Reproductive Health

Octomom

Why Did the Octomom’s Fertility Doctor Have his License Revoked?

In 2009, the Octomom case was gaining traction all over the media. A single mother was implanted with 12 embryos and gave birth to eight of them. They are currently the world’s oldest surviving octuplets. Her fertility doctor’s license was eventually revoked because of this, but what exactly happened? The Medical Board of California determined […]

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iodine

Why was Goiter Common in Children Before the 1920s?

Iodine is required by the body to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and various other vital functions. Did you know that in the past, children suffered from iodine deficiency? Before the 1920s, up to 70% of children in different parts of the United States suffered from goiter due to iodine deficiency.

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Wizard of Oz

What Was the Snow in the Wizard of Oz Made Of?

Today, paper products are often used to make artificial snow for indoor movie sets. More often than not, set designers use biodegradable and eco-friendly fake snow that contains food-grade ingredients and recycled cellulose. But did you know what they used in The Wizard of Oz set back in the 1930s? The cancer-causing chemical asbestos was

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Nicotine

How Does the Brain Play A Role in Nicotine Addiction?

The brain receptors become extremely overwhelmed during addiction. It then starts to react by producing less dopamine or even completely eliminating dopamine receptors. According to most PET studies, addiction is concentrated on the brain’s dopamine system. But did you know that the brain also has a role in nicotine addiction? Smokers who had their insula

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Infant

Do Infants Feel Pain?

Until the 1980s scientists believed that infants did not feel any pain because they did not fully develop pain receptors. They assumed that the reactions babies had to pokes and pricks were just muscular responses. But do infants actually feel pain? Infants were long thought to not feel pain. They were routinely subjected to major

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Polydactyly

What is the Advantage of Having an Extra Digit?

Polydactyly is a condition wherein a baby is born with one or more extra fingers. It’s a common occurrence that frequently runs in families. In most cases, the extra digits are tiny and improperly developed. But did you know having extra digits actually has an advantage? Having extra digits are not uncommon. Surprisingly, individuals with

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amy krouse rosenthal

How Did Amy Rosenthal Tell the Public About her Ovarian Cancer?

Amy Krouse Rosenthal was an American novelist who wrote both adult and children’s novels. She was also a short filmmaker and host of a radio show. With her rather public and successful career, she felt the need to tell her audience about her struggles with ovarian cancer. But how did she go about doing so?

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Mice Pregnancy Tests

How Were Mice Used As Pregnancy Tests in the Early 20th Century?

Today, we have access to two kinds of pregnancy tests. One that read urine, and another that processes blood. Urine tests are typically performed at home, though they can also be performed at your local clinic. Whereas blood tests are performed by your healthcare provider. A home test typically examines your urine for the presence

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How Did Anthony Perkins Find Out He was HIV Positive?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, the virus can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Back in the day, the disease was often associated with homosexuals, and people who have been diagnosed with the disease were often discriminated against. But did you know how

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What is the Charlie Sheen Effect?

Finally tired of the harassing smear campaigns he experienced, Charlie Sheen solidified his decision to disclose his HIV diagnosis. In November 2015, Sheen publicly revealed his health condition on the Today Show, gaining support from millions of people.  The Charlie Sheen Effect began when Charlie Sheen uncovered his HIV-positive status. Not long after, sales in

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