Millions of Americans take statins, but they could do more than protect your heart and brain from artery-clogging cholesterol.

Statins are popular drugs that lower cholesterol levels to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Now, a study finds taking a particular type of statin may actually reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh studied a large group of postmenopausal women and found that those who took statins that do not dissolve in water -- like Zocor and Mevacor -- cut their breast cancer risk by almost 20 percent.

This outcome contradicts previous studies. Water-soluble statins, like Pravachol, did not impact breast cancer rates.

DVT Causes

There is no conclusive evidence that long airplane flights cause deep-vein thrombosis.

DVT is a potentially deadly blood clot that can go to your lung. It is what killed NBC TV reporter David Bloom.

British researchers have found that low oxygen and air pressure in airplanes are not the problem, but there are still clotting changes in the blood. Scientists said those changes are most likely due to sitting still for eight hours.

That is why doctors recommend travelers stretch, stand and walk around when they can.

Baby Elephant Born In Captivity

You've probably seen big babies before, but how about one that weights a few hundred pounds?

After a really long pregnancy, Shirley -- a rare Asian elephant -- gave birth to a bouncing baby pachyderm. The calf weighed in at 350 pounds.

Shirley was pregnant for 22 months. Asian elephants born in captivity are extremely rare. Only 20, counting this calf, have been born in captivity.

Elephants are pregnant longer than any other animal. Giraffes are pregnant for 14 months and rhinoceroses go through 15 months of pregnancy.

Elephant Conservation

ElephantCenter.com