Public health is one of those critical domains where even the smallest of errors can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, history is full of examples where failures in public health protocols have led to tragic outcomes. Here, we explore five major public health scandals that resulted in the loss of countless lives. 1. The Thalidomide Tragedy...
News + Discoveries
Koi Pla, a popular Thai dish consisting of raw fish ground with spices and lime, is consumed by millions of Thais, particularly in the province of Isaan. However, recent warnings from Thai doctors have shed light on the dangers of this seemingly innocent delicacy. Leading this movement is Narong Khuntikeo, a liver surgeon who tragically...
Pink Himalayan Salt has really been having a moment in recent years. People can’t seem to get enough of it, whether they are eating it or purchasing salt lamps to help “purify” the air in their homes. Though the salt is a popular choice for many people, nutritionists are starting to warn against it. These...
The latest report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Experts, reveals there has been an increase in vector-borne diseases such as tick bites in the United States. According to the report, in 2004 there were approximately 27,388 cases of insect bites reported. Now, flash forward to 20 years and the number of cases...
Remember that Dr. Scholl’s TV commercial where all those supposedly cool people were asking everyone else: “Are you gellin’?” Well, years later (and years younger), kids are asking a very similar question sounding question… Are you JUULing? What Is JUULing? According to JUUL, it’s “the satisfying alternative to cigarettes.” If you’re familiar with vaping, JUULing...
The cannabis industry is growing, and studies are showing that this super-plant can help to cure a multitude of aches and pains, from the relief of irritable bowel syndrome to minimizing pain caused by fibromyalgia. Of course, not all users want to use smoking marijuana in order to get that relief. Fortunately, now there’s a...
This article was originally published on June 26, 2019, and has since been updated. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its ‘Dirty Dozen’ report and Kale has ranked third only behind strawberries and spinach when it comes to pesticide contamination [1]. Each year, the EWG analyzes Department of Agriculture test data to identify which...
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a popular class of drugs used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and other conditions. However, these widely used medications also have been linked to a variety of health problems, including kidney damage, bone fractures, and dementia (1). A study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that...
Science continues to push forward, trying to extend the human lifespan and improve overall health, and scientists have been exploring various potential anti-aging interventions. Recently, an unexpected solution has come in the form of a common blood pressure drug, rilmenidine. Initially used for treating hypertension, rilmenidine has shown promising results in slowing aging and extending...
Apple, known for its innovative and high-tech products, has recently added another popular iPhone model to its ‘obsolete’ list. This designation means that the device will no longer receive hardware service from Apple or authorized service providers. Here’s a closer look at what this means for users and a breakdown of each model now considered...
In a tragic turn of events, three friends were seen embracing each other moments before being swept away by a devastating flash flood in northern Italy. This poignant scene highlights the human toll of the recent severe weather that has plagued the region. Severe Weather and Widespread Flash Floods Storms and heavy rainfall have inundated...
In November 1985, a natural disaster struck the small town of Armero, Colombia. The eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano triggered a massive mudflow, claiming the lives of over 25,000 people. Among the victims, the tragic story of Omayra Sánchez stands out as a symbol of the horror the catastrophe brought. This is the...