Medical Headlines

A lab-on-a-chip that tests for biomarkers in exosomes - small sacs of messages released by cells, including cancer cells - shows promise as a way to diagnose deadly cancers early.

A molecule that helps cancer cells avoid genetic damage may also help them avoid the mechanisms the immune system has for detecting and destroying malignant cells.

Researchers have found a strong association between tobacco use and the development of human papillomavirus type 16 - a virus that is linked to mouth and throat cancer.

Around 50% of hospitalized patients use antibiotics, according to the results of a 1-day survey from the CDC. Four antibiotics in particular were most commonly used.

Schools have an important part to play in reaching children with mental health problems, argue child psychiatry experts writing in The Lancet.

A new, implantable device - called C-Pulse - has proved effective in improving quality of life and mobility for heart failure patients, and even reversed the condition for some.

Researchers have developed a new kind of probiotic yogurt to protect against the effects of mercury and arsenic poisoning among pregnant women in a polluted region of Tanzania.

According to a new study, 49% of American adults eat a sandwich each day, and sandwiches comprise one fifth of total daily sodium intake.

One half of the 2014 Nobel Prize for Medicine goes to John O'Keefe and the other half to May-Britt Moser and Edvard Moser for discovering the brain's inner positioning system.

Scientists developing a barcoding tool for stem cells challenge the idea that stem cells provide daily supply of blood cells, saying it only happens after bone marrow transplant.

A genome-wide analysis of 120,000 regular coffee drinkers has identified six genes associated with the metabolic and neurological effects of caffeine.

Prenatal exposure to the common chemical bisphenol A is linked to diminished lung functioning and persistent wheezing in children, according to a new study.

Adolescents with cerebral palsy report having a similar quality of life as adolescents without the disorder, according to the findings of a new study.

We report on the European Society for Medical Oncology 2014 meeting, which took place in Spain at the end of September and focused on melanoma studies.

An international research team says they have identified 697 genetic variants in more than 400 genetic regions associated with height.

Though you may be keen to share the details of your latest amazing trip with friends, a new study suggests we may 'pay a surprising price for sharing experiences we covet most.'

In a 'proof of concept' paper, a team from the University of Gothenburg report their success in womb transplantation, which has now resulted in a successful pregnancy and birth.

Mouse study shows the body - when sick - protects friendly gut bacteria and boosts resistance to pathogens, suggesting disruption of this may lead to chronic diseases like Crohn's.

Stopping excess fat in the liver and muscles from interfering with cells' ability to respond to insulin and take up sugar could be a promising new way to tackle type 2 diabetes.