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A study published in Fertility and Sterility has found a higher rate of birth defects among babies conceived by assisted reproduction. Almost 3 per cent of such infants were diagnosed with a major birth defect,found researchers from the Ottawa Hospital in Ontario,Canada. Infants born with assisted reproduction were more likely to have defects involving the gastrointestinal system,the cardiovascular system,or the muscles and skeleton,although risk of spina bifida or facial defects such as cleft palate was not increased.

Zero to 20

Environment key in baby flat-head syndrome

When it comes to risk of developing a flat spot on the head,environment is more important than genes. A study by researchers from Arizona State University in Tempe published in Pediatrics found for deformational plagiocephaly misshapen areas in the skull crowding in the womb is a risk factor,with the problem being more common in twins. After birth,repetitive pressure on one area from repeatedly sleeping in the same position can lead to it.

20 TO 50

Health issues in middle age can lead to dementia

People who smoke or have high blood pressure or diabetes in middle age are more likely to develop dementia,say researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis. The study,published in the Journal of Neurology,Neurosurgery amp; Psychiatry,found that diabetics were twice as likely,smokers 70 per cent more likely and people with high blood pressure were 60 per cent more likely to develop the disease.

50 AND ABOVE

A few extra pounds may help elderly live longer

Prior to reaching the golden years,too much body fat tends to increase the risk of dying,but extra weight may have the opposite effect for older adults,say researchers from York University in Toronto,Canada. Higher fat mass could act an energy reserve that helps the individual survive illnesses and chronic conditions,the researchers reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.