Eating about 70 grams of baby broccoli a day for two months appears to protect against a common stomach virus that can cause gastritis, ulcers and cancer, say Johns Hopkins University researchers, based on a pilot study of 25 people in Japan. The key appears to be the sprouts' high levels of a potent natural antibiotic, sulforaphane, which encourages the production of enzymes that counter DNA-damaging chemicals and inflammation, notably a carcinogenic bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Up to half the world's population have the bug in their stomach linings, Reuters reports.

Acupuncture no help for flushes

Acupuncture appears not to relieve hot flushes in women going through menopause, say British and South Korean researchers, based on a review of more than 100 studies, only six of which they considered to be worthwhile. Of these, only one reported positive effects on the frequency and severity of hot flushes. Edzard Ernst, of Britain's Peninsula Medical School, says hormone-replacement therapy appears to be a more reliable treatment, Reuters reports.

Caffeine eases exercise pain

Caffeine appears to significantly ease muscle pain caused by vigorous exercise, say US researchers, based on a pilot study. Those given the equivalent of 2? to three cups of coffee before exercising reported a 'statistically significant reduction in quadriceps muscle pain', compared with those given a placebo, WebMD reports. University of Illinois researchers say there's no evidence caffeine helps metabolise fat, as some athletes believe. Pain reduction occurred regardless of whether those exercising were regular coffee drinkers.

Multi-generation risky for women

Living in a multi-generation household, with a spouse, children and parents, can be fatal for women - but doesn't seem to be a problem for men, say Japanese researchers, based on an 11-year study of almost 91,000 women and men. Such living arrangements appear to double the risk of women having a so-called coronary event such as a heart attack or needing surgery, and the researchers say stress appears to be a key factor. Women in three-generation households had twice the risk of women living with only a spouse, those living only with spouses and parents had triple the risk, Reuters reports.

Spray staves off early ejaculation

Premature ejaculators have been able to delay their orgasms six times longer by using a spray on their penis just before intercourse - although this only takes them to an average of just under four minutes. The 300 European men involved in the three-month Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, study reported improved sexual performance and satisfaction. However, those given a placebo spray did better, too, lasting almost twice as long as normal, healthday.com reports. Researchers may need to do more work on the lidocaine and prilocaine spray as some couples complained of loss of erection and a burning sensation in the vagina.