A report released by Health Day News

Dr. Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says, "This year, the adolescent birth rate has reached another record low, the death rate for children aged 1 to 4 is the lowest ever, young children are more likely to receive their recommended immunizations, and fourth graders are scoring better in math."

A report by WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh reveals several hidden costs in inaccurate hospital bills.

According to the report, one bill from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2003, charged a patient $1,028 for a contrast solution for MRIs that retails for $2.80.

Genentech Inc. and U.S. regulators have added a warning about the risk of a certain type of anemia with the company's Raptiva drug, used to treat psoriasis.

In a letter to doctors, the company and the Food and Drug Administration, warned about the risk of serious infection and decreased blood platelets that could be associated with consumption of the medication.

Australian drug manufacturer, Amrad, wins a U.S. patent for therapeutic antibodies used to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases.

According to an Asia Pulse report, the Melbourne-based biotech company signed a joint collaboration agreement with U.S.-based pharmaceutical Merck at $112 million, excluding royalties on product sales.

Clemson University and the Greenwood Genetic Center are working together to finding causes and remedies for birth disorders. Both have signed a $15 million agreement. The initiative is called Genetics Collaborative.

Analysts say the research will enhance research and doctoral education in human genetics.