Exposure to even a moderately high level of lead may cause boys to reach puberty later, according to a new study.

US researchers followed the progress of nearly 500 Russian boys over three years and found that those who had high levels of lead in their blood reached puberty later than boys who had lower levels.

Those who had more than 5 mcg/dL (micrograms per decilitre) began puberty between six and months later on average than those with levels below this amount.

More than a quarter (28%) of the boys had levels higher than 5 mcg/dL.

A new study has found good news for men who go bald at a young age- they appear to be less likely to develop prostate cancer.

And the male hormone testosterone seems to be the key link in the chain.

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine studied 2000 men
aged 40-47, half of whom had suffered prostate cancer.

They compared the prostate cancer rate between men who said their hair had started thinning by the age of 30 and those who hadn't experienced any hair loss by this age.