Behind the Headlines

Swine flu latest from the NHS

Thursday Nov 19 2009

UK swine flu cases have fallen for the first time since August, down to 64,000 new infections in the past week. It is thought the half-term break may be behind the drop of 20,000 from the previous week. Despite a fall in cases the number of...

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Cannibalism clue to brain disease

Friday Nov 20 2009

Research on a “brain-eating tribe” may hold the key to understanding and even treating mad cow disease, according to The Daily Telegraph. A genetic study of the Fore tribe of Papua New Guinea...

Skin grafts from stem cells

Friday Nov 20 2009

“Stem cells could create new skin to help burn victims,” BBC News reported. It said that French researchers have duplicated the biological steps that occur during skin formation in embryos.

Immune systems and ageing

Thursday Nov 19 2009

“Elderly people succumb to viruses 'because their immune systems work too hard',” The Daily Telegraph has reported. The newspaper says that new research into the immune system could also affect the way flu vaccination...

Don't lose your head over beer claim

Thursday Nov 19 2009

Several newspapers report that drinking excessive alcohol is good for the heart. The Daily Express claimed that a bottle of wine a night can halve the risk of heart disease, while The Independent estimated that...

Swine flu vaccine uptake

Wednesday Nov 18 2009

Several newspapers have reported that pregnant women and other vulnerable people are refusing to have the swine flu vaccine. The Times reported that a poll of GPs found that only 46%...

Pre-eclampsia linked to thyroid

Wednesday Nov 18 2009

BBC News reported that pregnant women who have pre-eclampsia are more likely to suffer from thyroid problems. This news comes from well-conducted research that used two separate studies to...

Plastic 'makes boys feminine'

Tuesday Nov 17 2009

Chemicals used in plastics feminise the brains of little boys,’ according to the Daily Mail. The newspaper claimed that boys who are exposed to high doses of phthalate chemicals in the womb...

Dementia care in hospitals

Tuesday Nov 17 2009

Dementia care in hospitals has featured in many newspapers. The Times reported that campaigners have said, “patients with dementia are staying too long in hospital and receiving ‘disgraceful’ care that...

Cosmetic surgery 'needs regulation'

Monday Nov 16 2009

Several newspapers have reported the dangers associated with cosmetic surgery, including a lack of regulation in some areas of the industry. The reports also feature warnings from Nigel Mercer, the president of the British Association of...

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