Health

Ozempic or Bust

America has been trying to address the obesity epidemic for four decades now. So far, each new “solution” has failed to live up to its early promise.

The Conjoined Twins Who Refused to Be ‘Fixed’

George and Lori Schappell didn’t seem to care whether others understood them. But America is still struggling to accommodate bodies like theirs.

A Fundamental Stage of Human Reproduction Is Shifting

Can humans ever break free of menopause?

Hypochondria Never Dies

The diagnosis is officially gone, but health anxiety is everywhere.

Medieval Pets Had One of Humanity’s Most Cursed Diseases

Medieval people had a lot of leprosy. So did their pet squirrels.

Marijuana’s Health Effects Are About to Get a Whole Lot Clearer

Rescheduling weed will clear the way for scientists to study it more directly.

Milk Has Lost Its Magic

The bird-flu panic is getting out of hand.

Cancer Supertests Are Here

But are they really such a good idea?

America’s Infectious-Disease Barometer Is Off

Somehow, the U.S. is both over- and under-reacting to bird flu and other pressing infectious threats.

We’re All Reading Wrong

To access the full benefits of literature, you have to share it out loud.

A New Sweetener Has Joined the Ranks of Aspartame and Stevia

Unfortunately, it’s still nothing like real sugar.

The Bone-Marrow-Transplant Revolution

Finding a matched donor has always been the major challenge. A drug has solved that problem.

Women in Menopause Are Getting Short Shrift

They could benefit from a diversity of hormones, empathy about their experience, and a frank approach to sexuality—all hallmarks of trans health care.

What Happens When You’ve Been on Ozempic for 20 Years?

The long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs are unknown.

Chocolate Might Never Be the Same

The cocoa shortage is making chocolate more expensive—maybe forever.

The Sober-Curious Movement Has Reached an Impasse

No one can decide on the drinking age for “adult” drinks that don’t contain alcohol.

Almost No One Is Happy With Legal Weed

Will legal psychedelics be any better?

The Coming Birth-Control Revolution

An abundance of new methods for men could transform women’s contraception too.

The Doctor Will Ask About Your Gun Now

More physicians are making gun safety part of routine visits. But should they be?

Zyn Was 100 Years in the Making

Nicotine has been on a long journey to become candy.