Back pain during pregnancy is often dismissed as a passing discomfort − a nurse explains why it should be taken seriously and treated

About half to three-quarters of expectant mothers experience pain during pregnancy that is largely untreated, contributing to preventable suffering and harm. Many mothers avoid medications and treatments during pregnancy for…

People abused by intimate partners have worse asthma – but researchers are still untangling the reasons behind this surprising link

Asthma is a common, serious and difficult-to-manage chronic health condition. In the U.S., 1 in 7 people are diagnosed with asthma, and that number is rising. Over the years, researchers…

Health headlines can be confusing

Every week of 2025 seems to bring a new health headline, whether it’s about climbing autism rates, changing vaccination recommendations or unexpected cancer risks. For people trying to make informed…

Atorvastatin recall may affect hundreds of thousands of patients – and reflects FDA’s troubles inspecting medicines manufactured overseas

If you take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, you may have noticed a flurry of news coverage since late October 2025 about an extensive recall of thousands of bottles of atorvastatin,…

How autism rates are rising – and why that could lead to more inclusive communities

I can say from personal experience that being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can feel very isolating. Increasingly, however, it’s not unusual. In the U.S., 1 in 31 children are…

Why are 4.7 million Floridians insured through ACA marketplace plans, and what happens if they lose their subsidies?

Significant Figures is a series from The Conversation in which scholars explain an important number in the news. The Conversation, CC BY-ND When the Affordable Care Act, also known as…

CDC’s ability to prevent injuries like drowning, traumatic brain injury and falls is severely compromised by Trump cuts

Much has been written about the unprecedented impact that the second Trump administration has had on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from massive job cuts and entire programs…

Why you can salvage moldy cheese but never spoiled meat − a toxicologist advises on what to watch out for

When you open the refrigerator and find a wedge of cheese flecked with green mold, or a package of chicken that smells faintly sour, it can be tempting to gamble…

Navigating mental illness in the workplace can be tricky, but employees are entitled to accommodations

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, and they are becoming more common across the United States. In 2022, a national survey found that about 60…

Why your late teens and early 20s are crucial times for lifelong heart health

Emerging adulthood – the life stage that unfolds around ages 18-25 – is full of major transitions, such as starting college or learning a trade, making new friends and romantic…