Behind the Headlines

Your guide to the science that makes the news

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Unique flu virus found in bats

Thursday Mar 1 2012

“We've had bird flu and swine flu - now scientists have found BAT FLU,” says the Daily Mail. The newspaper reports that the strain “could pose a risk to humans if it mingled with more common forms of flu”. The Mail has got in a flap...

Study tests new IVF device

Thursday Mar 1 2012

A new way of processing embryos during IVF treatment can improve the chances of pregnancy by more than a quarter, The Daily Telegraph today reported. The story is based on research evaluating a new system for...

Metal hip patients 'need annual checks'

Wednesday Feb 29 2012

Patients with a common type of metal hip implant should have annual health checks for as long as they have the implant, according to the UK body for regulating medical devices. The all-metal devices...

Wii fitness false hope

Wednesday Feb 29 2012

Wii fitness games don't boost kids' activity

“Playing active video games won’t help you stay fit,” the Daily Mail has today reported. In what will surely come as a blow to people who think tennis can be played from the sofa...

Sleeping pills linked to death risk

Tuesday Feb 28 2012

Sleeping pills are linked to a raised risk of death, according to several high-profile news reports in today’s newspapers. Several front page stories have covered the link, reporting a four-fold death risk among users of the drugs...

Mentally ill 'often victims of violence'

Tuesday Feb 28 2012

Mentally ill people are four times more likely to be victims of violence, the BBC has today reported. This alarming statistic is based on a review of research looking at how often people with a range of disabilities...

New clues to baby muscle disease?

Monday Feb 27 2012

“It could be possible to reverse the muscle damage seen in children with a form of motor neurone disease,” according to BBC News. The condition in question - spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)...

Women 'carry egg-making stem cells'

Monday Feb 27 2012

The discovery of stem cells in human ovaries means “it may one day be possible to produce an ‘unlimited’ supply of eggs,” according to the Daily Mail. The discovery was made during...

Can grapefruit stop stroke?

Friday Feb 24 2012

Grapefruit and oranges “appear to protect against having a ‘brain attack’”, the Daily Mail has reported. The Mail says that these and other citrus fruits can...

'Illegal abortions for wrong sex babies'

Friday Feb 24 2012

There have been several reports in the media suggesting that some doctors in British clinics are agreeing to abortions solely because of the foetus’ gender...