I have yet to form a solid opinion regarding universal health coverage. Regardless of what I conclude to be the best policy, I am glad that the issue is out there. But I wish that this topic was more extensive; I wish that our country would broaden its’ definition of healthcare to include alternative... Read more →

Women take a lot of criticism for premenstrual syndrome, being accused by male friends and partners of irritability and moodiness. Now, women may have a good explanation for their behavior. During the 2 weeks before their period, women experience a gradual surge of progesterone secretion. Progesterone... Read more →

Law enforcers now have all the proof they need for tougher anti-cell phone measures for drivers, as the latest published neurological study shows that there is a 37% reduction in parietal cortex activity with driving. Arguments that there are many among us who can multi-task well have taken a back seat... Read more →

If you have been in a doctor’s office, you’ve probably seen them. They are the ones that are unusually well dressed — considering their environment. They also are typically young, healthy, and attractive. And worst of all is that they typically pay absolutely no attention to you, the... Read more →

Can you believe it is March already? Yeah it is that time of the year again when all time stops and amateur basketball is the most important thing in one’s life. Unfortunately, for those people in their fourth year of medical school, not only does the NCAA tournament occur in March, but so does... Read more →

There’s something undiscriminating about change. Regardless of age, social status, education, or upbringing, most people’s first reaction to change is usually one of resistance. It doesn’t seem to matter if the change is positive or even if the change is backed up by substantial evidence,... Read more →

A three-year multicenter study called Learning, Arts, and the Brain is finally close to solving the problem of whether art makes us smarter or whether smarter people are drawn to arts. The question is not purely rhetorical, as in recent years educationists have debated about the relevance of arts in... Read more →

Don’t you think empathy is the ideal cure for war and domestic violence? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could teach empathy to the whole world today, right now? Well, here’s a step in that direction. A set of seven studies explored ways that we can feel more empathic and less vengeful by... Read more →

We’ve examined the common reasons people stop taking anti-depressants. That’s part of this puzzle. We’ve looked at the difficulty of proving the type of depression an individual has. Now, let’s answer the big question: why does the “cause” of depression really matter?... Read more →

The biopsychosocial model of health and disease was originally a fringe idea, and is still criticized by some. But its popularity is growing as more healthcare professionals and patients recognize the link between emotional health and physical disease. A recent literature search on Medline, the U.S.... Read more →

When it comes to politics, it’s difficult to be a physician these days. There are many strong candidates in the presidential primaries this year. From the Republican side you’ve got a very ethical leader in John McCain. For the Democrats you’ve got a very charismatic and young Barack... Read more →