First Step

Court rules again against vaccine-autism claims

Vaccines that contain a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal cannot cause autism on their own, a special U.S. court ruled on Friday, dealing one more blow to parents seeking to blame vaccines for their children's illness.

Enough with all the medical tests, experts say

Too much cancer screening, too many heart tests, too many cesarean sections. A spate of recent reports suggest that too many Americans — maybe even President Barack Obama — are being overtreated.

Infant deaths prompt warning on baby slings

The government warned Friday that those chic baby slings that hip moms and dads are sporting these days can be dangerous, even deadly for their little ones.

Is the new Atkins diet a protein overload?

Who wouldn’t want to lose up to 15 pounds in two weeks? The new Atkins diet book promises that kind of quick — although arguably harmful — result.  But is pumping up protein really the best way to slim down safely?

Women on the Pill may live longer

Women who took the birth control pill beginning in the late 1960s lived longer than those never on the pill, a new study says.

Kissinger admitted to South Korean hospital

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was admitted to a hospital in Seoul on Saturday for "minor stomach troubles," the state-run Yonhap news agency reported.

Tips pour in on serial killer's photos

Dozens of tips have poured in after California authorities recently released more than 100 photos of women and children that are believed to have been taken by a serial killer who appeared on the "Dating Game."

Silver Star soldier gets reprimand

A soldier who received the third-highest award for valor after his outpost was attacked by the Taliban has also received a letter of reprimand for his actions leading up to the same battle, according to Army officials.

AG: Haim's death linked to drug probe

Corey Haim's death is linked to an "illegal and massive prescription-drug ring," California's attorney general said. The coroner hasn't ruled on a cause of death.

Weir snubbed by ice tour; GLAAD upset

American figure skater Johnny Weir says he doesn't understand why the only ice skating tour in the United States doesn't want him.