Health News

The latest stories from the Health section of the BBC News web site.

Diabetes drug advice 'not heeded'
A type two diabetes drug is still being prescribed in the UK two months after it is recommended for withdrawal, BBC Panorama learns.

Gum and heart link 'breakthrough'
Scientists say they have established one reason why gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease.

Reading Arabic 'hard for brain'
Israeli scientists believe they have identified why Arabic is particularly hard to learn to read.

'No evidence' implants are toxic
Tests on a type of breast implant filled with an unapproved gel have shown no evidence they are unsafe, UK experts say.

Research into age-related illness
Edinburgh scientists are attempting to find the trigger which leads older people to develop dementia.

Compost sparks Legionnaire's fear
Gardeners are being warned about the risk of Legionnaire's disease from compost after a pensioner developed the disease after handling compost.

Clue to egg flaws in older women
British scientists say they are closer to knowing why older women trying to fall pregnant are more likely to produce abnormal eggs.

Bone drug linked to cancer risk
Long-term use of bone-strengthening drugs may boost the risk of oesophageal cancer, a study suggests.

'Big drop' in alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption has fallen faster than ever, figures from the British Beer and Pub Association suggest.

M&S vouchers offered in exchange for urine to test odour device
Bristol researchers developing an odour detector to help incontinence sufferers offer volunteers vouchers in exchange for urine.