MEDICINE

Use of the word ‘placebo’ in a medical context is more recent than you might think.

Why Is It Called the “Placebo Effect”?

What is a placebo? Technically, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I will please.’ It’s also a Catholic prayer and a clever insult.

A surgeon waving a dismembered arm might have sparked the Doctor’s Riot of 1788.

The Anatomy Riots: When Americans Protested Grave Robbing by Taking to the Streets

In the 18th and 19th centuries, robbing graves of their corpses for dissection at medical schools was an all too common practice—and sometimes, enraged citizens rose up in protest.

Should she drink about seven more of those?

5 Misconceptions about Health and Wellness

How much water should you really drink a day? Well, it’s complicated.

How an Unfortunate Misunderstanding Spawned a Medieval Mummy-Eating Fad

Eating centuries-old mummies was a hot health trend in medieval Europe.

Pigs could be the next step in organ transplantation.

Scientific Progress Goes 'Oink': Part-Human Kidneys Have Been Grown in Pig Embryos

Kidney transplants my one day get an assist from porcine vessels.

Antibiotics are the first treatment for necrotizing fasciitis.

What You Should Know About Necrotizing Fasciitis, the Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection

Here's how to stay safe when you take a dip at beaches, lakes, or rivers.

Guests look at a portrait of Henrietta Lacks.

How Henrietta Lacks Became the Mother of Modern Medicine

Though she died of cancer in 1951, Henrietta Lacks's immortal cells became the foundation for countless medical advancements.

A new Alzheimer's drug shows promise for those in the early stages of the disease.

The FDA Has Just Given Rare Approval to a New Alzheimer's Drug, Leqembi—Here's What We Know So Far

Leqembi could slow the progression of Alzheimer's, but the side effects can be severe.

Can Doctors Self-Prescribe Medications?

Doctors can self-prescribe, but it's generally discouraged and the practice has quite a few stipulations.

Does CPR Still Require Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation?

“Hands-only CPR” has gained popularity in recent years. So what is it, and when should you use it?

Martin Couney with two of the premature "incubator babies" in his care.

Preemies on Parade: How a Fake Doctor's Coney Island Incubator Shows Ended Up Saving Thousands of Lives

For many premature babies in the early 20th century, their best chance at life involved being put on display on the Coney Island boardwalk.

Laudanum was used by a number of writers and artists in the Victorian Era.

The Lure of Laudanum, the Victorians’ Favorite Drug

In an era before modern medicine, laudanum and other opium derivatives became seen as wonder drugs.

A 19th-century illustration of London during the Great Plague.

15 Other Diseases that Could Have Killed You During London's Great Plague

The Great Plague of 1665 killed about 100,000 Londoners, but winde, quinsie, and livergrown also took their toll.

Illinois Police Are Examining New DNA Evidence in the Infamous Tylenol Murders of 1982

In 1982, someone laced bottles of Tylenol with cyanide, killing seven people. Decades later, police could be a step closer to finding out who did it.

Amazon Is Now Selling a Prescription Drug Subscription Covering 80 Common Conditions for Just $5 a Month

The company wants to help address everything from high cholesterol to depression.

Dr. René Favaloro (left) pictured with colleague Dr. Mason Sones.

René Favaloro: The Life and Death of the "Father" of Coronary Bypass Surgery

Argentinian heart surgeon René Favaloro popularized coronary bypass surgery, which continues to save the lives of people with heart disease.

Before reaching for the tweezers, try these less painful methods for removing a splinter.

6 Simple and Painless Ways to Remove a Splinter

From baking soda to plain water, these old-timey remedies will get that splinter out fast.

A portrait of Henrietta Lacks hangs in New York City.

The Virginia Hometown of Henrietta Lacks Will Erect a Statue in Her Honor

An important figure in modern medicine, Lacks’s unique cells have been used in life-saving treatments. A new statue is another step in giving her the recognition she deserves.

Looking for ideas on what to spend your FSA funds on this year? Consider these.

13 Creative Ways to Spend Your FSA Money Before the Deadline

The deadline is fast approaching for many account holders, so if you have to use your FSA money soon, here are a handful of creative ways to spend it.

Celine Dion performs in London's Hyde Park.

What Is Stiff-Person Syndrome?

Celine Dion recently announced that she has been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare and progressive neurological disorder that only affects about one or two out of every 1 million people.

After 80 Years, the First New Drugs to Treat Hot Flashes Could Arrive in 2023

A new type of drug that could eliminate two to four hot flashes per day could soon become a hot commodity.

Hieronymous Bosch, 'Cutting Out the Stone of Madness' (c. 1501-1505), now in the Museo del Prado

13 Fascinating Facts About Lobotomies

Dig in for the dark story of an ethically dubious medical practice that fortunately fell out of fashion.

Adderall XR (extended-release) isn't part of the shortage—just the immediate-release version.

America Is in the Midst of an Adderall Shortage, FDA Says

2022’s Adderall shortage has been going on since the summer. The FDA finally made it official.

Wellcome polio vaccine dropped on to sugar lump for child patient.

9 Essential Facts About Polio

Go check those medical records to see if you’re vaxxed, and meanwhile, learn more about the polio with these nine facts.