Swine flu outbreak causes 103 deaths in Mexico – and triggers worldwide action

Governments and health organizations around the world are ramping up efforts to prevent a pandemic of swine flu, which to date, has led to 103 deaths in Mexico and has spread to several states in the U.S., as well as in Canada. ... Continue Reading

Living to 100 – part luck, part lifestyle choices, researchers find

Researchers are working to unlock the secrets of longevity by studying a variety of different groups – from Seventh-Day Adventists to centenarians living in Okinawa – to determine what combination of factors influence life span. ... Continue Reading

Sleeping under an electric blanket may be hazardous to your health

Keeping the thermostat down in these chilly winter months is a great way to save money. But is sleeping under an electric blanket to stay warm worth the risk? ... Continue Reading

Cleaner air has positive impact on life expectancy

A new study suggests that an increase in average life expectancy of five months is the result of decreases in air pollution between 1980 and 2000. ... Continue Reading

Flowering plants aid recovery from surgery

Study results suggest that taking a friend or relative flowering plants or flowers when they are in hospital could aid their recovery. ... Continue Reading

Environmental pollutant may promote obesity

A common environmental pollutant that is known to have a potent effect on gene activity may be promoting obesity, according to Japanese researchers. ... Continue Reading

Incidence of serious bacterial infections rises with temperature

Researchers have discovered that the incidence of serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria climbs in line with the temperature outside. ... Continue Reading

Rats spreading new plague

Research suggests that brown rats may be carrying a type of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses in humans. ... Continue Reading

Green spaces reduce health inequality

Ensuring neighborhoods have green spaces can help to reduce the health inequality that exists between the rich and poor, say Scottish researchers. ... Continue Reading

Deadly fungal infection hits Pacific Northwest

Cases of a potentially deadly fungal infection typically seen in tropical climates have been reported in Oregon and Washington. ... Continue Reading

Canada decides to ban baby bottles containing BPA

Canada has become the first country to ban baby bottles containing the plastic bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to diabetes, liver abnormalities, and heart disease. ... Continue Reading

EPA dramatically cuts lead limits

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has dramatically reduced the level of lead allowed in the air. ... Continue Reading

Climate change may aid spread of deadly diseases

Climate change may lead to deadly diseases spreading to new parts of the world, so says a new report by health experts from the Wildlife Conservation Society. ... Continue Reading

A bad boss can send you to an early grave

It seems that there is always a steady supply of sympathy available for anyone stuck working under a bad boss. Most people have been there at one time or another, working under a tyrant who somehow manages to survive in this world without people skills. ... Continue Reading

EPA refuses to remove toxic rocket fuel ingredient from drinking water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has come under fire after they decided that there is no need to remove perchlorate, an ingredient in rocket fuel, from the water supply. ... Continue Reading

Population bomb 'ticks louder than climate'

Global population growth is looming as a bigger threat to the world's food production and water supplies than climate change, a leading scientist says. ... Continue Reading

Heart patients should avoid traffic pollution

People who have recently had a heart attack should try to avoid traffic pollution for at least a month after they are discharged from hospital, suggest results of a recent study which found that air pollution may adversely affect heart function. ... Continue Reading

UV causes long-term eye damage

Cumulative exposure to the sun's UV rays can lead to permanent loss of vision, experts warn. ... Continue Reading