Meningitis facts

· It is caused by meningococci bacteria, which are present in about 10 per cent of people but rarely cause disease.

Medicine’s tragic price

Breakthroughs in the treatment of Britain's leading killer infection mean fewer children are dying. But the cost of survival is high.

Nature’s pharmacy

Devil's claw may sound nasty - and it certainly looks nasty - but it's good for relieving pain and indigestion.

Saving Mr Holloway

A common drug is suddenly withdrawn. There is talk of 'muscle weakness'. But the truth is far grimmer, reports Andrew Clark.

Nature’s pharmacy

Native Americans used saw palmetto as an aphrodisiac - now it has proved to be an effective prostate drug.

What’s that noise?

It's a constant, irritating hum that makes life miserable for all who hear it - but nobody knows what it is. Laura Barton investigates.