Beyond The Nasty Needle: Trying To Make Vaccines More Comfy And Convenient
From tiny, dissolving needles to high-powered liquid streams and nasal sprays, scientists are developing alternatives to typical vaccinations.
Humans
John McCain Was Diagnosed With A Glioblastoma, Among The Deadliest Of Cancers
About 12,000 people are diagnosed with a glioblastoma each year in the U.S. Fewer than a third of them will survive beyond two years.
Opioid Treatment Funds In Senate Bill Would Fall Far Short Of Needs
A Senate proposal to repeal Obamacare includes $45 billion to treat opioid addiction. But it wouldn't make up for deep cuts to Medicaid in that same bill that has funded much of that treatment.
Why Aren't Students Showing Up For College?
According to research, between 10 and 40% of kids who intend to go to college at high school graduation don't show up in the fall. This phenomenon, known as "summer melt," has puzzled universities.
More Than Bread: Sourdough As a Window Into The Microbiome
Home bakers in the U.S., Europe and some other countries have volunteered their sourdough starters to a team of American scientists who want to unravel the microbial secrets of sourdough.
Stress And Poverty May Explain High Rates Of Dementia In African-Americans
New research finds that African-Americans who grow up in harsh environments and have many stressful experiences are much more likely to develop Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.
Shame, Guilt Pose Significant Hurdles For Those Recovering From Addiction
For some, recovering from addiction is only half the battle. The other half is getting over the guilt, depression and shame associated with it. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with author Neil Steinberg.
'Living Drug' That Fights Cancer By Harnessing Immune System Clears Key Hurdle
An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration recommends the agency, for the first time, approve a new kind of treatment that uses genetically modified immune cells to attack cancer cells.
Video: Japan Created Easy-To-Swallow Foods To Prevent Senior Choking Deaths
In NPR's Elise Tries series, correspondent Elise Hu tries out different experiences in East Asia. In rapidly aging Japan, an edible innovation is helping seniors enjoy meals without fear of choking.
Took The Wrong Medicine By Mistake? Study Finds Such Errors Are On The Rise
A study analyzing data from poison control centers finds that the rate of serious medication errors outside health care settings doubled between 2000 and 2012.