Size of brain areas does matter -- but bigger isn't necessarily better

The ability to hit a baseball or play a piano well is part practice and part innate talent. One side of the equation required for skilled performances has its roots in the architecture of the brain genetically determined before birth, say scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Practice takes no explaining, just persistence. more  

Steroid use fails to boost pregnancy rates in infertility treatments

There is no clear benefit from a hormone commonly prescribed to enhance the effectiveness of infertility treatments, according to a new review of studies. more

Study explores attitudes and beliefs about HPV

The most common sexually transmitted virus in the US is genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with 20 million Americans currently infected and another 6.2 million becoming infected each year. Although HPV causes serious damage to women's health, including cervical cancer, awareness of the disease is surprisingly low. more  

Using morphine to hasten death is a myth, says doctor

Using morphine to end a person's life is a myth, argues a senior doctor in a letter to this week's BMJ. more

Early life growth spurts protect against 'bad' cholesterol  

Tall toddlers and rapidly growing teens are likely to find themselves with lower cholesterol, particularly the “bad” type, in later life, suggests research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. more

Sweat may pass on hepatitis B in contact sports  

Sweat may be another way to pass on hepatitis B infection during contact sports, suggests research published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. more

Addiction breakthrough may lead to new treatments

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered why some individuals may be predisposed to drug addiction and believe it may lead to better treatments for this brain disorder. more

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