Doctors order excessive diagnostic tests, partially to avoid malpractice liability.

CNN: Commentary: US health costs out of control

Eric Mihelbergel of Kenmore, near Buffalo, called the tests "excessive" and said his 11-year-old daughter won't take them.

WSJ: Some NY parents to boycott new, harder state tests

The researchers examined the prevailing inspection system called On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II), which tests for excessive carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, and also checks the power-train systems for problems that might eventually lead to elevated emissions levels.

FORBES: Competition Leads to Workplace Corruption, Research Shows

Food-safety officials in the southern province of Guangdong on Wednesday released the results of tests that showed less than 5% of local rice supplies contained excessive levels of cadmium, a carcinogenic heavy metal that can wreak havoc on the kidneys and weaken bones if ingested in large quantities.

WSJ: China Seeks to Calm Anxiety Over Rice

Critics say tests for seven, 11 and 14-year-olds in England are creating an excessive burden for pupils and teachers.

BBC: Critics say nationwide school tests are too stressful