Two U.S. lawmakers voice concerns over Philip Morris tobacco trials

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Democratic U.S. senators said they have fresh concerns over clinical trials conducted by Philip Morris International Inc as it seeks U.S. clearance to market its iQOS electronic tobacco product as less risky than cigarettes, according to statements both senators provided to Reuters.

Community obesity rates help shape whether families are overweight

(Reuters Health) - Parents and kids who live in communities with high obesity rates are more likely to become overweight themselves than families living in communities where more people are a healthy weight, a U.S. study suggests.

More evidence traumatic brain injuries raise later dementia risk

(Reuters Health) - During the first year after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the risk of developing dementia rises four- to six-fold, according to a large Swedish study that followed millions of people age 50 or older for decades.

Vertex picks cystic fibrosis triple combos for Phase III trials

(Reuters) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals said on Wednesday it selected two next-generation cystic fibrosis drugs to advance into late-stage testing of triple-combination therapies that could eventually treat up to 90 percent of patients with the life-shortening lung disease.

Salmonella outbreak to cost French dairy hundreds of millions: CEO

PARIS (Reuters) - A salmonella contamination of baby milk produced by Lactalis could cost the French dairy group several million euros, its CEO said in a newspaper interview.

Vertex picks cystic fibrosis triple combinations for Phase III trials

(Reuters) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals said on Wednesday it selected two next-generation cystic fibrosis drugs to advance into late-stage testing of triple-combination therapies that could eventually treat up to 90 percent of patients with the life-shortening lung disease.

Even obese breast cancer survivors may cut heart disease risk with exercise

(Reuters Health) - Exercise can help overweight and obese breast cancer survivors reverse what’s known as metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar that raise risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes - a new study suggests.

U.S. public health chief quits over financial conflicts

(Reuters) - The head of the leading U.S. public health agency has resigned because of financial conflicts of interest that documents showed included purchases of tobacco and healthcare stocks while in office.

North Korea threats spur U.S. search for new radiation therapies

(Reuters) - The escalating threat of a potential nuclear war between North Korea and the United States has led the Department of Defense to join hands with a clutch of companies in developing more effective medical treatments for acute radiation syndrome.

Bikram yoga doesn’t need hot room to benefit heart health

(Reuters Health) - Bikram yoga, a series of 26 poses typically done in a sweat-inducingly hot room, may not need to be practiced at steam-bath temperatures to help improve blood vessel health, a small experiment suggests.

Namibia reports first cholera case after deadly outbreak in Zambia

WINDHOEK (Reuters) - A 10-year old schoolboy has become the first person diagnosed with cholera in Namibia for four years, the health ministry said on Wednesday, raising fears of an outbreak similar to one that killed dozens last month in neighboring Zambia.

Pharmacist tied to U.S. meningitis outbreak gets eight years in prison

BOSTON (Reuters) - A Massachusetts pharmacist was sentenced on Wednesday to eight years in prison after being convicted on racketeering and fraud charges stemming from his role in a 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak that killed 76 people and sickened hundreds more.

Sleep problems may impact kids’ relationships with teachers

(Reuters Health) - Sleep problems in younger children may be associated with higher student-teacher conflict, a small U.S. study suggests.