WASHINGTON, Apr 21: US health regulators said consumer products that use nanotechnology may have unknown effects on the human body, and advised food and cosmetic companies to further study the safety of these tiny particles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued two draft guidelines on Friday calling for more studies, putting, for now, much of the onus for safety on companies. (agencies)

NEW YORK, Apr 21: A new analysis of Medicare records finds dramatic differences across the US in rates of new glaucoma diagnoses, suggesting the eye disease is likely being overdiagnosed in some regions and underdiagnosed in others, researchers said. Looking at all Medicare claims for a seven-year period, the team found glaucoma rates had risen slightly overall, but that people in New England or the Mid-Atlantic states had about 30 percent higher odds than people in the Southeast of being diagnosed with glaucoma—and some 70 per cent higher chances of getting a suspected-glaucoma diagnosis. (agencies)

NEW YORK, Apr 21: Many people treated for cancer are worn out for a time, but new findings suggest that long-lasting fatigue may be less common than thought—at least for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, of 218 women treated for early breast cancer, found that almost one-third had “cancer-related fatigue” at the end of treatment. But far fewer—six percent—still had the problem a year later. (agencies)

NEW YORK, Apr 21: Colton Dixon, the young singer from Tennessee known for his flamboyant hairstyle, became the fifth person voted off top-rated TV singing contest “American Idol” on Thursday night. “I wasn’t myself last night,” said Dixon, whose Wednesday performance of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” was roundly criticized by the show’s judges. Dixon thanked them for their honest feedback, and assured them he would incorporate it into a future album. (agencies)

PARIS, Apr 21: Movies starring Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman will premiere in Cannes this year, as the world’s biggest film festival held on the glamorous French Riviera promises a strong North American accent in 2012. Films from U.S. Director Wes Anderson and Canada’s David Cronenberg will be among 22 films vying for the coveted “Palme d’Or,” the top prize at the glitzy cinema showcase which can significantly boost a picture’s box office and awards potential. (agencies)

LONDON, Apr 21: Bert Weedon, whose “Play in a Day” guitar guide set some of the biggest names in rock and roll on the road to greatness, has died. He was 91. The man who also inspired millions of others to pluck away at the strings in their bedrooms died at his home in Beaconsfield, southern England, in the early hours of the morning after a long illness, his agent and long-time friend Johnny Mans told. (agencies)

LOS ANGELES, Apr 21: Three of the stars of “America’s Next Top Model” have been dropped from the long-running TV show, after falling ratings. Photographer Nigel Barker, runway coach J. Alexander and photo-shoot director Jay Manuel, won’t be returning when the 18th cycle of the show airs later in 2012, executive producer and former supermodel Tyra Banks said yesterday. (agencies)

LOS ANGELES, Apr 21: Fox, the start-up broadcast network of 1987 that within a few years changed the face of U.S. Television with edgy comedy and youth programming, has finally grown up. Scoffed at from its start for setting itself up as a rival to the stodgy, old CBS, NBC and ABC, Fox celebrates 25 years on the air this Sunday with a two-hour special featuring cast reunions, re-runs, highlights and some major trumpet blowing. (agencies)