A new study suggests people who had certain kinds of dental X-rays in the past may be at an increased risk for meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor in the US. The findings cannot prove that radiation from the imaging caused the tumors, and the results are based on people who were likely exposed to higher levels of radiation during dental X-rays than most are today. "It's likely that the exposure association we're seeing here … full story

U.S. health officials launched a $54 million advertising campaign on Thursday depicting the health risks of smoking in gruesome detail, offering the latest salvo in the government's campaign to deglamorize cigarette smoking. The 12-week advertising blitz, called "Tips From Former Smokers," is an effort to counteract the estimated $10.5 billion a year spent by tobacco companies to market and promote cigarettes in the United States. "This is … full story

US researchers said Wednesday they have found the first genetic mutation linked to an inherited form of prostate cancer, raising new hope of one day improving early screening for the disease. The mutation appears only in a small subset of prostate cancer patients, but those who inherited it showed 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing prostate cancer, particularly before age 55, the researchers said. The advance, described in the New England … full story

People who are fit and active are far less likely to get coughs and sniffles. And even if sporty types get colds, they are milder and don’t last as long, says a new research. The research found the severity of common cold symptoms fell by 41 percent in those who were the fittest and by 31 percent among those who were the most active, the British Journal of Sports Medicine says. People who were physically active five or more days a week suffered … full story