Thomas Starzl, Trailblazer In Organ Transplantation, Dies At 90
The doctor, who performed the world's first liver transplant surgery in 1963, eventually earned the moniker "father of transplantation."
Medical Treatments
Doctor Launches Vision Quest To Help Astronauts' Eyeballs
Scientists are learning that some astronauts' eyes change shape after time in space, leading to vision problems. But a sleep sack being developed might offer relief.
Patients Demand The 'Right To Try' Experimental Drugs, But Costs Can Be Steep
Terminally ill patients want easier access to candidate medicines still in the earliest stages of testing. While 33 states have passed laws to enable that, ethicists also warn of big risks.
POLL: More People Are Taking Opioids, Even As Their Concerns Rise
The number of people who have used opioid painkillers is still rising, according to a new NPR-Truven Health Analytics poll. But they're also worried about addiction, overdose and side effects.
Embryo Experiments Reveal Earliest Human Development, But Stir Ethical Debate
Researchers who study developing human embryos have long limited their experimentation to lab embryos that are no more than 14 days into development. Some scientists are now pushing that boundary.
This Tiny Patch Of Mold Cost One Lucky Buyer Nearly $15,000
On the mold market — which is a thing, apparently — this bit of green is a "holy relic": some of the mold that helped Alexander Fleming discover penicillin. And it sold for big bucks at auction.
Why Are More Young Americans Getting Colon Cancer?
Data suggests that the rate of colon cancer among people under 50 is on the rise, but there are lots of possible explanations for that. Scientists say teasing out the truth will be tricky.
A Medicine That Blunts The Buzz Of Alcohol Can Help Drinkers Cut Back
Naltrexone was approved to treat alcohol disorders more than 20 years ago. But many doctors still don't know that when combined with counseling it can help people resist the urge to drink too much.
Dentists Work To Ease Patients' Pain With Fewer Opioids
After minor surgeries, many dentists used to reflexively prescribe quick-acting opioids to relieve a patient's pain. Now they're learning to counsel patients about better, less addictive alternatives.
When You Love An Old Dog, Managing Care Can Be A Challenge
Aging dogs often need extra medical care. But there comes a time to be realistic about what can and can't be done, veterinarians say. The pet's comfort is paramount.