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Treating genital herpes does not reduce the risk of HIV, according to a study published on Friday in the journal Lancet, the AP/Newsweek reports (Cheng, AP/Newsweek, 6/19). Herpes simplex virus-2 has been shown to increase the risk of HIV by as much as threefold, so the researchers examined whether treating HSV-2 might reduce the risk of HIV, Bloomberg reports.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association on Wednesday announced the launch of a new 24-hour medical service program that will offer state residents 10-minute "virtual visits" with a physician by computer or telephone, USA Today reports. The consultations will cost $20 to $50 per visit. The service will be available to all residents regardless of health insurance status (Appleby, USA Today, 6/19).

The U.S. has "seldom been shy in lecturing others in the world about human rights abuses," but "it has zigzagged between compassion and confusion in its handling of women seeking refuge from" female genital cutting -- also known as female genital mutilation and female circumcision -- a New York Times editorial says.

Vitamin D is making headlines again. A recent report in the Archivesof Internal Medicine found that lower blood levels of vitaminD are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular-related deathand death overall.According to a current panel, some 50 to 60 percent of older people inNorth America and around the world suffer from a vitamin D deficiency.

"[P]rominent forces" are publicly discussing the benefits of family planning in the Philippines, where for centuries the Roman Catholic Church has "exerted its influence" like it has in few other countries, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Researchers in the US have discovered that when used together, a simple blood test and a symptom screening questionnaire can boost early detection rates of both early and late stage ovarian cancer.

The Delaware House recently approved a bill (HB 424) that would require HIV testing for sexual assault defendants under certain circumstances, the AP/Bethany Beach Wave reports. According to bill sponsor Rep. Debbie Hudson (R), the measure would allow assault survivors to begin prophylactic treatment immediately (AP/Bethany Beach Wave, 6/19).

USA Today on Monday examined the use of online second-opinion services, which allow patients to receive consultations from specialists based on medical records that they fax, mail or send through the Internet.

New data presented at the 12th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders prove that ropinirole is a highly effective molecule in managing Parkinson's disease (PD).

India's Patent Office in New Delhi earlier this month rejected German drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim's application for a pediatric version of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine, consequently allowing local generic pharmaceutical companies such as Aurobindo and Cipla to continue marketing low-cost versions of the medicine in the domestic market, the Business Standard reports.