Gasp reflex linked to cot death

· Inability to restart breath might put babies at risk · Mechanism controlled by separate part of brain

DNA damage from eating red meat linked to cancer

· Harmful compounds raise risk of bowel disease · Volunteers fed diet heavy in beef and pork

500,000 medical records wanted for research project

Half a million Britons will be asked to give researchers access to their private medical records as part of a new research project.

How the drugs giant and a lone academic went to war

Worrying power games are at the heart of Procter and Gamble's relationship with academics, alleges the scientist investigating its billlion-dollar osteoporosis treatment, reports Jo Revill.

Let’s end the sham debate about MMR right here

Michael Fitzpatrick: The divergence between scientific and public opinion is the key to the dogged persistence of the autism controversy.

Bill Gates gives $258m to world battle against malaria

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates last night gave $258m (£145m) to the fight against malaria, branding the rich world's efforts in tackling the disease "a disgrace".