(May 21, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From San Diego - According to research presented to the American Thoracic Society, the effects of childhood secondhand smoke exposure can persist for decades. In a study of nearly 1,800 nonsmokers whose average age was 61, CT scans revealed early signs of emphysema among those who had lived with at least one smoker in childhood. These signs were not accompanied by clinical symptoms.

From Los Angeles - According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, allowing medical residents more time for sleep could be costly. It is estimated that hospitals would have to spend up to $183 more per admission to implement recommendations that residents work fewer hours and get more naps. This could cost $1.6 billion a year, but it's not yet clear whether medical errors would be reduced.

And finally, from San Francisco - According to research presented to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is more closely linked to obesity among women than men. In a study of over 4,600 patients, researchers found that obese women were 3.9 times more likely to be depressed than women of normal weight. Meanwhile, obese men were 2.5 times as likely to be depressed than those of normal weight.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.