It is not uncommon for elite sports people to face adversity in their rise to the top, but few have displayed the determination of Tasmanian Katherine Reed.

The first large-scale bicycle hire scheme in Britain will get under way in London on Friday (local time).

Meg Wade is living every horse rider's nightmare.

UK scientists may have unravelled one of the long-standing mysteries of human fertility: why sperm cells tend to behave like tiny, surface-seeking missiles.

New research has cast doubt on whether people should take calcium supplements to ward off the degenerative bone disease osteoporosis.

The WA Coroner has been critical of a homeopath and a promiment Perth toxicologist over the death of a woman who used alternative treatments to treat her cancer.

Commonwealth chief medical officer Jim Bishop says seasonal flu vaccinations for children under five can continue.

Thousands of disabled students would be eligible for $20,000 to help with education costs under a Coalition government, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has announced.

Mental health expert and Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry is leading calls for the Federal Government to commit more money to the country's mental health system.

Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis are about to get access to three more drug options.

Researchers in WA are trying to determine why most health and social services have failed to significantly improve the health and well being of Aboriginal people.

Social Inclusion Commissioner David Cappo has released a discussion paper critical of disability services in South Australia.

A pregnant woman remains critically ill in a Hobart hospital after contracting swine flu.

Two outback Queensland mayors and their chief executive officers will cycle 200 kilometres this weekend to promote a healthy lifestyle.

US researchers say they have developed a technique which could one day allow people with knee or hip problems to grow their own replacement joints.

A peak national welfare group wants a crackdown on Tasmanian liquor licensing laws for bottleshops.

French police have detained the financial adviser of L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for questioning in a probe that has embarrassed president Nicolas Sarkozy's government.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has welcomed a statement from Kevin Rudd indicating he is willing to campaign nationally for Labor after he undergoes surgery and is released from hospital.

A rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip has struck the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, causing damage but no injuries.

The first large-scale bicycle hire scheme in Britain will get under way in London on Friday (local time).