, scientists have established that sildenafil, a drug also sold as Viagra and known for treating erectile dysfunction (male impotence) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), does not influence blood flow in patients with cirrhosis.

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem affecting about half of all patients with end-stage liver disease.

The scientists found that sildenafil had no effect on the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG).

Washington, November 12 : Researchers at Indiana University''s Kinsey Institute have for the first time shown differences in brain activity as women considered masculinised and feminised male faces, and whether the person was a potential sexual partner.

The researchers claim that they have identified regions of the brain that respond more strongly to masculine faces.

According to them, the differences between women’s preference of masculinized and feminised faces appeared strongest when they were closer to ovulating.

London, Nov 12 : An "intelligent pill,” dubbed the "iPill", has been developed, which when taken releases the correct amount of medicine according to what the body needs.

Designed by Philips, the Dutch electronics giant, the iPill consists of a microprocessor, battery, wireless radio, pump and a drug reservoir so that it can release medication in a specific area in the body.

It uses its sensors to measure acidity ad its location in the gut and then releases the drug, reports The Telegraph.

According to the company spokesman, it is possible to use the iPill for the treatment of digestive tract disorders like Crohn''s disease.