Back pain guidelines touch a raw nerve

Edzard Ernst: Nice's recommendation of chiropractors for back pain overestimates the benefits and underestimates the risks

From the archives: Minister warns smokers over cancer risk

8 May 1956: The Minister of Health announces the first 'incontrovertible association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer'

Reports of a breakthrough in male contraception are premature

James Kingsland: Men will not fall over themselves to have monthly testosterone injections in a tender part of their anatomy

Make me a superhero: The pleasures and pitfalls of body enhancement

We should welcome with open arms the rich possibilities of technologically enhancing our bodies, says Andy Miah. Just so long as we don't all end up looking, thinking and acting the same

Boots anti-wrinkle cream actually works, say researchers

First reliable clinical trial of a high street anti-ageing product shows No7 Protect and Perfect reduces wrinkles

Tony Smith

Obituary: Hugely prolific and fluent writer of medical journalism

Tiddles the cat enjoys better protection from charlatans than you or I

Simon Singh: Only fully trained vets are allowed to use homeopathic remedies to treat pets, but anybody can call themselves a homeopath and start treating people

Bonjela ulcer gels unsafe for children, says MHRA

Regulators warn treatment for mouth ulcers contains salicylate salts, which are linked to Reye's syndrome

Is hope just around the corner?

Robin McKie meets the researchers and patients involved in a groundbreaking advance against cystic fibrosis

Twins raise risk of postnatal depression

Birth association survey shows mothers of more than one baby almost twice as likely to suffer mentally