Where Lead Lurks And Why Even Small Amounts Matter
Federal environmental regulations for lead in drinking water still leave room for concentrations high enough to pose a health hazard, critics say.
Health & Safety
Talk About An Ancient Mariner! Greenland Shark Is At Least 272 Years Old
This Arctic species can live longer than any other known animal advanced enough to have a backbone, scientists say — maybe more than 500 years. Their muscles might hold clues that could help humans.
In Battle Of Health Care Titans, Should Insurers Act Like Wal-Mart?
Evidence shows dominant insurers hold down hospital prices. Big insurers seeking to get bigger want to take that idea to the extreme. Hospitals and doctors object.
How Worm Warriors Are Beating An Unbeatable Worm
Health experts used to say elimination of river blindness, caused by worms, was impossible. Now they've set a target date: 2025. Why the turn in this worm war?
How Weight Training Can Help Women Stay Strong
The government recommends that adults engage in two sessions a week of resistance training to maintain muscle and prevent injury. Most of us aren't getting close to that, but it's easy to catch up.
Robot-Like Machines Helped People With Spinal Injuries Regain Function
Eight people with serious spinal injuries who practiced hours of interaction with wearable machines for months regained lost feeling and some ability to move.
DEA Rejects Attempt to Loosen Federal Restrictions on Marijuana
U.S. enforcement officials said they will not change how they treat marijuana under federal drug control laws, turning aside a bid from Democratic governors to loosen restrictions on the substance.
Social Security Data Errors Can Turn People Into The Living Dead
The government keeps track of who is alive and who is dead. But there can be errors. And when you're mistakenly ruled dead, it can be remarkably tough to convince people you're still among the living.
Slaughterhouses Often Face Meager Safety Violations, Critics Say
Hundreds of thousands of people go to work each day preparing the beef, pork and poultry that ends up on our dinner tables. Their workplace is among the most hazardous in the country. Slaughterhouses — while safer than they were decades ago — can exact a steep price from workers. As it tries to enforce safety rules, the government fines the businesses for violations, but one former official calls those fines ineffective and "embarrassingly low."
Puerto Rico's Efforts To Stop Zika Are Hampered By Mistrust
Puerto Rico has more reported cases of Zika than many other places in the region, and the number of cases continues to rise. Unfortunately, Zika is just one of the island's many problems.