ATLANTA In a startling measure of just how widely a new disease can spread, researchers accurately plotted swine flu's course around the world by tracking air travel from Mexico.

Dena Lansford, 49, would like to have a cholesterol check, a mammogram and, soon, a colonoscopy.

An herbal alternative to drugs appears to have no effect.

THE QUESTION By supplementing their diet with calcium and vitamin D, known to help build strong bones, many women believe they will be protected from the fractures that often occur as bones become more porous with osteoporosis. Is that a valid assumption?

WASHINGTON - One of the delightful aspects of spring in Washington is how little attention the cherry blossoms pay the experts.

Most young children who are sick with the flu do not get properly diagnosed or fully treated for that serious viral infection - even after a visit to the doctor's office or the hospital - according to newly published research.

SAO PAULO, Brazil Brazil's deadliest jetliner crash was an accident foretold. For months, air safety concerns have been aired in congressional hearings, and pilots and traffic controllers have worried for years about the short, slippery runways at Brazil's busiest airport.

WASHINGTON House Democrats have drafted new Iraq legislation they hope will appeal to Republicans fed up with the war: Start withdrawing troops in two months but leave it up to President Bush to decide when to complete the pullout.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours.

CHICAGO A vaccine that has dramatically curbed pneumonia and other serious illnesses in children is also having an unfortunate effect: promoting new superbugs that cause ear infections.