The Checkup
Pancreatic cancer’s toll too high
Steve Jobs surpassed expectations by surviving pancreatic cancer for more than five years. But his was an exceptional case.
U.S. touts veggies while subsidizing meat
(Jane Moorman / AP)
While the U.S. urges people to eat fruit and vegetables, federal incentives to farmers reflect an entirely different agenda. In large part, the government supports raising animals that become meat.
‘Our Bodies, Ourselves’ turns 40
The discreet paperback helped teach a generation of women about sexuality and reproductive health.
Humans can guard against pets’ pests
Consumer Reports: Pets can pass diseases on to humans, but preventive steps can help.
Can a chicken become a dinosaur?
Paleontologist sees possibility of turning chickens into dinosaurs; book ponders evolution of time.
U.S. energy riches are based on coal
The U.S. is rich in energy from fossil-fuel stores, but most of that wealth lies in potentially toxic coal.
Churches help members stay healthy
An innovative program in Memphis keeps church members healthy while reducing health-care costs.
Some sharks have highly evolved eyes
Several deepwater sharks have evolved visual abilities that allow them to detect predators and prey.
One woman’s paralyzing findings
A reporter’s account of dealing with Bell’s palsy, a condition that afflicts some 40,000 Americans a year.
Music training may curb hearing loss
Study finds that lifelong music training may help stave off hearing loss in later years.
The Checkup
CDC: ER visits by children for concussions and other brain injuries up sharply in past decade
Increase appears due to a combination of factors, including more kids participating in potentially hazardous activities and adults being more aware of the need to seek treatment for children when they get injured
The Checkup
The case for male circumcision
As many critics have come to question the wisdom of circumcising newborn boys or even regard it as barbaric, a commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association makes a case in favor of the procedure.
Health, Science & Environment Videos
Video: 21 have now died from listeria poisoning
21 people have now died from listeria poisoning. (Oct. 8)
Cheetah cubs a conservation success
Cheetahs remain endangered, with just a few thousand left in the wild. So the birth of not one, but eight healthy cubs at a ranch in South Africa is great news for their preservation. (Oct. 5)
Daniel Shechtman wins Nobel Prize in chemistry
Israeli scientist Daniel Shechtman has won the 2011 Nobel Prize in chemistry. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cited Shechtman "for the discovery of quasicrystals." (Oct. 5)
Ariz. dust storm causes pileups
A blinding dust storm has caused three different pileups along a major interstate in Arizona, killing one man and injuring more than 15 other people. Officials say 22 vehicles were involved in the three crashes along Interstate 10. (Oct. 4)
Trio shares Nobel Prize in physics
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences says Saul Perlmutter, Brian Schmidt and Adam Riess will share the 2011 Nobel Prize in physics. The trio was honored Tuesday for their work on the expansion of the universe. (Oct. 4)
Waxahachie chemical plant fire rages
A large fire consumes a chemical manufacturing plant in Waxahachie, Texas, letting off large plumes of black smoke. (Oct. 3)
Three share Nobel Prize in medicine
The Nobel committee announced today that American Bruce Beutler and Luxembourg-born Jules Hoffmann will share the Nobel medicine prize with Canadian Ralph Steinman, a professor at Rockefeller University in New York. (Oct. 3)
SpaceX chief details reusable rocket
Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX discussed plans for a reusable rocket that will land on legs. He says it can be quickly returned to space. (Sept. 29)
A tropical storm barreled toward Vietnam Friday, forcing 20,000 people to be evacuated, as Philippines deals with widespread flooding. (Sept. 30)
Frank and Louie, the two-faced cat
His name is Frank and Louie, and he's just entered the record books. He's now the longest-living cat with two faces, also known as a Janus cat. (Sept. 29)
Jewelry industry to limit toxic cadmium
How much cadmium goes into children's trinkets will be regulated by the jewelry industry, which says it will adhere to voluntary limits. The metal can cause cancer and other diseases. (Sept. 26)
Astronomer captures satellite falling to Earth
Video captured by an amateur French astronomer purports to show the defunct NASA UARS satellite as it falls toward Earth (no audio).
Health news from the wires
Tumor prompted a novel treatment
Medical Mysteries: After standard treatment didn’t kill a tumor, doctors tried a novel procedure.
Traffic science battles heavy flows
Traffic science struggles to keep cars flowing on highways in D.C. and elsewhere.
Special Reports
Obesity in America 2010
One-third of U.S. children are overweight, leaving the health and productivity of an entire generation at risk.
Elsewhere in National
The Post Most: NationMost-viewed stories, videos and galleries int he past two hours
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U.S. task force putting men at risk for prostate cancer?
Live Q&A;, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dr. Deepak Kapoor discusses why he thinks a federal task force’s recent recommendation is putting men at risk.
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The Washington Post’s art writers and critics follow arts, dance, drama, music, and the cultural scene.
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