Fast-food capitals of the U.S. -- who's No. 1?

Go ahead, have a side of fries with your trip to Disney World. Everyone else apparently does, making Orlando tops in the nation for the number of fast-food restaurants at least in one ranking.   

Newborn mice regrow lost heart muscle. Could we?

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that 1-day-old mice can regenerate working heart tissue, according to a study published online Thursday by the journal Science.

Elective surgery -- this study says where you live might matter

Location, location, location. It affects much more than home prices. It also appears to influence whether you have elective surgery. Data collected on Medicare patients across the country found that the number of such surgeries varies widely by region.

Farm-raised kids are less prone to asthma. Who gets the credit? Germs, researchers say.

Children raised on farms don't suffer from asthma as much as their city- and suburb-dwelling counterparts, according to a paper published online Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. But it's not necessarily because of the fresh air, full sun and hard work, researchers say -- it's because of the germs.

Cellphones stimulate our cells, but is that a bad thing?

A study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. found evidence that cellphones’ electromagnetic energy prompts unusual levels of activity in a user’s brain, raising concern that our national habit of jabbering into our 300 million cellphones might not be completely innocuous.

Have questions about BPA's safety? Don't ask Maine Gov. Paul LePage

The feds are spending $30 million to discover the potential health risks of the controversial chemical bisphenol A, or BPA. They could just have asked Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

Hot flashes at menopause may signal a lower risk for heart attacks and stroke

Hot flashes and night sweats at menopause are uncomfortable and annoying to many women. But they are also associated with a reduced risk of future heart attacks and strokes, researchers reported Thursday.

Antidepressants: How do they work? A Web chat Thursday can provide answers

People suffering from depression usually can find an antidepressant that works for them -- even if they have to try more than one. But how long will the drug continue to work? Here's an online discussion about the long-term effects and other aspects of these drugs.

Schizophrenia risk is increased with a particular gene mutation

Schizophrenia is a severe, complicated illness. There are no obvious explanations for what causes the condition, which causes hallucinations and delusions. Genes are known to play a big role. The condition is often clustered in families.

Hamstring tendon grafts may be better than knee tendons in ACL surgery

Anterior cruciate ligament surgery is common among some athletes who tear the knee ligament during sports such as soccer or basketball. But when it comes to grafting a new tendon, which is better, one from the knee or the hamstring?

New York City gets its own public-smoking ban. Who's next?

New York City is the latest city to make headlines by passing an outdoor smoking ban that would apply to parks and beaches. Other cities have enacted similar smoking bans in public places, but evidence may be scant as to whether they really clear the air.

Vitamins for your heart -- what to buy, what to avoid

Red yeast rice supplements, fish oil, folic acid, B vitamins. Supplements believed to be healthy for the heart might not be -- and could even be harmful. Those are the latest findings from a recent Consumer Reports guide that recommends seeing a doctor before taking any heart supplements.

Drug addiction hijacks several areas of the brain -- and almost all of one's life

Drug addictions plague about 22.5 million Americans, according to recent statistics. But promising scientific research may one day begin to whittle away at that number, say scientists writing in a special issue of the journal Neuron published Wednesday.

Poll: Scientists say animal research ethically complicated, but necessary

Animal research has helped scientists understand human disease, and in some cases, develop cures. But it has also exposed them to an onslaught of attacks -- some violent -- from animal rights activists who question the ethics and necessity of animal experiments.

The FDA stiffens warnings about atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday said that it is strengthening the warning label on the family of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics to warn women about the danger to infants of using the drugs in the third trimester of pregnancy. The drugs, which are used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, include such well-known medications as Abilify, Geodon, Haldol, Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa, as well as several lesser-known products. The agency said most doctors are already familiar with the potential problems, but that it wanted to make sure that the information is as widespread as possible.

Two Guys Lose Weight: So long and thanks for all the sushi

NOTE: This is a blog about two guys attempting to lose weight over a six-week period. They kicked off their weight-loss "strategies" on Jan. 10.

Self-injury videos on YouTube are disturbing, but don't panic just yet

Maybe it's time to take a deep breath. The recent study about an increase in the number of YouTube videos of teens and young adults who cut or injure themselves has given rise to many headlines and, thus, much worry. But the study didn't say children who watch these videos will engage in such self-destructive acts.

'Jeopardy!'s' famous Watson computer -- maybe make that Dr. Watson

Could Watson, the IBM computer that trounced two top-notch "Jeopardy!" players on the TV quiz show, become a fixture in the doctor's office? Maybe, but not likely next week.

Simple tests may be able to determine who can drive after having a stroke

After suffering a stroke, driving a car may be challenging due to vision problems, weakness and loss of coordination. But a study finds that three simple tests done in a doctor's office could be effective at deciding who's going to be safe behind the wheel.

Osteoporosis drugs prevent common fractures but can raise the risk of 'atypical' breaks

Osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates have pros and cons that should be carefully considered by doctors and their patients, according to a new study assessing their impact.