Here's a look at some of the top health news being talked about around the U.S. and the world today:

• Smokers appear to have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to recent studies. Reuters reported the findings shouldn't be taken as a recommendation to smoke for the prevention of Parkinson's, but said the finding could be used to find the underlying cause of the disease.

• In a move that may make it easier to search for the genetic root for diseases like diabetes and Alzheimers, research teams say they've been able to decode the genome of patients to find the genetic causes for their diseases, the New York Times reported.

• Vaginal birth after caesarean, or VBAC, is reasonably safe and should be more widely available, a National Institutes of Health advisory panel concluded Wednesday. The Los Angeles Times reported the U.S. caesarean delivery rate is up 50 percent since 1996 and is at a record high of nearly one per every three births.

• Coronary angiograms - often used tests to detect blockages in the arteries of the heart, often turn up little or no evidence of disease and are likely being used too often, according to a new study. Reported in the Wall Street Journal, the study said too many patients were exposed unnecessarily to the risks and costs of the exam.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.