Virulent norovirus has forced at least 56 hospital wards across England and Wales to close to new patients.

Doctors warn that many mental health patients are being over-prescribed drugs that make no difference at all to them.

At least £100m from is being spent unnecessarily by the NHS each year on indigestion drugs, doctors say.

Children's bodies are being illegally transported across the country for post mortem examinations because of a shortage of pathologists, say experts.

Could hormone therapy, when begun near the onset of menopause, prevent or delay the onset of atherosclerosis, more commonly called hardening of the arteries? That's the question researchers hope to answer as part of the Kronnos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) under way at eight national medical centers, including Mayo Clinic. [click link for full article]

We can't control all the factors that contribute to osteoporotic fractures, but there's a lot women can do to strengthen and preserve their bones, reports the January 2008 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch. Here are eight things to keep in mind: 1. Get vital nutrients: Maintain a healthy diet that provides bone-building nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D.2. [click link for full article]

QuatRx Pharmaceuticals Company announced positive results from a pivotal Phase 3 study of Ophena(TM) (ospemifene) to treat postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy, a common condition associated with menopause. Top line data show that the multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study successfully met all of its co-primary endpoints. The study was conducted in 80 U.S. centers and involved more than 800 women. [click link for full article]

Surgery should not be the first treatment for a patient who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea - when the upper airways collapse during sleep - according to an article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), this week's issue. Obstructive sleep apnea, a common disorder, leads to loud snoring. Sometimes the person with this disorder can stop breathing completely for short period during his/her sleep. [click link for full article]

Exclusive to Medical News TodayResearchers at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine have found in animal models that intermittent hypoxia caused 3 times more pancreatic beta cell death and insulin resistance, which significantly increases the risk for developing to type II diabetes. [click link for full article]

Here's another reason not to smoke, especially for women: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disabling breathing disorder is increasingly becoming a problem for women, according to the January issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. The most important risk factor for COPD is long term cigarette smoking.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a broad term that describes any of a group of illnesses that block airflow through the lungs.

Genmab starts pre-clinical cancer treatment programme Forbes, NY - 7 hours ago

If you're like millions of other Americans who made a New Year's resolution to lose weight, you know how hard it can be. Most of us start out with good intentions, but we have a hard time sticking with it. That's why some researchers are trying a new approach. They're using cell phones to not only help women drop a few pounds, but also cut their risk of more serious problems. As a personal trainer, Sherrie Gelser knows just how hard it can be to get in shape. [click link for full article]

Human trials suggest a single jab could give lifelong protection against all types of flu.

Turkish MPs back a blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public places - but it may prove tough to enforce.

Provista Life Sciences LLC ( www.ProvistaLS.com ), a medical diagnostic development and commercialization company, announced today the appointment of Louis Kirby, MD as its Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Kirby will direct Provista Life Sciences' current and future clinical research efforts associated with the company's groundbreaking medical diagnostic tests. In this capacity he will oversee the medical aspects of the clinical tests and assist in identification and validation of new diagnostic technologies. He also will serve as Chairman for the Company's Scientific Advisory Board and Strategic Planning Committee.

Infinity Pharma Plans New Cancer Study CNNMoney.com - 2 hours ago

The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology is taking steps toward creating a national registry to track anonymous egg and sperm donors, and birth outcomes, the Los Angeles Times reports. [click link for full article]

Cool show alert!: Cancer benefit feat. PC Load Letter, The Mob Law ... Seattle Post Intelligencer - 1 hour ago

The switch to energy-saving light bulbs may put thousands at risk of painful skin reactions, charities warn.