Topic

Medicine, Psychology & Health

A collection of 109 issues

Is Your Dental Floss Toxic? The Unsettling Truth About 'Forever Chemicals'

Your dental floss, especially 'glide' types, may contain PFAS, 'forever chemicals' linked to serious health issues. A 2019 study found using certain flosses was associated with higher levels of these toxins in the body, prompting consumers to seek safer, PFAS-free alternatives.

The Silent Threat to Strength: Why Elite Athletes Have Shockingly High Rates of Sleep Apnea

Huge strength athletes like football linemen and rugby forwards have sleep apnea rates 2-3 times higher than the general population. Their large necks and high body mass, crucial for their sport, create a significant risk for this dangerous sleep disorder, impacting both performance and health.

Yippee-Ki-Ouch: The 'Die Hard' Stunt That Permanently Damaged Bruce Willis

While filming an iconic scene in Die Hard, Bruce Willis suffered a permanent injury. Firing a pistol loaded with extra-loud blanks from under a table resulted in the loss of two-thirds of the hearing in his left ear, a real-life consequence of creating one of cinema's greatest action heroes.

Hugs on Drugs: The Startling Science of Why Octopuses on Ecstasy Want to Cuddle

Scientists discovered that asocial octopuses become remarkably social and tactile when given MDMA. This groundbreaking study reveals that the brain chemistry for social bonding is an ancient trait shared with humans, dating back over 500 million years to a common ancestor.

From a Brutal Attack to a Joyful Anthem: The True Story of 'Dancing in the Moonlight'

The feel-good classic 'Dancing in the Moonlight' has a shockingly dark origin. Songwriter Sherman Kelly wrote it after a brutal gang attack, envisioning a peaceful alternate reality where everyone was celebrating together. The song was his way of healing from extreme trauma.

The Factory Worker Who Ran 607 Marathons in 607 Days

Ricardo Abad Martínez holds the world record for running 607 marathons on 607 consecutive days, from 2010 to 2012. Incredibly, he accomplished this monumental feat while still working his full-time, 8-hour shift at a factory.

The Crows Have Eyes: How a University Study Revealed Crows Remember and Judge Human Faces

University of Washington researchers found that crows not only remember the faces of humans who have wronged them but also teach their friends and offspring to hold the same grudge. This remarkable study reveals the complex social intelligence and long-term memory of these common urban birds.