Do Probiotics Really Work?
Although certain bacteria help treat some gut disorders, they have no known benefits for healthy people
The Science of Health84 articles archived since 1845
Revenge of the Super Lice
Overexposure to insecticides has bred resistance in the parasites, making it harder than ever to treat infestation
Aspirin May Prevent Cancer from Spreading, New Research Shows
In addition to relieving headaches and preventing heart attacks, the drug seems to keep malignant cells from spreading
Treating Epilepsy's Toughest Cases
Current medicines fail to relieve seizures in about a third of people with epilepsy. What can be done?
When Breathing Goes Awry
Shortness of breath can arise from a bewildering number of conditions, complicating diagnosis and treatment
Studies Link Some Stomach Drugs to Possible Alzheimer's Disease and Kidney Problems
Doctors and patients are grappling with the unsettling finding that chronic use of popular heartburn medicines may be riskier than was thought
Why the FDA Wants More Control over Some Lab Tests
The FDA finds that many so-called laboratory-derived tests may actually harm patients
Is Supercooling the Body an Effective Therapy?
The approach is popular for treating achy joints and muscles, but hard evidence is lacking
Blue LEDs Light Up Your Brain
Why electronic screens keep you awake at night and what you can do about it
Why the Go-To Stroke Drug Can Fail
The go-to stroke drug often fails. Now doctors can slide out brain clots with wires and have new tools for other blockages
Why Gene Tests for Cancer Don't Offer More Answers
Despite progress, genetic profiling of tumors has a long way to go
Research Casts Doubt on the Value of Acupuncture
Scientific studies show that the procedure is full of holes
The Brains of Flint's Children, Imperiled by Lead, Could Still Escape Damage
Research suggests that exposure to lead-tainted water in Flint, Mich., need not cause lasting harm
A Plan to Prevent Gun Suicides
Firearm sellers have become unlikely allies of public health authorities in the effort to block people from killing themselves
Genetic Treatments for Sickle Cell
When it comes to a devastating blood disorder, sometimes two wrongs make a right
The Paradox of Precision Medicine
Early attempts to tailor disease treatment to individuals based on their DNA have met with equivocal success, raising concerns about a push to scale up such efforts
Better Parenting Skills May Break the Poverty–Disease Connection
Helping parents to help their children can close the rich–poor health gap
How Data Brokers Make Money Off Your Medical Records
Data brokers legally buy, sell and trade health information, but the practice risks undermining public confidence
How Sugar and Fat Trick the Brain into Wanting More Food
Junk foods can muddle the brain's satiety-control mechanism, sending our appetites into hyperdrive
New Nerve Drugs May Finally Prevent Migraine Headaches
The cause of migraine headaches has eluded scientists for centuries. Now a theory blaming one nerve has led to drugs that prevent attacks
