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…

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…