NPR Health

Many think it's a dangerous ploy by the tobacco industry. But some say, with millions of deaths each year attributed to smoking cigarettes, it's the lesser of two evils.

In 2024, Romania, an upper middle income European country, had over 30,000 cases — putting it on the world's top ten measles list. Its vaccination rate hovers around 60%. How did this happen?

The CDC claims, without evidence, that vaccines may cause autism. And, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani heads to the White House, where he will meet the president for the first time.

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound often cause nausea and other side effects. Brain scientists are looking for ways to solve this problem.

The CDC has changed its stance on vaccines and autism, claiming now there's a possible link. The claim, which has been widely debunked, alarmed doctors and delighted anti-vaccine activists.

NPR's A Martinez speaks to Demetre Daskalakis, a former high-ranking official at the CDC, about the agency renewing false claims about vaccines and autism.

A botulism outbreak that has sickened more than two dozen babies in 15 states has been linked to ByHeart formula sold nationwide. Here's what to know about it.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage that previously stated "Vaccines do not cause autism" has been changed to cast doubt on the scientific research that supports the finding.

Millions of Americans face sharply rising costs for health care plans they bought through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, unless Congress acts soon. Here's what's at stake for them.

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are highly effective for shedding pounds. But researchers at the Society for Neuroscience meeting say they are only beginning to understand how these products affect the brain.

Scientists have long known that plastic waste is bad for marine animals. A new study quantifies how little ingested plastic it takes to be a lethal dose.

Dawnita Brown left her job to become a caregiver for her parents. Brown says it's a gift to care for her parents, but it can also be difficult. That's why respite is an important part of her life.