MEDICINE

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.

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.

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.

21 Fascinating Facts About Vaccines

From facts about the COVID-19 vaccine to tidbits from vaccine history, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about immunization.

A doctor with the latest in medical technology: A head mirror.

What Are Those Round Metal Things Doctors Wear on Their Heads?

It's a favorite accessory of doctors in movies, television, and Spirit Halloween stores. But what does it do?

Does Breathing Into a Paper Bag While Hyperventilating Actually Help?

The next time someone hands you a paper bag to breathe into during a panic attack, you’ll know what to do—or what not to do.

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.

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