Medicine & Health

Birth control pill poses no added health risk

One of the world's largest studies of the contraceptive pill has found that women who have taken it can expect longer lives and are less likely to die from any cause, including cancer and heart disease.

Why chocolate is better for you than blueberries and low-fat food won't help you slim: The diet myths that could be ruining your health

Blueberries are known as a superfood, due to their high level of anti-oxidants (molecules thought to help protect us from cancer- causing free radicals). But that does not mean they are superior to other fruits.

Eggs 'should be considered a superfood' say scientists

The humble egg should be considered a superfood thanks to its ability to boost health and even help tackle obesity, according to researchers behind a new study.

An Improved Method for Calculating Tumor Growth

ScienceDaily — When treating cancer, it is an advantage to know the rate of growth of the cancer tumour. The standard method currently used to determine tumour growth, however, is erroneous. This is the conclusion of scientists at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, who have developed a new model.

Sleep Habits Vary by Race

African-Americans are likely to pray before sleep, more whites sleep with their pets, while Asian-Americans are more likely to sleep in the same room as their kids, a new poll finds.

Eating breakfast and fatty diet during early pregnancy increases chances of having a boy

What women eat while they are in the early stages of pregnancy influences the sex and health of their unborn baby, new research suggests.

HIV Hides Out in Bone Marrow Cells

Another secret stash of the virus makes it that much harder to eliminate, scientists say

Vitamin D 'triggers and arms' the immune system

Vitamin D is crucial to the fending off of infections, claims new research.

Frontiers of Medicine: Radical Cures

Doctors seek inspiration from unexpected sources to work toward solving some of medicine's toughest challenges

An apple a day? Study shows soluble fiber boosts immune system

A new University of Illinois study touts the benefits of soluble fiber—found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters—saying that it reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system.

Drinking coffee 'protects the heart'

A strong cup of coffee really could be a lifesaver, claim scientists, after they found that caffeine may protect the heart.

Nine Technologies To Save Money For Our Health Care System

While far from a cure-all, technology will play an important role in health care reform

Childhood obesity prevention should begin early in life, possibly before birth

Efforts to prevent childhood obesity should begin far earlier than currently thought—perhaps even before birth—especially for minority children, according to a new study that tracked 1,826 women from pregnancy through their children's first five years of life.

Tiny Chip Made of Paper Diagnoses Diseases and Costs Just a Penny

Existing lab-on-a-chip designs can put the power of testing in the palm of your hand, but an upcoming model may represent the cheapest and most colorful one yet.

Home fertility tests for men: New device reveals if sperm count is low

Home fertility tests aren't just for women anymore. A new device that checks a man's sperm count is soon to go on sale in the UK.