MEDICINE

6 Ways Technology Can Help Mental Health Disorders

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Doctors Didn't Actually Wear Beaked Masks During the Black Plague

The birdlike accessory is credited to French doctor Charles de Lorme, who was chief physician to King Louis XIII.

A pair of Watts-Freeman lobotomy instruments circa 1950

Walter Jackson Freeman, Father of the Lobotomy

He felt the lobotomy was “only a little more dangerous than an operation to remove an infected tooth."

The Doctor Who Modernized Royal Births—in the 1970s

Thanks to George Pinker, royal babies are born in the hospital, not the palace.

2017 Ig Nobel Prizes Celebrate Research on How Crocodiles Affect Gambling and Other Odd Studies

It's hard to pick a favorite from these off-the-wall studies exploring topics like whether cats can be both solid and liquid, the physics of walking backwards with coffee, and the brain activity of people who are grossed out by cheese.

CDC Traces Infectious Disease Outbreak in Seven States to Pet-Store Puppies

The 39 cases are connected to one chain of pet stores in Ohio.

10 Intriguing Facts About Joseph Lister

Get to know the pioneering doctor who's been called "the father of modern surgery" and the namesake of a popular mouthwash.

The World's First VR Brain Surgery Is Here

Aspiring neurosurgeons may soon have a new educational tool at their disposal.

This Updated Pegboard Game Helps Stroke Victims Relearn Motor Skills

One startup is using games to make physical therapy more engaging.

Why Autoimmune Diseases Cause the Body to Attack Itself

A new study explores the "runaway train" problem of lupus and other autoimmune conditions.

‘Good’ Cholesterol May Not Be So Great After All

A new Danish study links high HDL with higher, not lower, mortality risk.

New Test Can Differentiate Between Tick-borne Illnesses

Time is of the essence in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.

11 Interesting Facts About Lymph Nodes

Though you might not often think about them, lymph nodes are crucial for your immune system.

The Man Who First Made Childbirth Pain-Free

James Young Simpson didn't think women should have to suffer in labor.

German Doctors May Soon Prescribe Parasite Eggs

Helminthic therapy is unproven for many conditions and is currently illegal in most countries.

Experts Say Trying to Force Yourself to Be Happy Doesn't Work

Feel your feelings, folks.

13 Facts About the Sciatic Nerve

At its largest point, the sciatic nerve is about as big around as a man's thumb—plenty big enough to be an important part of the nervous system.

Scientists Fold Organ-based 'Tissue Paper' Into Origami

Surgeons may be able to use the flexible organic material to patch wounds and regrow damaged hearts.

Paul Mannix, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0

Scientists Improve Drug Safety—for Penguins

People aren't the only ones threatened by drug-resistant microbes.

Slug Slime Inspires Super-Sticky Surgical Sealant

Wet surfaces like bloody organ tissue resist ordinary adhesives.

The Must-Have Items for Your First Aid Kit

Don't get caught without some of these medical essentials.

Scientists Are Working on a Way to Treat Eye Floaters With Lasers

There could soon be a new option for people plagued with the annoying eye squiggles.

11 Facts About the Thumb

Did you know opposable thumbs may have played a role in the development of language?

10 Things You Might Not Know About the Elbow

Without this crucial joint, many daily activities would be impossible.

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