Painkiller deaths on rise in U.S.; Many appendectomies may not be necessary;

> Overdoses from prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are on the rise in the U.S., according to a new study. Article

> Are emergency appendectomies a good idea? Not necessarily, according to new research, which suggests that appendicitis doesn't necessarily lead to a burst appendix if not removed quickly. Article

> Could hearts be "marked" for trouble? A new report from British researchers suggests that diseased hearts have DNA markers not found on healthier hearts. Article

> New research suggests that the words used to describe patients suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction may impact how professionals see that patient, with the word "abuser" evoking particularly negative reactions, researchers said. Article

And Finally... Yeah, and I'm sure his dark chi didn't help much either. Article