Air purifier rush as smog shrouds northern China
Dangerous smog which has blighted swathes of northern China in recent days has prompted a spike in air purifier sales, local media reported Monday, as pollution continued to shroud Beijing.
China can prevent 13 million smoking deaths by 2050: study
China can prevent nearly 13 million tobacco-related deaths by 2050 by fully implementing a set of neglected anti-smoking policies it had already agreed to.
India to celebrate 'victory over polio'
Indian leaders are set later Tuesday to celebrate the eradication of polio, marking one of the country's biggest public health success stories which was once thought impossible to achieve.
Three H7N9 cases in same Chinese family: Xinhua
Three members of the same Chinese family have contracted H7N9 bird flu in the province worst-affected by the current spike in cases, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Vietnam reports first bird flu death in nine months
Vietnam has recorded its first death from bird flu in nine months, according to the country's Health Ministry, amid growing regional concerns over a potential resurgence of the deadly virus.
Jar of preserved intestine solves 1800s cholera mystery
The intestine of an American cholera victim from the mid-1800s has yielded new clues to the evolution of the deadly bacterium and may help prevent future outbreaks, researchers said Wednesday.
Scientists discover hormone that blocks marijuana buzz
A naturally occurring hormone acts as spontaneous defense in the brain against the high caused by marijuana and could be useful in preventing addiction, researchers said Thursday.
29 killed in Thailand bus accident: police
A bus carrying New Year travellers plunged off one of Thailand's highest bridges in the kingdom's northeast, leaving at least 29 people dead, police said Friday.
Vaccine fears in China after hepatitis B scare
Chinese state-run media and Internet users demanded action Wednesday after the deaths of at least seven babies since November following their vaccinations against hepatitis B.
Airline's pay-by-weight fares take off with passengers
The head of a tiny Pacific airline that pioneered a fare system based on passengers' weight said Wednesday the move had been so successful the carrier is upgrading its fleet.
Qantas steward with Parkinson's to sue over pesticide link
A former Qantas steward who believes he developed Parkinson's disease after repeated exposure to government-mandated pesticides sprayed in the cabin plans to sue Canberra, his lawyer said Monday.
Air pollution in Europe kills even at guideline levels
Europeans with long-term exposure to particulate pollution from road traffic or industry run a higher risk of premature death, even if air quality meets EU standards, a study said on Monday.
Polio in Syria poses risk for Europe: doctors
An outbreak of polio in Syria poses a threat to Europe, where the crippling and potentially fatal disease was declared eradicated in 2002, doctors warned on Friday.
WHO launches drive against mercury thermometers
The World Health Organization and campaigners launched a drive Friday to try to wipe out mercury in medical thermometers, a day after nations signed a UN treaty to control the toxic liquid metal.
Early childhood deaths halved since 1990: report
Early childhood deaths around the world have been cut in half since 1990 but some 18,000 children under five still die every day.
New meningitis vaccine slashes cases by 94 percent
A new vaccine being rolled out in the "meningitis belt" that stretches across north-central Africa has reduced cases of the potentially fatal disease by 94 percent.
Kazakhstan may face food deficit by 2050
The climate changes in Central Asian countries may have a significant effect of the region’s food security: WHO.
Iron supplements do not boost malaria risk: study
Global health experts have warned against giving iron supplements in areas where malaria is rampant, but a study Tuesday found no rise in cases of the mosquito-borne disease among children who took iron.
Follow-up study backs circumcision against HIV
A follow-up probe into the use of circumcision to thwart the AIDS virus has confirmed that foreskin removal greatly reduces the risk of HIV infection for men.
Long-term study backs early HIV drugs for children
A landmark five-year trial has strengthened evidence that early use of antiretroviral drugs helps children combat the AIDS virus.