I hate getting Pap smears. Is there a safe alternative? You may have heard about HPV testing and self-swabbing to collect the sample. Does that work as well? Here are the ins and outs of this newer option. Mara Gordon
Botulism outbreak sickens more than 50 babies and expands to all ByHeart products At least 51 babies in 19 states have been treated for botulism after being exposed to organic ByHeart baby formula. The New-York based manufacturer issued a recall of all its products last month. The Associated Press
What to know about death cap mushrooms, blamed for poisonings in California Death cap mushrooms look harmless, but are responsible for the majority of the world's mushroom-related deaths. California officials say 21 people have been sickened in recent weeks, one fatally. Rachel Treisman
The fight to beat neglected tropical diseases was going well. 2025 could change that The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone. Jonathan Lambert
Scientists use AI to help make bionic hands work better for people who need them Scientists are using artificial intelligence to make bionic limbs act more like natural ones. Jon Hamilton
Rising temperatures could have a chilling impact on young children A study points to a new concern about the effect that heat can have on young children. Jonathan Lambert
Pregnancy-related deaths are increasing in Washington state. Most could be prevented Maternal deaths in Washington state rose in 2021 and 2022 compared to previous years, according to a report released by the state health department Monday. Eilís O'Neill
Does one drink make you dizzy? Why alcohol hits us harder as we age For many people, the holidays mean more parties and more occasions to drink. But if you've noticed that one cocktail hits you harder than it used to, there's a scientific reason to explain it. Maria Godoy
The Hepatitis B Foundation warns new guidance could undo decades of progress Dr. Chari Cohen, president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, says there is no scientific basis for scaling back newborn hepatitis B shots. Gurjit Kaur
A ban on feeding pigeons ruffles lots of feathers in Mumbai The pigeon population has exploded — a result of people feeding the birds. For some it's a holy duty and a way to connect to nature. Critics point to health risks tied to exposure to pigeon droppings. Omkar Khandekar
