With the onset of the flu season, the first protection for seniors, who are considered among the most vulnerable, is the flu vaccine. However, a new study says the vaccine is less beneficial and may not protect older people from pneumonia after they have the disease.

Researchers collected data on 1,173 people between 65 and 94 who had pneumonia. These individuals were compared with 2,346 people who did not get pneumonia. Both groups had similar rates of flu vaccination over three seasons of studies, the researchers say.

Researchers from Columbia University have achieved a breakthrough in treatment of the progressive, usually fatal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease. The skin cells from patients with this neurodegenerative disease are turned into motor neurons that are genetically identical to the patients' own neurons.

Researchers now say they can create an unlimited number of these neurons that could help in a better understanding of the disease and, one day, lead to new treatments or even the production of healthy cells that can replace the diseased ones.

A California produce company recalled a batch of cilantro Thursday that it shipped to three Canadian provinces and 23 U.S. states after salmonella bacteria was detected in the herb.

NewStar Fresh Foods based in Salinas recalled the packed cilantro labelled NewStar, Ready Set Serve, and Cross Valley Farms from food-service clients in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada as well as those distributed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

Removing gut bacteria from stomach cancer patients greatly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, a Japanese study has found.

The study, published in the Lancet medical journal, found that getting rid of Helicobacter pylori reduced the risk of further stomach cancer by about two-thirds over three years.

It's good news for all couch potatoes, who could soon be able to use an exercise pill to keep the body trim and fit without having to move from the sofa.

Scientists have successfully tested a drug on mice that could deliver some of the benefits of exercise, even to sedentary people. In tests, mice were able to run 44 percent farther, suggesting humans may be able to do the same without prior training, researchers reported in the journal Cell.