MEDICINE

Back in the day, you might have encountered someone with a bridge to sell you.

21 of the Wildest Cons in History

From fake relics to fake princesses to medical fraud involving goat testicles, history is rife with con jobs that managed to fool unsuspecting marks.

‘FDA Cleared’ vs. ‘FDA Approved’: What’s the Difference?

FDA approval and FDA clearance aren’t used for the same products—but they’re both valid messages to see on packaging.

Here's how to make sure your masks are legitimate.

How to Identify Counterfeit N95 Masks

Packaging that says "FDA approved" is a clear sign that your N95 face mask is fake. Here's how to identify the real thing.

How Long Do N95 Masks Last?

Are N95 masks reusable? It depends on a few factors—here’s how to tell when yours is ready to be replaced.

Watercolor drawing of the leg of a patient, age 50, who had scurvy for 12 months' standing.

11 Facts About Scurvy

Scurvy’s mysterious cause wasn’t identified until the 20th century. Here are a few facts from the disease's long and miserable history.

100 Things We Learned in 2021

From really expensive NFTs to newly discovered shipwrecks to the latest developments in the world of K-Pop, here are a few things we learned in 2021.

Catherine the Great (at getting vaccinated).

A Letter From Catherine the Great Extolling the Benefits of Vaccines Just Sold for More Than $1 Million

When it came to endorsing the smallpox vaccine, Catherine the Great led by example (and then by telling her subordinates to vaccinate their villages).

Pneumonia can take on various forms, most of which suck.

Pneumonia vs. Walking Pneumonia: What's the Difference?

A 'walking' form of any illness sounds promising, but there are some key differences between these two pneumonia diagnoses you should be aware of.

Sleep isn't always as easy as babies make it look.

8 Facts About Insomnia

Vincent van Gogh’s favorite cure for insomnia was camphor. Don’t try that at home (or anywhere), kids.

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.

Australia Is Vaccinating Hundreds of Its Koalas Against Chlamydia

Many of Australia’s koalas have chlamydia, which is making it extra difficult for them to keep their population numbers up.

James Gillray's 1802 cartoon depicted anti-vaxxers' predictions of the smallpox vaccine's effects.

8 of History's Most Misguided Anti-Vaxxers

Life-saving medical advances shouldn't be scary, but these notorious anti-vaxxers in history didn't get the memo.

Preschoolers waiting to be vaccinated for smallpox outside their doctor's office.

Mandatory Vaccines for Schools Began in Boston Nearly 200 Years Ago

The prospect of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for schools has been ruffling some feathers lately. It’s not a new issue.

These 25 Countries Have the Highest COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

Roughly 5.86 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, and these are the 25 countries with the highest vaccination rates worldwide.

They really could be immunologists, virologists, or epidemiologists.

Immunologist vs. Virologist vs. Epidemiologist: What’s the Difference?

What does an epidemiologist do? Not the same thing as an immunologist or a virologist. Here’s how to keep them straight.

Barbie versions of six healthcare heroes.

New Line of Barbie Dolls Will Honor COVID-19 Frontline Workers

The new Barbie dolls are honoring a Brooklyn ER nurse, an Oxford University vaccine developer, and more.

Next time your nose gets stuffy, make sure you know how to blow it correctly.

The Right Way to Blow Your Nose

You're probably blowing your nose too hard. Here's the right way to clear your sinuses, according to experts.

MATTHIASRABBIONE/iStock via Getty Images

The Best Way to Treat a Bee Sting

If you think you've been stung by a bee, you should act fast. Here's how to remove the bee stinger and treat the sting.

This man has never gotten a vaccine for the common cold. He's being a bit dramatic about it.

Why Isn't There a Vaccine for the Common Cold?

Science has done some incredible things, but finding a cure for the leaky sniffles has proven elusive.

5 COVID-19 Vaccine Myths, Debunked

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? What do COVID-19 vaccine side effects really mean? Here’s the truth about some prevalent misinformation.

9 Fascinating Facts About Urine

You might think that urine is just bodily waste—but you would be wrong. It's been used in cleansers, medicine, and infertility treatments for centuries.

Clara Barton photographed by Charles R. B. Claflin in 1865.

The Library of Congress Needs Your Help Transcribing Clara Barton's Diaries, Correspondences, and Other Rarely Seen Papers

Who was Clara Barton, really? Transcribing her personal documents can help shed light on a complex question.

American doctor and epidemiologist Jonas Salk, who developed the first vaccine against poliomyelitis, looks on as a colleague gives the injection to a woman.

11 Vaccine Pioneers You Should Know

From eradicating smallpox to battling the COVID-19 pandemic, these vaccine pioneers have helped make colossal strides in public health.

Your COVID-19 vaccination card should be stored in a safe place.

5 Things You Need to Know About Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card

The COVID-19 vaccination card provides information about your vaccination status. While you don't need to put it in a bank vault, there are some things to keep in mind.

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