Stillbirths occur at a higher rate in the U.S. than previously reported, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mass General Brigham. The researchers also found that, while most stillbirths had at least one identified clinical risk factor, a substantial share had none, particularly those occurring at 40+ weeks gestation.

A major new study, which has recently begun recruiting, is hoped to lead to earlier detection of lung cancers.

People living in Leeds, Bath, Hull and Stoke-on-Trent will be among those approached to take part. The study is funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

At the moment, chest X-ray is the test GPs are advised to use in almost for almost all symptoms to rule out or confirm a cancer. Symptoms can include a cough that persists for several weeks.

Worryingly, however, chest X-rays are not always conclusive. Indeed, it’s believed that they miss as many as 20 per cent of lung cancers.

More people in the UK die from lung cancer than from any other cancer - which is why earlier detection of the cases not diagnosed by X-ray could potentially save many lives.

Researchers strongly suspect that low-dose CT scans – far more accurate than X-rays - are likely to do just that. But until now, no one has yet done a large study comparing the two methods in patients with symptoms.

Within the last two months, a team of researchers and academics - from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Exeter and Nottingham, plus Queen Mary University of London and University College London -  have started the process of recruiting 900 volunteers for the new study.

Older adults face a high risk of isolation, especially after they retire. A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests smartphones, computers and tablets may help older adults stay connected.