August - 2017

Lithium in tap water may cut dementia

People with higher levels of lithium in their drinking water appear to have a lower risk of developing dementia, say researchers in Denmark. Lithium is naturally found in tap water, although the amount varies. The findings, based on a study of 800,000 people, are not clear-cut. The highest levels cut risk, but moderate levels were worse than low ones. Experts said it was an intriguing and encouraging study that hinted at a way of preventing the disease. The study, at the Univ

Johnson & Johnson faces $417m payout in latest talc case

Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $417m (£323.4m) to a woman who says she developed ovarian cancer after using products such as baby powder. The California jury's decision marks the largest award yet in a string of lawsuits that claim the firm did not adequately warn about cancer risks from talc-based products. A spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson defended the products' safety. The firm plans to appeal, as it has in previous cases. "We will appeal today's verdict becau

Japanese fungus spreading in UK hospitals

More than 200 patients in England have been infected or contaminated with a drug-resistant fungus first found in Japan, health officials have confirmed. Hospitals are on the lookout for further cases and are putting in place measures to help control any further spread of the fungus, Candida auris. Public Health England says in some cases patients will have no symptoms, but the infection can cause serious bloodstream and wound infections. So far, no UK patient has died from it

BMA chief: NHS is 'running on fumes'

The NHS in England is "running on fumes", the leader of the British Medical Association is warning. Dr Mark Porter hit out at the government at the start of the union's annual conference. He accused ministers of putting patients at risk and "picking the pockets" of NHS staff because of the squeeze on wages. But ministers rejected the criticisms, saying they were putting more money into the health service. Dr Porter launched the attack as doctors gathered in Bournemouth. NHS s