'Safer' test developed for Down's
Scientists develop a blood test that could tell a pregnant women if her unborn baby has Down's syndrome.

Nobel prize for viral discoveries
The discovery of HIV and work linking a virus to cervical cancer jointly win the Nobel Prize for Medicine.

Pollution linked to appendicitis
Air pollution may increase risk of developing the life-threatening condition appendicitis, research suggests.

Dementia patients 'suffer stigma'
The stigma surrounding dementia makes life much harder for many patients suffering the condition, research suggests.

Smoking 'costs the NHS billions'
Smoking is costing the NHS in England £2.7bn pounds a year, up from £1.7bn a decade earlier, a report claims.

Single jab cancer therapy backed
A major study has proved a single dose of chemotherapy is the best way to cure testicular cancer in many patients.

Inflammatory bowel gene uncovered
Genetic variations which predispose people to a common inflammatory bowel condition are uncovered.

Hospital cleaning chemical fears
Hospitals have been warned not to over-dilute cleaning chemicals amid fears that this could boost antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Survey shows contraception myths
Women miss out on the best contraception for them because of false beliefs and fears, a snapshot survey finds.

The brain creates illusions and superstitions at times of stress
The mind naturally creates illusions and superstitions at times of stress - and this could be adding to the global financial crisis, say scientists.

New era
Is Dr Beetroot's fall a boost for South Africa's Aids fight?

Asthma shower
Air purification system may cut symptoms

Saving mothers
The struggle to cut maternal mortality in Afghanistan

China lung disease 'to kill 83m'
A US health study says tens of millions of people in China will die as a result of lung disease in the next 25 years.

Sick leave 'link to early death'
Staff missing work for psychiatric reasons face twice the risk of death from cancer as healthier people, a study suggests.

New twist in brain obesity riddle
The discovery of another way in which the body appears to control how much it eats could shed fresh light on obesity.

EU plans longer maternity leave
Brussels proposes longer maternity leave in EU states, but critics say governments and small businesses will balk at the cost.

Indian ban on smoking in public
A ban on smoking in public places comes into force across India, in an effort to cut exposure to passive smoking.

Taiwanese 'brawl' over bad milk
Taiwan's health minister is taken to hospital after being allegedly attacked by lawmakers over the tainted Chinese milk scandal.

Research aims for artificial nose
A scientific advance could mean scientists could build a sensor which mimics the workings of the human nose.

Belgians seize Africa-bound drugs
A huge haul of fake drugs destined for Africa, including anti-malarial pills, are seized in Belgium, officials say.

Cancer: The facts
The disease tends to affect older people - but can strike at any time.

Pregnancy timeline
A week by week guide to pregnancy taking in how the baby develops, changes to the mother and key scan dates.