For the residents of Mocajuba Island, dirt-poor folk who sleep in wooden shacks under the Amazon's vast canopy of green, the once-a-year visit by the hospital ship is akin to Christmas.

People who drink moderately in retirement are found to live longer than those who do not drink at all, according to new figures.

There will be a few more medical staff wondering about their patients, after the remarkable story of Rom Houben, who was conscious through a 23-year coma, says Liz Hunt.