The July 4 floods in Kerr County, Texas, sent shockwaves across the country. Now that most of the victims’ burials are over, the weight of grief is just beginning for…
Category: Anthropology
US has slashed global vaccine funding – if philanthropy fills the gap, there could be some trade-offs
The U.S. government is relaxing federal vaccine requirements and cutting vaccine research and development funding here at home. Elsewhere, it’s going even further. The Trump administration has stopped funding Gavi,…
Vaccines hold tantalizing promise in the fight against dementia
Over the past two centuries, vaccines have been critical for preventing infectious diseases. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccination prevents between 3 million and 5 million deaths annually from…
A toxicologist’s guide to poison ivy’s itch and bee stings’ burning pain – 2 examples of nature’s chemical warfare
Enjoying the outdoors carries the danger of running into nature’s less-friendly side: toxic plants and animals. As toxicologists at the University of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Poison Center, we see many…
Youth athletes, not just professionals, may face mental health risks from repeated traumatic brain injuries
On July 28, 2025, a 27-year-old gunman entered a New York City office building that is home to the National Football League’s headquarters. He shot and killed four people and…
A red meat allergy from tick bites is spreading – and the lone star tick isn’t the only alpha-gal carrier to worry about
Hours after savoring that perfectly grilled steak on a beautiful summer evening, your body turns traitor, declaring war on the very meal you just enjoyed. You begin to feel excruciating…
Fetal autopsies could help prevent stillbirths, but too often they are used to blame mothers for pregnancy loss
About 60 pregnancies per day in the U.S. end in stillbirth. The best way to find out why a stillbirth occurred is a fetal autopsy – yet these procedures are…
As wrestling fans reel from the sudden death of Hulk Hogan, a cardiologist explains how to live long and healthy − and avoid chronic disease
On July 24, 2025, the American pro wrestling celebrity Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71. Hogan had chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a…
Shingles vaccination rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major gaps remain for underserved groups
Vaccination against shingles increased among adults age 50 and older in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not equally across all population groups. That’s the key finding from a…
Are you really allergic to penicillin? A pharmacist explains why there’s a good chance you’re not − and how you can find out for sure
Imagine this: You’re at your doctor’s office with a sore throat. The nurse asks, “Any allergies?” And without hesitation you reply, “Penicillin.” It’s something you’ve said for years – maybe…
