By using a capacitor instead, Mazda saves weight and space and, unlike a battery, it can charge and discharge instantly without deteriorating during prolonged use.

FORBES: Mazda Bets Big On Diesel With The All-New 2014 Mazda 6

While oral contraceptives have a good safety record (and Barr Laboratories' trial of 1, 400 women showed no evidence that Seasonale is riskier than conventional contraceptive pills, except for a higher incidence of irregular bleeding in the first few months of use), Dr Hitchcock is keen to see women exercise caution when it comes to prolonged use of anything containing sex hormones.

ECONOMIST: Controlling menstruation

The next phase will attempt to find out if prolonged Pill use pushes back the menopause, as this theory suggests it should.

ECONOMIST: The Pill

"The most likely explanation is that prolonged cannabis use causes the (receptors) to lose sensitivity and become inactive, " says Daniele Piomelli, a professor of pharmacology at the University of California, Irvine, who was not associated with the new research.

CNN: Marijuana: The next diabetes drug?

According to Dr. Vijayalaxmi, in issuing its report IARC wanted to send a message that we still have limited information about the possible effects of prolonged and heavy use of cell phones, especially among users who start as children and adolescents.

FORBES: Behind The World Health Organization's "Cancerous" Pronouncement On Cell Phones

They had hoped to use a period of prolonged good behaviour by Iraq to push for broader concessions at the council's next review of sanctions in October.

ECONOMIST: Iraq and the United Nations

However, the prolonged immobility of joints associated with wheelchair use can worsen contractures, in which the limbs draw inward and become fixed in that position.

CNN: Muscular dystrophy

Use earplugs if you're exposed to loud noise for prolonged periods of time including concerts.

CNN: KISS' Paul Stanley: I'm deaf in one ear