medicine

Mary Ann Bevan: The Heartbreaking Story Behind The ‘World’s Ugliest Woman’

A nurse in London with four children, Mary Ann Bevan became a sideshow sensation known as the "ugliest woman in the world" in the early 1900s after she developed a rare medical condition called acromegaly.

By Morgan Dunn • Aug 26, 2024

Mary Ann Bevan: The Heartbreaking Story Behind The ‘World’s Ugliest Woman’

A nurse in London with four children, Mary Ann Bevan became a sideshow sensation known as the "ugliest woman in the world" in the early 1900s after she developed a rare medical condition called acromegaly.

By Morgan Dunn • August 26, 2024

The Surprising Truth About Witch Doctors, From Their Shadowy History To Their Modern Practices

Also known as shamans or medicine men, witch doctors can be found from Peru to China to South Africa — but they're not at all what you may think.

By John Kuroski • Aug 25, 2024

The Surprising Truth About Witch Doctors, From Their Shadowy History To Their Modern Practices

Also known as shamans or medicine men, witch doctors can be found from Peru to China to South Africa — but they're not at all what you may think.

By John Kuroski • August 25, 2024

The Reign Of Charles II, The Inbred Spanish King Who Was ‘So Ugly’ That He Scared His Own Wife

King Charles II of Spain suffered from numerous physical and cognitive disabilities due to generations of inbreeding, and since his genetics rendered him infertile as well, the Spanish Habsburg dynasty came to an end when he died in 1700.

By William DeLong • Jun 9, 2024

The Reign Of Charles II, The Inbred Spanish King Who Was ‘So Ugly’ That He Scared His Own Wife

King Charles II of Spain suffered from numerous physical and cognitive disabilities due to generations of inbreeding, and since his genetics rendered him infertile as well, the Spanish Habsburg dynasty came to an end when he died in 1700.

By William DeLong • June 9, 2024

What Is A Coffin Birth — And What Causes This Horrifying Phenomenon?

A rare phenomenon, a coffin birth occurs after abdominal gases build up in a pregnant corpse, ejecting the fetus from the woman's body.

By Andrew Milne • Jun 8, 2024

What Is A Coffin Birth — And What Causes This Horrifying Phenomenon?

A rare phenomenon, a coffin birth occurs after abdominal gases build up in a pregnant corpse, ejecting the fetus from the woman's body.

By Andrew Milne • June 8, 2024

Researchers Uncover Evidence That Ancient Egyptians May Have Performed Cancer Surgery As Early As 4,000 Years Ago

A skull found in a cardboard box at the University of Cambridge could completely upend prior notions about when humans first began attempting to treat cancer.

By Amber Morgan • May 30, 2024

News

Researchers Uncover Evidence That Ancient Egyptians May Have Performed Cancer Surgery As Early As 4,000 Years Ago

A skull found in a cardboard box at the University of Cambridge could completely upend prior notions about when humans first began attempting to treat cancer.

By Amber Morgan • May 30, 2024

The Inspiring Life Of Paul Alexander, The Man Who Lived In An Iron Lung For Nearly 72 Years

Before his death in March 2024 at the age of 78, Paul Alexander earned a law degree, wrote a memoir, and rose to fame on social media — all while using an iron lung to breathe.

By Erin Kelly • May 26, 2024

The Inspiring Life Of Paul Alexander, The Man Who Lived In An Iron Lung For Nearly 72 Years

Before his death in March 2024 at the age of 78, Paul Alexander earned a law degree, wrote a memoir, and rose to fame on social media — all while using an iron lung to breathe.

By Erin Kelly • May 26, 2024

Archaeologists In France Unearth American World War I Military Hospital

Massive military hospital complexes were set up across France during World War I — and now archaeologists have uncovered one near Savenay, along with a trove of items left behind by American soldiers.

By Austin Harvey • May 23, 2024

News

Archaeologists In France Unearth American World War I Military Hospital

Massive military hospital complexes were set up across France during World War I — and now archaeologists have uncovered one near Savenay, along with a trove of items left behind by American soldiers.

By Austin Harvey • May 23, 2024

New Study Suggests That The Poison Of The Colorado River Toad Could Prove To Be An Effective Antidepressant

The Colorado River toad secretes a psychedelic compound known as 5-MeO-DMT, which scientists believe may be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.

By Kaleena Fraga • May 9, 2024

News

New Study Suggests That The Poison Of The Colorado River Toad Could Prove To Be An Effective Antidepressant

The Colorado River toad secretes a psychedelic compound known as 5-MeO-DMT, which scientists believe may be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.

By Kaleena Fraga • May 9, 2024

Scientists Observe Wild Orangutan Treating Wounds With Medicinal Plants For The First Time

Rakus, an adult male orangutan, was observed by researchers in Indonesia applying potent medicinal plants to an open wound — a behavior that has never been seen in a nonhuman animal before.

By Amber Morgan • May 7, 2024

News

Scientists Observe Wild Orangutan Treating Wounds With Medicinal Plants For The First Time

Rakus, an adult male orangutan, was observed by researchers in Indonesia applying potent medicinal plants to an open wound — a behavior that has never been seen in a nonhuman animal before.

By Amber Morgan • May 7, 2024

The Oldest Virus In A Human Skeleton Was Just Found — And It’s Still Afflicting People Today

Researchers found 12 ancient hepatitis B genomes, including one variation of the virus that's now-extinct.

By Kara Goldfarb • May 4, 2024

Science News

The Oldest Virus In A Human Skeleton Was Just Found — And It’s Still Afflicting People Today

Researchers found 12 ancient hepatitis B genomes, including one variation of the virus that's now-extinct.

By Kara Goldfarb • May 4, 2024