The opioid crisis remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. In 2022, over 2.5 million American adults had an opioid use disorder, and opioids accounted for nearly…
Category: Anthropology
No need to overload your cranberry sauce with sugar this holiday season − a food scientist explains how to cook with fewer added sweeteners
The holidays are full of delicious and indulgent food and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreaming about cookies, specialty cakes, rich meats and super saucy side dishes. Lots of the…
Vulnerability to financial scams in aging adults could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, new research shows
A brain region affected very early in Alzheimer’s disease may explain why some aging people are at greater risk of financial exploitation. That is the key finding of our new…
Doctor’s bills often come with sticker shock for patients − but health insurance could be reinvented to provide costs upfront
You have scheduled an appointment with a health care provider, but no matter how hard you try, no one seems to be able to reliably tell you how much that…
A better understanding of what people do on their devices is key to digital well-being
In an era where digital devices are everywhere, the term “screen time” has become a buzz phrase in discussions about technology’s impact on people’s lives. Parents are concerned about their…
Why do I feel better when I wake myself up instead of relying on an alarm? A neurologist explains the science of a restful night’s sleep
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected]. Why do I feel better…
Knee problems tend to flare up as you age – an orthopedic specialist explains available treatment options
Knee injuries are common in athletes, accounting for 41% of all athletic injuries. But knee injuries aren’t limited to competitive athletes. In our everyday lives, an accident or a quick…
Brain-training games remain unproven, but research shows what sorts of activities do benefit cognitive functioning
Some 2.3 million of U.S. adults over 65 – more than 4% – have a diagnosis of dementia. But even without a diagnosis, a certain amount of cognitive decline is…
Weight loss plans are less effective for many Black women − because existing ones often don’t meet their unique needs
The popularity of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro continue to reflect Americans’ desire to slim down. While these new drugs have offered a solution for people struggling…
In hundreds of communities across the US, finding a dentist is like pulling teeth − but in 14 states, dental therapists are filling the gap
For more than 50 million Americans, finding a dentist is a difficult – in some cases, impossible – proposition. Many rural communities don’t have a dentist. People of color and…