Turkmenistan introduces mandatory pre-marital HIV tests
Turkmenistan has passed a law making HIV tests mandatory prior to marriage.
Zika link to new, paralysing disease
Causing brain damage in babies and a rare neurological ailment in adults, the Zika virus is also linked to paralysis-causing myelitis.
Finland probes mystery spike in radioactivity
Finnish authorities are investigating a mysterious spike in levels of radioactive caesium-137 detected over Helsinki.
'Dentist of horror' on trial for mutilating French patients
A Dutchman dubbed the 'dentist of horror' went on trial after causing horrific injuries to the mouths of more than 100 patients in France.
EU delays weedkiller decision amid cancer uproar
The EU postponed a decision to extend the approval of a key weedkiller for another 15 years amid an uproar that it may cause cancer.
Hollande acknowledges impact of nuclear testing in Pacific
French President Francois Hollande acknowledged that three decades of nuclear tests in French Polynesia had had "an impact" on health.
Face value: How fertile women spot rivals
It is not only animals that rely on physical cues to gauge the fertility of potential rivals for a mate.
Nearly 2 million children in Sudan malnourished: UNICEF
Some two million Sudanese children under five suffer from malnutrition every year, UNICEF's representative said on Sunday, urging the international community to boost funding to tackle the problem.
Growing obesity problem in Kazakhstan
Obesity in Kazakhstan is becoming a serious issue. Nutritionists and scientists urge Kazakhstanis to reconsider their nutrition philosophies
Should I stop eating meat? No need, experts say
The UN's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warned that processed meats like sausages and ham cause bowel cancer, and red meat "probably" does too.
Women urged to wait until 45 for breast cancer screenings
In a controversial shift, a leading US medical association urged women to wait until the age of 45 before getting an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer.
China's smoking death toll to double to 2 million in 2030: study
Cigarette smoking will kill about two million Chinese in 2030, double the 2010 toll, said researchers who warned of a "growing epidemic of premature death" in the world's most populous nation.
Gorbachev says health improving, can walk again
The Soviet Union's last leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who has been battling diabetes, said his health is improving and that he can walk again with the help of a stick.
Brain research gets $100 million boost
Research into brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and traumatic injury got a boost with a $100 million pledge from a US foundation and seven universities.
Less than a quarter of cancer patients have access to safe surgery: study
Fewer than a quarter of the 15 million people diagnosed with cancer worldwide this year have access to safe and proper surgery.
300 million elderly not receiving long-term care: ILO
More than half the world's elderly lack access to long-term care, the International Labour Organization said in a report, condemning the "deplorable" situation facing a rapidly ageing population.
People who lack sleep are more likely to catch colds
People who do not get enough sleep are four times more likely than their well-rested counterparts to catch a cold.
'Cure' for Chernobyl children: sun, sea, clean air in Portugal
Anya wasn't even born when Chernobyl exploded nearly 30 years ago, but even today its radioactive fallout stalks her and other Ukrainian youngsters growing up near the disused plant.
Obesity 'master-switch' in genes may be turned off: study
Scientists have identified a genetic master-switch that makes some people more prone to obesity than others, and research out suggests it can be turned off, possibly leading to weight loss.