Health
Families left reeling after hospitals in blue states drop transgender care for youth
Massachusetts passed laws and joined lawsuits to protect access to gender-affirming care for minors. But faced with the Trump administration's threats, some hospitals voluntarily stopped care.
By NPR Health
Do less, ask for more: How to make life easier as a working parent
Going back to work after having a baby can be overwhelming. You're juggling all the emotions of being a new parent while getting up to speed at your job. Tips to help you make a smooth transition.
By NPR Health
Why scientists are nervous about fungi
They can pose a threat to human health — yeast infections are but one example. Scientists say not enough attention is paid to their ability to develop resistance to medications that treat them.
By NPR Health
RFK Jr. defends his health agenda and Trump's proposed budget cuts in hearing
In his first appearance this year, the health secretary is taking questions on his record on health, including his controversial moves on vaccines.
By NPR Health
Boiling milk and worrying about the Iran war: A New Year dawns in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Buddhists and Hindus marked their New Year on Tuesday while a war thousands of miles away is making itself felt.
By NPR Health
Trump nominates former Coast Guard doctor as CDC chief
The nomination comes after months of interim leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
By NPR Health
Fela Kuti is the first African artist to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In December, the late Nigerian superstar became the first African musician to get a Grammy lifetime achievement award. Now he's making history as well at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
By NPR Health
Middle East conflict causes a fluoride shortage for US drinking water
Some U.S. water systems are cutting back on fluoride because of a key chemical is in short supply. Israel is one of its main producers.
By NPR Health
A Colorado hospital profits from resolving language barriers
Without qualified interpreters at doctors' offices, non-English speakers can face bad — even fatal — health outcomes. A hospital in rural Colorado is training its existing bilingual staff to address the service gap.
By NPR Health
You can order your own blood work now. Interpreting the results is another story
Firms like Function Health and Oura market regular blood tests to people wanting to take their health into their own hands. The process often raises more questions for patients than it can answer.
By NPR Health
Historic decline in U.S. overdose deaths threatened by changing street drug supply
Drug overdose deaths are plummeting in the U.S. in ways never seen before. Experts worry new, toxic "synthetic" street drugs could derail the recovery.
By NPR Health
Can red light therapy really deliver a beauty and health glow-up? Here's the science
Social media influencers claim red light therapy can deliver everything from younger-looking skin to more hair growth, better sleep and even boost longevity. Does science back up those claims?
By NPR Health
Quit a GLP-1? Plan to start again? It's not recommended, but plenty of people do it
A majority of people who start the obesity and diabetes medicines known as GLP-1s also quit them, and plan to restart again. Research hasn't yet shown the health impacts of cycling on and off the drugs.
By NPR Health
They counted on a rural dialysis unit to keep them alive. Then it closed
A hospital in Nebraska shut down the only dialysis unit for miles, upending lives. That's despite a new federal program that gave the state more than $200 million to improve rural health care access.
By NPR Health
Can red light therapy really deliver a beauty and health glow-up? Here's the science
Wellness influencers tout the therapy's power for everything from rejuvenating skin and hair to boosting longevity. Devices sold for at-home use abound. We look at the evidence behind the hype.
By NPR Health
The real space science behind 'Project Hail Mary'
The science fiction blockbuster wowed audiences with its depiction of space travel and more. Here's what NASA staff and other scientists say about the basis for the amazing events of the film.
By NPR Health
Busting common myths about head lice — and why they're here to stay
Humanity's itchy little nuisance resists common pesticides and drives parents crazy. Will we ever be rid of head lice? Doctors say it's unlikely.
By NPR Health
Gut troubles? This gastroenterologist has tips to help you achieve 'poophoria'
In her new book You've Been Pooping All Wrong, Dr. Trisha Pasricha shares habits and practices to make your relationship with your solid waste as smooth as possible
By NPR Health
The Great Green Wall's one of the world's most ambitious eco-projects. Is it working?
It's a global effort with a multibillion dollar price tag. Among its aims: re-greening nearly 250 million acres, planting 4,000 miles of trees, helping farmers, creating jobs, sequestering carbon.
By NPR Health
More ambulances are carrying blood for transfusions. Experts say it will save lives
More and more ambulances carry blood when responding to trauma scenes. Officials say transfusions before patients arrive at the hospital will save lives.
By NPR Health
'How are you using AI?' Your therapist should ask you that question, experts argue
A paper in JAMA Psychiatry says mental health providers should ask if patients are using artificial intelligence chatbots, just as they would ask patients about sleep habits and substance use.
By NPR Health
Shortlisted for an Oscar, 'Homebound' is a daring movie about two dear friends
The movie, now streaming on Netflix, defied current trends in Indian cinema to tell the true story of a friendship between a Muslim and a Hindu Dalit. Martin Scorsese was secretly involved.
By NPR Health
Teen birth rates hit another historical low in 2025, CDC says
The teen birth rate continues its decades-long downward trend. Researchers say many factors are at play, including less sexual activity and more access to contraception and abortion.
By NPR Health
How to make a high-deductible health plan and HSA work for you
If you chose a cheaper health plan, you may be stuck with some hefty medical bills until you meet your deductible. Here's how to get the most out of your plan and health savings account.
By NPR Health
In the Trump era, everybody's talking about 'soft power.' But ... what is it exactly?
The U.S. government long saw giving international aid as a way to build goodwill throughout the world. Did it work? And what does the reducing of foreign aid mean for that effort now?
By NPR Health