Washington, Nov 1: Parents who smoke are likely to have impulsive kids, says a new study.

The new study led by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has found that children of parents who smoke are likely to share a tendency to act impulsively, a trait that could be linked to a decision to become a smoker.

Lead researcher Brady Reynolds focused his study on the connection between smoking and impulsivity, or more specifically, delay discounting.

Washington, Oct 31 : In a study on family-based gene scan of Alzheimer''s disease, scientists have discovered the sites of four novel genes that may significantly influence risk for the most common late-onset form of the devastating neurological disorder.

Led by researchers from the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MGH-MIND), the researchers described how newly available technology is improving understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying the disease.

Washington, Oct 31 : Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center have discovered that the HER2 gene itself is the key behind the aggressiveness of HER2-positive breast cancer.

They found that HER2 advances tumour growth by shutting down its own regulator gene, labelled LRIG1 and commonly called "Lig-1".

The new study comes in line with recent research showing that Lig-1 limits the growth-promoting signals of HER2.

Now, the researchers have found that the regulator is significantly suppressed when compared to healthy breast tissue.

Washington, Oct 31 : Taking a crucial step towards stem cell therapies, scientists have revealed that our bodies'' ability to respond to an internal ''mayday'' signal may ultimately pave the way for long-awaited regenerative medicine.

The study from the University of Bristol has brought stem cell therapies for heart disease one step closer.

Led by Dr Nicolle Krankel, the researchers have discovered how our bodies initiate DIY rescue and repair mechanisms when blood supply is inadequate, for example in diabetic limbs or in the heart muscle during heart attack.

Washington, October 31 : A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) physician says that sexual problems in women, though prevalent, are not always associated with distress.

Dr. Jan Shifren, of the MGH Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, found in a survey of women that while 40 per cent of the participants had sexual problems, only 12 per cent of them indicated that those issues were a source of significant personal distress.

Washington, Oct 31 : Refuting earlier claims, researchers from German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care have found that birth control pills does not deserve its reputation for causing weight gain.

Hormonal methods of contraception and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most effective long-term ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

And weight gain and weight loss were reported to be one of the adverse effects of the Pill.

According to the Institute''s Director, Professor Peter Sawicki, it turns out that many researchers were too quick to jump to the conclusion that the Pill was responsible.