A study has revealed that psilocybin, an extract from magic mushrooms, improves people's well-being and may be useful for the treatment of depression.

A cure for the common cold may be just around the corner. Todd Rider, a scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is in the process of developing a antiviral drug that has, so far, been successful in treating 15 viruses in lab trials.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that recreational use of the drug ecstasy can have long-term and lasting effects on the brain.

A drug that strengthens bones could improve the life of joint replacements.

Taking a bit too much paracetamol daily can be fatal, say experts. Researchers at Edinburgh University studied 161 cases of 'staggered overdoses' over a 16-year period and found that these cases were more likely to develop liver and brain problems, and require kidney dialysis.

Waikato Hospital emergency department doctor Tonia Nicholson today warned the public that party pills can and do kill.

A survey conducted by the Herald on Sunday has revealed that some pharmacies are charging double for prescription drugs.

An HPA poll of 1,800 people in England has found that a quarter of people believe, wrongly, that antibiotics fix most colds and coughs. The poll also found that one in 10 people keep antibiotics that have been leftover and would be prepared to self-medicate the next time they became ill.

Mirtazapine, an antidepressant, may assist methamphetamine addicts in kicking their habit in the short term.

Geron, a California-based company that develops stem cell therapies, has decided to halt the world's first trial using human stem cells in patients due to financial constraints and the current economic situation.

An experimental drug that stops blood supply to fat cells has helped obese monkeys lose weight.

Pradaxa, also known as dabigatran, has been linked to 50 deaths around the world since its launch this year.

A study undertaken by researchers at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland has found that light could prove to be a 'promising' tool in the treating cancer.

A study undertaken at Maastricht University in the Netherlands has revealed that resveratrol, a substance derived from grape skin, can lower sugar and fat levels and reduce blood pressure.

Researchers have found that stimulants used to treat ADHD do not increase the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes or sudden death in children.

Using viruses and bacteria that normally cause disease to cure disease is an apparent contradiction, but it's fundamental to the work being carried out by Dr David Ackerley.

Women who take oestrogen for menopause symptoms are more likely to experience incontinence, according to a study that surveyed 167 women.

According to a recent study, those with a family history of cancer could cut their risk of developing the disease by taking a daily dose of aspirin.

Women who undergo fertility treatment involving fertility drugs and IVF are more likely to develop ovarian tumours, according to a study undertaken by Dutch researchers.

98 people in Britain have died recently after taking the designer party drug mephedrone.