'Biological clock' is linked to heart attacks »

Scientists on Wednesday said they had uncovered the first molecular proof that the "biological clock" is linked to a type of sudden, fatal heart attack.

Genes and gender: new shots fired on the Y front »

Theories that men will eventually become extinct because the Y chromosome which determines maleness is shrinking are quite wrong, according to a gene study published on Wednesday.

Stem cell implants boost monkeys with Parkinson's »

Monkeys suffering from Parkinson's disease show a marked improvement when human embryonic stem cells are implanted in their brains, in what a Japanese researcher said Wednesday was a world first.

FDA panel backs previously rejected obesity pill »

A panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration overwhelmingly backed approval for a highly anticipated anti-obesity pill from Vivus Inc., a drug which the FDA previously rejected due to safety concerns.

FDA: New suppliers to ease 2 cancer drug shortages »

Federal regulators said Tuesday that they've approved new suppliers for two crucial cancer drugs, easing critical shortages — at least for the time being — that have left patients and parents frightened about missing life-saving treatments.

British minister heckled over health reforms »

Britain's health minister was angrily heckled Monday over health care reforms that the government says will improve efficiency but opponents claim threaten the foundation of the country's state-funded health care service.

FDA panel backs previously rejected obesity pill »

A panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration overwhelmingly backed approval for a highly anticipated anti-obesity pill from Vivus Inc., a drug which the FDA previously rejected due to safety concerns.

Judge strikes down birth control sale requirement »

TACOMA, Washington (Reuters) - A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that a Washington state rule requiring pharmacists to dispense emergency contraceptives against their religious beliefs is a violation of their constitutional rights. In a decision with national implications for the exercise of conscience and moral choices in the workplace, U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton also reinstated an injunction blocking enforcement of the regulations. (Reporting by Katherine Luck; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Daniel Trotta)

Plastic surgery takes years off your face: study »

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Wondering how young you'll look after that face lift? Now there's a study to help you out. Researchers reported this week that plastic surgery procedures took an average of seven years off patients' appearance, with more extensive facial surgeries turning the clock back farther. They said that while the goal of surgery is to restore a more youthful yet natural appearance, doctors haven't had the data to provide a good estimate to their patients of just how much younger they'll look after face lifts, forehead lifts and eyelid work. ...

Health Tip: Warning Signs of Foot Arthritis »

(HealthDay News) -- Arthritis is a painful joint condition, and the feet are common hosts.

Endometriosis Could Raise Risk of 3 Ovarian Cancers »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Women with a history of endometriosis have a significantly increased risk of developing three types of ovarian cancer, according to a new study.

Health Highlights: Feb. 22, 2012 »

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Researchers Spot New Gene Mutation Linked to Breast Cancer »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have identified a new gene mutation linked to breast cancer.

Toddlers With Angry Parents May Have More Temper Tantrums »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) --Toddlers are more likely to become easily upset and act out if their parents anger quickly and overreact to their children's behavior, according to a new study.

All U.S. Adults Should Get Whooping Cough Shot: Panel »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health experts recommended Wednesday that all adults get vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis), an infectious bacterial disease that triggers uncontrollable coughing and is especially dangerous to infants.

Support for Tougher Liquor Laws Rises When Booze, Crime Linked »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- News coverage of alcohol's role in violent crime and fatal accidents may persuade the public to give stronger support to alcohol-control laws, new research suggests.

FDA Weighs Fate of Qnexa for Weight Loss, Again »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to take a second look at the weight loss pill Qnexa on Wednesday, after initially rejecting it because of concerns about heart problems and possible birth defects.

Migraines May Raise a Woman's Odds of Depression »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- As if the debilitating headaches weren't bad enough, women who get migraines or have had them in the past are at increased risk for depression, a new study suggests.

New Guidelines Seek to Prevent Sudden Death in Young Athletes »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) --New guidelines outlining the causes and prevention of sudden death among athletes were released this week by the National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) in the United States.

Mammograms Can Save Lives of Women in Their 40s: Study »

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Breast cancers in women aged 40 to 49 that are diagnosed by mammograms have a better prognosis than those detected by doctors or the women themselves, a new study indicates.