Senator Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour in what could be the grim final chapter in a life marked by exhilarating triumph and shattering tragedy.

Senator Edward Kennedy was taken to hospital in the US today after suffering a seizure at his home, his spokeswoman said.

Eating less red meat and seafood while consuming more low-fat dairy products cuts the risk of developing the painful joint condition gout by about half, according to researchers who studied the diets of thousands of men.