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BOSTON -- Regular use of aspirin reduced the risk of colon cancer by a third but only for tumors high in an enzyme that promotes cancer growth, researchers here reported.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Vitamin supplements do not protect against lung cancer and vitamin E may even elevate risk slightly for some patients, according to researchers.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Obesity makes asthma not only more common but worse, researchers reported here.

WASHINGTON -- Anorectal biofeedback, probiotics, and the type-2 chloride channel activator lubiprostone all seem to be effective therapeutic options in chronic constipation. PEG 3550 is only for short-term use.

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The FDA today ordered black-box warnings for all gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, detailing an increased risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis with kidney-disease patients.

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 23 -- The FDA has approved the first continuous-use oral contraceptive for prevention of pregnancy -- a pill that will eliminate a woman's monthly menstrual cycle.

ANAHEIM -- The pubovaginal sling fashioned from autologous fascia outperformed Burch colposuspension for stress urinary incontinence but at a cost of a higher rate of adverse events.

WASHINGTON -- Pediatric intestinal disorders, even in malnourished babies as young as 18 months, can be diagnosed with a wireless camera in a pill, a European researcher said here.

WASHINGTON -- Stem cells derived from a patient's own fat can cure a perianal fistula, a Spanish researcher said here.

The American College of Cardiology Board of Trustees said today that it would bar Martin Leon, M.D. of Columbia University from participation "as a presenter, reviewer, or panelist" at its 2008 meeting. The sanction, which was recommended by the ACC's ethics committee, was a response to Dr. Leon's premature disclosure of the embargoed findings of the COURAGE trial, which led to the "consequent premature lifting of the embargo". Related article: COURAGE Embargo Break: Slip of the Tongue or Sabotage?

SAN DIEGO -- The key to the efficacy of atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agents in treatment of schizophrenia is their affinity for binding to and occupying the dopamine D2 receptor.

CLEVELAND -- A meta-analysis of 42 randomized trials released online by the New England Journal of Medicine today found a 43% increase in the risk of myocardial infarction among type 2 diabetics treated with rosiglitazone (Avandia), although the absolute number of events was small. A journal editorial says FDA action is warranted, and a congressional inquiry is expected.

SAN DIEGO -- Frequency of dosing for antipsychotic agents does not appear to affect medication adherence in most patients with schizophrenia, reported investigators here.

CHICAGO -- Obesity appears to be associated with an increased risk of diastolic rather than systolic hypertension subtypes, researchers said here.

WASHINGTON -- The suddenly embattled diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia) is an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, researchers said here.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Expanding the urologic applications of botulinum toxin, two small clinical studies demonstrated significant symptom improvement in women with refractory interstitial cystitis.

CHICAGO -- Among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, MRI of both breasts may be helpful in determining surgical treatment, researchers here suggested.

WASHINGTON -- A vegetarian diet from birth is protective against colorectal cancer, according to a study of lifelong vegetarians in India.