Cancer scientists have genetically modified the immune system to help it attack tumours in mice. The immune system is the body’s own defence against infection and cancer, but tumours develop…

Rising levels of obesity may be fuelling an increase in the number of women diagnosed with womb cancer, the charity Cancer Research UK warns. Its figures show around 19 in…

Some people appear to be born with ‘superhero DNA’ that cancels out genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, say researchers. The study of nearly 600,000 people found 13 who should have…

Scientists have made a significant leap towards mass producing platelets – the part of the blood that forms clots. The NHS and University of Cambridge team have discovered how to…

The world is facing an “unrelenting march” of diabetes which now affects nearly one-in-11 people, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. In a major report it warned cases had quadrupled…

Vitamin D supplements may help people with diseased hearts, a study suggests. A trial on 163 heart failure patients found supplements of the vitamin, which is made in the skin…

Scientists have detected a number of drugs which could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, acting like statins for the brain. In experiments on worms, University of Cambridge researchers identified drugs…

Exposure to short flashes of light at night could help sleeping travellers adjust to new time zones and avoid jet lag, according to US scientists. The light beams travel through…

Taiwan has voted in polls that could see the island elect its first female leader and set an uncertain course for future relations with China. Results are expected at around…

It was that time of the night during that time of the year when the Alaskan town of Fairbanks quieted itself to accommodate the squeals of delight, the murmur of…