Sleep deprivation is unhealthy. These strategies can help overcome it.

The more sleep debt you accumulate, the worse your body fares and the higher your risk of long-term health complications, experts say.

By Ashley AbramsonApril 24, 2023

For cancer survivors, sexual intimacy can pose unexpected issues

Cancer and cancer treatments can have significant effects on sexuality and patients' ability to enjoy sex, but these issues are often not mentioned by doctors.

By Netana H. MarkovitzApril 24, 2023

The new face of Alzheimer’s: Early stage patients who refuse to surrender

For years, doctors and patients thought there was little to do when dementia was diagnosed, even at an early stage. Now, potentially sweeping changes loom.

By Laurie McGinleyApril 24, 2023

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults lived with chronic pain in 2021

And 17 million Americans also experienced high-impact chronic pain severe enough to substantially restrict their daily activities.

April 24, 2023

Scientists identify thousands of unknown viruses in babies’ diapers

Research involving Danish babies has yielded a great deal about previously unknown viruses — and the best view yet of the makeup of the infant gut microbiome.

By Erin BlakemoreApril 23, 2023

How — and why — you should increase your social network as you age

Research shows good friendships are essential to health and well-being for seniors.

By Judith GrahamApril 22, 2023

They endured covid. But some health-care workers mistrust the future.

Many health care workers cite staffing problems and burnout, despite being buoyed by their mission.

By Dudley M. Brooks and Sandra M. StevensonApril 22, 2023

Supreme Court preserves access to key abortion drug as appeal proceeds

The battle over whether to permanently restrict mifepristone, and whether the FDA properly approved use of the drug more than 20 years ago, continues.

By Robert Barnes and Ann E. MarimowApril 21, 2023

Abortion ban states see steep drop in OB/GYN residency applicants

States with abortion bans have seen a 10.5 percent drop in applicants for OB/GYN residencies from the previous year, according to new data.

By Fenit Nirappil and Frances Stead SellersApril 21, 2023

Experts slam plan to sell overdose antidote Narcan at about $50 a kit

Drugmaker’s price is ‘still too expensive for pretty much everyone I’ve ever provided it to,’ epidemiologist says.

By David OvalleApril 20, 2023

White House plans to nominate cancer center chief to lead NIH

The National Institutes of Health has not had a permanent director since December 2021, when its longtime leader stepped down.

By Laurie McGinley and Dan DiamondApril 19, 2023

CDC allows second covid booster: Who should get it and when

Here's what you need to know about whether and when to get a second covid booster.

By Lena H. SunApril 19, 2023

Coronavirus vaccine shots will remain free to uninsured under Biden plan

Vaccine makers are expected to charge as much as $130 per dose after the government winds down its pandemic response.

By Dan DiamondApril 18, 2023

Groups urge Supreme Court to reinstate restrictions on abortion pill

Justices will decide by midnight Wednesday whether to maintain full access to the abortion drug mifepristone while Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's ruling is appealed.

By Robert BarnesApril 18, 2023

FDA backs second omicron booster for high-risk groups

The shots would be available for people who are at least 65 years old or immune-compromised.

By Laurie McGinley and Lena H. SunApril 18, 2023

Cage-free or free range? What labels on egg cartons really mean.

Eggs are very expensive right now. You'll want to make sure you're getting what you think you're paying for at the grocery store.

By Trisha CalvoApril 17, 2023

Why melanoma is so deadly for men, and why it doesn’t have to be

Men are much more likely to get skin cancer — and to die from it — than women. Here's what makes men so vulnerable to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

By Andrea AtkinsApril 17, 2023

Overdose deaths of older Americans quadrupled in past 20 years

Of the fatal overdoses, 83 percent were accidental.

April 17, 2023

Covid is still a leading cause of death as the virus recedes

But many Americans dispute the data and the risks of covid — much as they have throughout the pandemic.

By Dan DiamondApril 16, 2023

Genetic prostate cancer risks identified for men of African descent

Researchers looked at 10 studies that included genetic data from over 80,000 men of African descent, comparing data from 19,378 men with prostate cancer and 61,620 healthy men.

By Erin BlakemoreApril 16, 2023