In a world with no antibiotics, how did doctors treat infections?

Jan 29, 2016 16:17 pm UTC| Health

The development of antibiotics and other antimicrobial therapies is arguably the greatest achievement of modern medicine. However, overuse and misuse of antimicrobial therapy predictably leads to resistance in...

NHS outpaces the UK economy in productivity gains

Jan 29, 2016 16:07 pm UTC| Health

As we all know, the economy hasnt been doing well of late, stagnating since the 2008-09 recession. Since then it has grown by just 0.13% a year, compared with the historical average of 2% a year. This matters because...

Keen to be healthier in old age? Tend your inner garden

Jan 29, 2016 15:08 pm UTC| Health

The worlds oldest man, Yasutaro Koide recently died at the age of 112. Commentators as usual, focused on his reported secret to longevity: not smoking, drinking or overdoing it. No surprises there. But speculation on the...

The difficulties doctors face in diagnosing autism

Jan 29, 2016 06:45 am UTC| Health

A recent survey of paediatricians found they often lacked enough information to accurately diagnose an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. ASD is an important diagnosis not to miss. But it is equally important not...

Got gout? Here's what to eat and avoid

Jan 28, 2016 05:43 am UTC| Health

Historically called the disease of kings, gout was common among wealthy gents who could afford to eat and drink to excess. These days it doesnt just affect the rich: rates of gout have been increasing globally since the...

Too fat, too thin? How do you work out your ideal weight?

Jan 28, 2016 02:20 am UTC| Health

Public health authorities are forever telling us how much we should weigh, but one essential element is missing: shape. Lets start with a little quiz. Below is a series of 3D laser scans of bodies, each seen from the...

Children with disabilities risk being misdiagnosed in order to receive school funding support

Jan 27, 2016 05:33 am UTC| Health

In Australia, children with disabilities only receive additional government funding if they fall into a recognised disability category. As a result, schools and parents often come under pressure to obtain the right...