New York Times

Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, Noted Psychiatrist, Apologizes for Study on Gay ‘Cure’

At the end of his career, Dr. Robert L. Spitzer has reached a painful conclusion: “I believe,” he wrote in a letter, “I owe the gay community an apology.”

Stretch: Downward Dog Hits the Dance Floor

A “yoga rave” at Pacha, a nightclub in Manhattan, was intended to offer an alternative to the smoke, drugs and alcohol of the club scene.Yoga enthusiasts seeking social outlets without smoke, drugs and (sometimes) alcohol are turning to parties that combine live music, raw food and chants.

Trial Vaccine Made Some More Vulnerable to H.I.V., Study Confirms

In 2007, a trial of an AIDS vaccine made by Merck was stopped early when it became clear that it was not protecting everyone. Now a follow-up study has confirmed the worst fears of researchers.

A Stem-Cell-Based Drug Gets Approval in Canada

Prochymal, developed by Osiris Therapeutics, is a preparation of mesenchymal stem cells, which are obtained from the bone marrow of healthy young adult donors.

Rare Genetic Mutations May Underpin Diseases

Because the mutations are so rare, costly studies involving large numbers of patients would be needed to identify their role in each disease.

Well: Does Facebook Turn People Into Narcissists?

Some research suggests that people who frequently update their Facebook status are more likely to exhibit narcissistic traits, but the social medium of choice for the self-absorbed may actually be Twitter.

Well: Doctor and Patient: Increasing Organ Donor Enrollment at the D.M.V.

Showing people who were waiting to get a driver's license a short video about the impact of organ donation increased the number of organ donors by more than 10 percent, and the increase was especially dramatic among African-Americans.

Well: Life, Interrupted: Hope Is My New Address

I've left the isolation of the hospital after my bone marrow transplant and no longer need to be connected to IVs around the clock. I'm enjoying my freedom, but cancer continues to dictate my choices, writes Suleika Jaouad.

HDL ‘Good Cholesterol’ Found Not to Cut Heart Risk

People genetically prone to higher levels of HDL, often called “good cholesterol,” showed that they did not have any significant decrease in risk of cardiovascular disease.

Popular Antibiotic May Raise Risk of Sudden Death

Azithromycin may be risky for adults with heart problems, a new study finds, by possibly causing abnormal, potentially fatal, heart rhythms.

Brain Disease Is Found in Veterans Exposed to Bombs

The same degenerative brain disease found in football players and boxers has been found in veterans exposed to roadside bombs, a finding with potentially profound implications.

Zytiga, a Prostate Cancer Drug, Does Well in Trial

In a small clinical trial, six months of treatment with the drug Zytiga, added to standard therapy, eliminated or nearly eliminated tumors in about one-third of men whose disease had not yet spread beyond the prostate gland.

Army to Review Its Psychiatric Evaluation Process

Congress put pressure on the military after hearing complaints about reversed diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Well: Coffee Drinkers May Live Longer

The largest-ever study of the relationship between coffee consumption and health showed that regular coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from a variety of diseases.

Medtronic Says U.S. Investigation Has Closed

The Justice Department and the United States attorney’s office in Massachusetts have closed their investigation related to the orthopedic product Infuse, Medtronic said.

C.D.C. Lowers Recommended Lead-Level Limits in Children

Nationwide, about 450,000 children have lead levels higher than the new standard, compared with 250,000 children using the old standard.

Paralyzed, Moving a Robot With Their Minds

Scientists said a tiny brain implant allowed two people who are virtually paralyzed below the neck to manipulate a robotic arm.

Well: Skechers Toning Shoe Customers to Get Refund

Federal regulators announced on Wednesday that Skechers has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges that the company deceived consumers with claims about its toning shoes.

Noticed: Saying ‘No’ to Picture Perfect

A group of young feminists is campaigning against digitally retouched photographs in a teen magazine.

Maternal Deaths Plunged Over 2 Decades, U.N. Reports

The decline is attributable to increases in contraception and in AIDS drugs, and to greater numbers of births attended by those with medical training.