Untested chemicals are everywhere, thanks to a 39-year-old US law. Will the Senate finally act?

Many chemicals that are restricted or banned in Europe remain in use – and in some cases, untested – in the US, thanks to federal regulations that haven’t been updated since 1976. A new bill to overhaul the law is expected this spring

Doctors and nurses to record FGM concerns on children’s NHS records

Moves to improve UK response announced amid fears in medical profession after controversial trial of doctor for female genital mutilation

Republicans hope latest anti-Obamacare bill will be first to reach president’s desk

Decision to hold another seemingly meaningless vote comes ahead of more serious threat to the Act – the supreme court’s hearing of King v Burwell case

Sofa 1 Exercise 0: is that the great Olympic legacy Blair promised?

Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill were supposed to inspire us to be active. But the latest depressing figures will surprise no one who understands spectator sport

Blood money: is it wrong to pay donors?

In some countries, people get paid for giving blood. And in the UK, we have to buy in plasma. Judith Harvey worries that safety may be compromised when money changes hands

Guidelines on chickenpox and shingles for pregnant women updated

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advises pregnant women who have not had chickenpox to avoid those with the virus

Farage says UK will have to consider NHS funded by private insurance

Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s comments to BBC reignite 2012 row caused by him saying healthcare should be market-funded

After hated Atos quits, will Maximus make work assessments less arduous?

Amelia Gentleman: Bombarded with abuse and with its reputation tarnished, Atos has bought its way out of its £400m state contract to assess if benefit claimants are fit to work. A new company, Maximus, is taking over. Who is behind it – and will they do anything differently?

Theresa May’s new FGM reporting rules ‘will stop families seeking help’

Royal College of Paediatricians says there is no evidence that forcing doctors to report FGM to police will better protect victims

Meditation may prevent absenteeism by stressed public servants, MPs claim

Inquiry finds public servants may be less likely to burn out if they use mindfulness techniques to control anxiety and depression

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Our Chemist – Health