Leprosy (2016)
We hear little about leprosy today, but it still exists, and because it’s now treatable, often the stigma is worse than the disease.
Infectious Disease and Vaccination Sub-categories:
- Vaccination (60)
- Viruses (173)
Curing Sinusitis (2016)
Many people confuse allergies, colds, and sinus infections. A physician describes the differences, and the new ways sinusitis can be treated.
Drug Shortages
Hospitals have been plagued by shortages of important drugs, sometimes forcing doctors to decide who will receive them and who will die.
Biofilm
Biofilm is resistant to many antibiotics and is gaining new attention as a source of hard to eradicate infections.
Zika Virus
Mosquito-transmitted Zika virus has arrived in Central and South America, and while most people are not affected by it, the virus has been linked to microcephaly, a severe birth defect. Experts discuss the virus, how it's transmitted, its spread to the US, and how to protect yourself from it.
Measles and Vaccination
Measles is more widespread than it has been in years. The current measles outbreak in several states has prompted questions about the responsibility of parents to have their children immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. Experts discuss this "social contract" cited by courts since colonial times, and why highly-contagious measles is a good test …
The Gut Microbiome
Scientists are learning that the bacteria living inside us, most notably in the intestines, influence our bodies far more than previously suspected. Our microbiome influences many other organs, particularly the liver, brain, and immune system. Different mixes of these bacteria may account for a great deal of the variability among people, particularly in our …
The Flu: It’s Bad This Year
The 2014-2015 flu season started much earlier than normal and so far has been much more severe than usual. Experts explain how this year's mismatch occurred between the flu vaccine and the predominant strain of flu, and how people can protect themselves in spite of the ineffective vaccine.
HPV, Cancer, and the HPV Vaccine
Human papilloma viruses are responsible for many cancers, especially cervical cancer and throat cancer. Vaccines exist for the major HPVs that cause these cancers, yet relatively few eligible youths have gotten them.
Music Thanatology
Music thanatology is a specialized practice of playing harp music for the dying. A practitioner of the art explains how there is also science to it as well.
