Researchers have identified a safer test for Down's syndrome during pregnancy, which it is hoped will become readily available within a few years.

Currently, women have to undergo an invasive amniocentesis procedure to identify the risk of their child being born with Down's, and this can result in miscarriage. It also has to be carried out late in pregnancy, making a possible elective abortion a more painful issue. The new test is a simple blood test that can be carried out earlier in the pregnancy and with no risk to the foetus. 

As many as one in five young men are deeply unhappy with their body image, according to a programme due to air on BBC television. Increased pressure to be thin and undrealistic expectations about weight are contributing to a rise in 'manorexia'.Men make up about 15 per cent of anorexia patients, but doctors say the real figure could be much higher.

Fashion retailer French Connection has blamed rising costs and shrinking margins for "disappointing" losses. Although sales continued to rise, especially in womenswear, increased overheads and staff costs had offset any gains, said a company statement.

One of the world's most expensive tartans is about to roll off the production line in the Borders. Woven from 100% pure Mongolian cashmere, the fabric will be used to produce a number of items including a kilt costing about £3,000.

Up to 3,000 miscarriages each year in the UK could be prevented thanks to new research into what causes women to lose their baby early in pregnancy, according to a story in the Guardian.