Orshe

The government estimates that more than 15,000 women died last year from ovarian cancer.

The simple act of putting photos of green beans and carrots in cafeteria-tray compartments sparked increased consumption among elementary-school students, according to a small study that suggests one more potential avenue for getting kids to eat their veggies.

Very early results from research into embryonic stem cell treatments suggest that the therapy was safe in use against macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness. The findings, though preliminary, are the first published results involving embryonic stem cells in human patients.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women aged 65 and up be screened for osteoporosis, without saying exactly how often that should happen.

But new research offers some guidance, suggesting that women with a good bone density score may be able to wait 15 years before their next screening because they are unlikely to develop osteoporosis before then. A poor score, however, might suggest a test the next year.

Bad Day For European Pharma: European drug makers AstraZeneca and Novartis reported setbacks yesterday, the WSJ reports. AstraZeneca said it would take a $380 million charge to stop development of experimental drugs for depression and ovarian cancer, which means 2011 profits are likely to come in at the low end of its previously forecast range, the paper says. Meantime, Novartis said potential safety problems with its hypertension drug Tekturna would likely hurt sales of the drug.

Recent reports of serious injuries and even death tied to hazing rituals has us asking ourselves: How do otherwise sane people participate in this kind of activity?

Central to the drug-shortage issue is a chicken-and-egg question that often leaves legislators scratching their heads at congressional hearings.

Chicken: Are the shortages of crucial drugs caused by factory flaws and shutdowns? Or egg: Are shortages somehow caused by economics, like the thin profit margins of generic drugs?

A federal report to be released Thursday comes down with both feet in the chicken camp.

Can Facebook help prevent suicides?

The social-networking behemoth is launching a new feature that will let users connect their Facebook friends with suicide-prevention support services.

Each year in the U.S. there are nearly as many stillbirths — defined as fetal death at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later — as there are infant deaths.

By Louise Radnofsky

The Obama administration announced plans Friday to wind down a $5 billion fund to pay for health insurance for early retirees, including the institution of a Dec. 31 deadline for employers to tap into the remaining funds.

The fund has been reimbursing companies and local-government pension funds for the cost of benefits for workers aged 55 to 64 since it was created as part of the health-care overhaul passed last year.