Breast, ovary removal found to increase cancer survival rates: Even if a patient has already been diagnosed with breast cancer, the surgery can reduce the risk of dying. | Los Angeles Times

Support for health reform has declined over the summer: A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that support for the new law declined from 50% to 43% from July to August. l Kaiser Health News

Nearly one-third of deliveries in the U.S. are by C-section: Sweden has a C-section rate just under 20% with no compromise in the health of mothers or infants. The cause of the continually-increasing surgical rate is not explained by any single factor. C-sections add to the health risk of the patient and the costs of health care.l Associated Press

Rodents, piles of manure and maggots found in hen houses at Iowa egg farms: Salmonella bacteria was found in the water used to wash all the eggs. l Washington Post

MS symptoms linked to seasonal and atmospheric variations: Brain lesions increased in multiple sclerosis patients  in the spring and summer months. The results suggest future study timelines may need to be extended to examine seasonal changes. l Medical News Today

Harvard scientist accused of research fraud: Marc Hauser is an expert on animal and human mental abilities. He recently published a book, Moral Minds, on the evolution of morality. l New York Times

Tiger cub in checked suitcase traveling to Iran: A Thai woman is being held in Bangkok on wildlife smuggling charges. The Asian tiger population is declining due to poaching and habitat decline. l Associated Press

Studies of oil spill continue to muddy the waters: The latest report from California's Lawrence Berkley National Laboratories says that oil-eating bacteria are cleaning the ocean. That finding supports the government's earlier report.  However, other independent studies say most of the spilled oil remains in the water, wrecking havoc on the marine ecosystem. l Wall Street Journal