Also: Researchers say they have identified a gene that’s important for producing sperm, a potential target for contraceptive pills; and a study suggests metabolic factors may be more important than obesity in predicting heart-disease risk. More... 

Also: An FDA panel votes against expanded use of a blood-thinning drug; a study finds calcium supplements increase the risk of heart attack; and an international group launches an emergency polio-vaccination plan. Go here to read the rest: A.M. Vitals:... 

Research into the rare eye condition Stargardt disease is raising hopes that sufferers could gain an effective treatment, like patients with another rare and poorly treated disorder resulting from a defective gene: cystic fibrosis. Go here to read the... 

Here’s what’s making health news this morning: Excerpt from:  A.M. Vitals: Anticipating the Health Law Ruling  Read More →

The benefits of hormone-replacement therapy outweigh the risks for women who start it near menopause, according to a series of articles in the June issue of Climacteric, the journal of the International Menopause Society. See original here: Benefits... 

Here’s what’s making health news this morning: Men Should Skip Common Prostate Test, Panel Says (WSJ): The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended a “D” grade for prostate-specific-antigen, or PSA, testing which has been... 

A large government-funded study has found that flexible sigmoidoscopy – a less-invasive test than colonoscopy — is effective in reducing rates of new colorectal cancer cases and deaths. Originally posted here:  Colonoscopy Alternative Reduces... 

U.S. health officials are proposing all baby boomers get tested for hepatitis C, because they’re five times more likely than other adults to have the potentially fatal liver virus and many might not know they’re at risk. Continued here: U.S. Suggests... 

Also: A CDC report says drowning is the No. 1 cause of injury death in children aged 1-4; researchers map the genetic code of 21 breast cancers; and food companies and consumer groups press for stalled food regulation. Read more: A.M. Vitals: FDA OKs... 

Also: A CDC report says drowning is the No. 1 cause of injury death in children aged 1-4; researchers map the genetic code of 21 breast cancers; and food companies and consumer groups press for stalled food regulation. Originally posted here:  A.M....