The resignation of Marty Makary, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on May 12, 2026, brought to the forefront a heated controversy over fruit-flavored nicotine vapes. Rumors had…
Category: Anthropology
Supreme Court preserves access to mifepristone via telehealth – at least for now
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided that patients can continue to get mifepristone, one of the two drugs used for medication abortion, via telehealth and by mail. At least for…
How outbreaks at sea helped to shape the international public health system
Cruise ships are convenient floating hotels by which to see far-flung parts of the world – but as an epidemiologist, I know they are also everything an infectious pathogen could…
Immigrant patients often choose doctors with a shared cultural background – what they are seeking isn’t sameness but connection
At a recent dental appointment, I was unexpectedly seen by a new provider in my longtime dentist’s practice. Early in the visit, he realized we were both Iranian American. Like…
People with premenstrual dysphoric disorder have higher rates of suicidal thinking, planning and attempts
People with premenstrual dysphoric disorder – a more serious form of premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS – are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors than people without…
Health authorities work to contain cruise ship hantavirus outbreak
The MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship with a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, was on its way to the Canary Islands on May 7, 2026, after evacuating three ill passengers…
Trump’s new ‘Coalie’ mascot and myth of ‘clean, beautiful coal’ have a long history in advertising
If you follow the Trump administration’s social media posts, you might spot its new mascot: a cartoon lump of coal with big eyes and babylike features. “Coalie” sparked a backlash…
You know exercise is good for you – so why is it so hard to put it into practice?
Physical activity is one of the most powerful health tools people have to improve mood, energy and sleep, even after just a few sessions. But the real superpower of an…
Can peptide injections help people recover from injuries? Here’s what you need to know
It’s tough to avoid the current hype about the health benefits of injecting peptides. Although these substances – essentially, synthetic bits of protein in solution – have long made the…
Sleep apnea compromises far more than a good night’s rest – 2 neuroscientists outline the risks and the need for better diagnosis
Annual medical checkups typically cover the basics: diet, exercise and mental state. Surprisingly, many primary care providers fail to ask about one of the fundamental contributors to well-being: sleep. We…
