Inequality
Black Children, as Well as Other Minority Kids, Fare Worse Than White Children in Common Surgeries
The reasons for unequal patient outcomes may lie in implicit biases at the hospitals that treat them
The Science of Health158 articles archived since 1845
Pharmaceuticals
Advil, Tylenol and Similar Painkillers Used to Replace Opioids Carry Risks
Over-the-counter analgesics can be quite effective, but high doses have downsides
Medicine
Deadly Falls among the Elderly Are on the Rise
They could be reduced with targeted exercise and some technological innovations
Vaccines
A Vaccine against Poison Ivy Misery Is in the Works as Scientists Also Explore New Treatment Paths
Standard remedies offer little relief for the itchy rash caused by the plant, but researchers have found promising clues in the immune system
Medicine
A Few Days on Antibiotics Are Often as Good as Weeks, Research Shows
Shorter courses cause fewer side effects and breed fewer antibiotic-resistant “superbugs”
Biotech
The Quest for Cancer-Detecting Blood Tests Speeds Up
Liquid biopsies show promise for early detection of deadly tumors
Public Health
Fixing Medical Devices That Are Biased against Race or Gender
Designers should show how well instruments perform across different populations
Public Health
COVID Has Pushed Medical Research into Remote Trials, Benefiting Patients and Scientists
Using home monitoring and other efficiencies instead of dragging people into hospitals could improve clinical trials after the pandemic
Public Health
At Last, Some Help for Meth Addiction
Studies show that a behavioral treatment works well and that two medications may also be useful
Medicine
7 Ways to Reduce Reluctance to Take COVID Vaccines
Trusted messengers and repeated reminders can overcome hesitancy, social science shows
Public Health
A COVID Look-alike That Strikes Young Adults
A dangerous lung illness stems from substandard vape liquids
Public Health
Is 70 Really the New 60?
People are aging better but not across the board. Education makes a dramatic difference
Mental Health
The Surprising Mental Toll of COVID
The rise in depression and anxiety is even worse than expected, especially among young adults
Neurology
Yoga May Bolster the Brain Regions Most Affected by Aging
Brain-scan studies hint that the ancient practice may benefit areas associated with memory, emotion and thinking
Cancer
Deadly Spread of Some Cancers May Be Driven by a Common Mouth Microbe
An ordinary bacterium can trigger changes in some primary tumors that lead to dangerous metastasis
Fitness
How Good a Diet Is Intermittent Fasting?
The popular fasting diet regimen can work well for weight loss, but many other claims about its benefits remain to be proved
Mental Health
Another Tragic Epidemic: Suicide
Suicide rates have been rising for two decades in the U.S. Will the pandemic make things worse?
Fitness
How to Boost Your Immunity
Some simple, practical steps can raise your resistance to viruses
Public Health
The Virtuous Side of Viruses
As drug-resistant superbugs spread, researchers are turning to microbes that kill bacteria
Policy
The Morally Complex Mix of Euthanasia and Organ Donation
Canada’s recent experience with terminally ill patients is instructive
