Nick Clegg sets out respite for carers guarantee
A million unpaid carers in England could get a week's break every year under plans from the Liberal Democrats.
22 Feb 2010
News
Health spokesmen clash over elderly care funding
Attempts to reach a consensus on how to pay for elderly care in England appear to have fallen further apart amid angry exchanges on BBC One's Politics Show. Health Secretary Andy Burnham has called a cross-party conference on the issue after earlier talks broke down. Lib Dem Norman Lamb backed the idea but Tory spokesman Andrew Lansley said he would only attend if Labour scrapped a £20,000 "death tax" plan. Mr Burnham accused the Tories of making up "scare stories" about his proposals. The government's "ageism tsar" described the "political circus" as "shameful".
15 Feb 2010
Gene clue to early dementia speed
A gene that may give you an increased risk of a distressing early form of dementia has been identified by Cambridge scientists. Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type of dementia in the under 65s and can result in a complete personality change.
15 Feb 2010
Disabled students wait for specialist equipment grants
Almost 12,500 students in England are still waiting for grants to pay for specialist equipment, figures from the Student Loans Company show. The statistics reveal two thirds of students with a disability or special needs are still waiting for money.
12 Feb 2010
Genes behind stammering uncovered
Stammering has long been recognised to run in families, but scientists now say they have identified three genes which may cause the problem in some people. They believe that mutations which have already been tied to metabolic disorders may also affect the way in which parts of the brain function.
12 Feb 2010
Brain clue may explain autism 'hug avoidance'
Delays at crucial points during the development of the brain in the womb may explain why people with a condition linked to autism do not like hugs. A study in mice with fragile X syndrome found wiring in the part of the brain that responds to touch is formed late.
12 Feb 2010