Would It Be A Bad Thing to Wipe Out A Species ... If It's A Mosquito?
Should we get rid of the Zika-spreading Aedes aegypti species? Or is it just never a good idea to eradicate a critter?
Health & Safety
A Man On A Mission: Give A True Count Of The Toll Of Mental Illness
The years lost to mental illness around the globe — years of disability, early death — could be far greater than previous estimates.
How Scientists Misread The Threat Of Zika Virus
Zika was ignored by infectious disease scientists for years. This happens more often than you might think, especially with diseases discovered in remote regions. A researcher says we can do better.
When Fear Becomes An Unintended Public Health Problem
There's a fine line between telling people about an emerging public health threat, such as Zika virus, and scaring them out of their wits. Once alarm spreads, it can be hard to make the facts known.
Moms And Infants Are Abandoned In Brazil Amid Surge In Microcephaly
There have been several cases of abandoned babies already — at least three in Rio. And a psychologist believes that some men will walk out on their partner if a newborn has the birth defect.
When Getting A Blood Pressure Cuff Takes All Day
Sharlene Adams has hypertension but no car, computer or credit card. Insurance will pay for a blood pressure cuff, but the many small hurdles in her life make getting one a time-consuming ordeal.
When A Loved One Dies Of Overdose, What Happens To The Family?
Grieving the loss of a loved one to drug overdose can be difficult when it is mixed with guilt and remorse. But support is scarce for those who are left behind.
Should Porn Stars Use Condoms? California Grapples With Regulation
"We're talking about gloves, full body cover and goggles," says a porn industry executive of the California proposal to require condom use on the set. Proponents say it's about workplace safety.
Did A Pesticide Cause Microcephaly In Brazil? Unlikely, Say Experts
A report from doctors in Argentina raises the possibility that a mosquito pesticide could be responsible for an increase in microcephaly in Brazil. But many top scientists strongly disagree.
Pope Francis Justifies Contraception In Regions Affected By Zika Virus
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with the Nicole Winfield of the Associated Press about the pope's justification for use of contraception in regions affected by the Zika virus.