Hollywood?s big movie studios are divided on whether to show cigarette smoking in films that are likely to be seen by young audiences.

  Experts urged the Food and Drug Administration to ban over-the-counter, multisymptom cough and cold medicines for children under 6.

  Democrats and their allies mapped out a strategy to override an expected veto of a bipartisan bill providing health insurance for 10 million children, most of them in low-income families.

  Experts say that the risk of children suffering lead poisoning from playing with a tainted toy isn?t as high as from other possible sources.

  As consumers become increasingly concerned about toy safety, several little-known labs are building a business selling lead tests.

  While parents concerned about lead in toys are turning to do-it-yourself lead tests, safety experts warn that the kits are not necessarily reliable.

  The institutions that are to close or be merged under an effort to shrink New York?s hospital industry will receive public funds to cover legal costs associated with closing and to pay off debts, state health officials said.

  Dr. Rieveschl, a chemical engineer, invented the antihistamine Benadyrl.

  The agency does little to ensure the safety of people who participate in clinical trials, an investigator has found.

  The Senate gave final approval on Thursday to a health insurance bill for 10 million children, clearing the measure for President Bush, who said he would veto it.

  The nation?s two leading heart groups issued new guidelines Thursday about what should be done for patients with heart disease before they undergo surgery on other parts of the body.

  An affidavit filed by an agent of the F.D.A. details the personal involvement of Jin Lei, the founder of one of China?s largest drug makers, in an illegal hormone distribution ring.

  Four of the nation?s biggest makers of artificial joints will pay a total of $310 million in fines to settle accusations that they paid kickbacks to surgeons.

  Wal-Mart?s expansion of its low-cost generic drug program indicates that the company is reaching out to a younger and broader clientèle.