Mental Floss

HEALTH

Ahmed Abd El Wahed

Scientists Develop Test-in-a-Box for Chikungunya Virus

The portable test kit does not require refrigeration and could provide faster, more cost-effective diagnosis in remote areas.

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What Does 'Healthy' Mean to You? The FDA Wants to Know

And they want your advice.

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Study Highlights Why Some Probiotics Survive Longer in the Gut Than Others

Selecting the right bacterial strain for the gut environment can make a major difference in whether or not the probiotic can make an impact on the microbiome.

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Could a Fungus Cause Crohn’s Disease?

A small study found unique fungal-bacterial relationships in the guts of people with Crohn’s.

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The Americas Have Officially Been Declared Measles-Free

The last case of endemic measles was in 2002.

Matt Stroshane/WDW via Getty Images

Want to Pass a Kidney Stone? Try Riding a Roller Coaster

Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, in particular.

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7 Tips for Living with Asthma in a Big City

Breathe a little easier.

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What Are Toxins?

More often than not, detoxing is a job best left to your organs.

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Study Finds Harmful Compounds in Household Dust

Ninety percent of samples taken from homes, schools, and daycare centers contained dangerous chemicals.

Amazing/Weird Period Board Game Teaches Kids About Menstruation

Move around the board with just a quick spin of the ovaries.

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Get Better Faster by Changing Your Eating Habits When You're Sick

Depending on what kind of infection you have, eating or fasting may be a better strategy.

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Here’s the Best Time of Year to Get Your Flu Shot

Getting vaccinated too early could cost you.

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Easy, Time-Saving Ways to Incorporate Meditation Into Your Daily Routine

You can get yourself focused and relaxed any time of day: no apps needed.

Courtesy Mother Dirt

Can a Daily Bacteria Spray Really Make You Smell Better Without Soap?

We put one company's hypothesis to the test.

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Why You Shouldn’t Use Q-Tips to Clean Your Ears

Sticking a Q-Tip into your ear isn’t just ineffective—it’s downright dangerous.

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What You Should Know About Pet Health Insurance

Is comprehensive puppy coverage worth the expense?

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Many Americans Still Consider Themselves Too Cool for Seat Belts

"Don’t tell me what to do!"

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The FDA Is Banning Useless (and Harmful) Antibacterial Soaps

It's a win for your skin's microbiome.

Being Infected With Malaria Helped Ebola Victims to Survive

A recent study of Ebola patients revealed a surprising finding.

Lantern of Madison // Facebook

This Assisted Living Facility Is Designed to Look Like a Neighborhood

The elaborate interior layout is meant to help patients with anxiety and depression.

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Should You Still Be Using Bar Soap?

More and more households are giving up solid soap in favor of liquid. Is the latter really safer?

Jen Pinkowski

A Growing Number of Parents Think Vaccines Are "Unnecessary"

A new study suggests that parents’ reasons for refusing to vaccinate have shifted in the last decade.

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Your 'Best' Hours Might Not Be Your Most Productive

Morning people are no better off; come daybreak, their risk of making self-sabotaging excuses increases.

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Paid Sick Days Lower the General Flu Rate

Unfortunately, many workers aren't able to take a sick day.