Are masks for the birds? We field reader queries about this new stage of the pandemic The official emergency is over but COVID is still here. And that means ... lots of questions. We asked our readers what's on their mind and then called on experts for advice. Fran Kritz
Gas stoves pollute homes with benzene, which is linked to cancer Benzene is among the pollutants gas stoves emit into homes, Stanford University researchers show. The toxin is linked to a higher risk of leukemia and other blood cell cancers. Jeff Brady
Testosterone is probably safe for your heart. But it can't stop 'manopause' A new study finds men with low T who used a gel to increase the hormone did not have a higher rate of heart attacks than men on a placebo. But the anti-aging benefits are iffy. Allison Aubrey
Pfizer warns of a looming penicillin supply shortage The shortage comes as there has been a steady increase in rates of syphilis since 2000. Inventory can start depleting as early as this month, Pfizer said. Ayana Archie
A dangerous chemical Xylazine is being added to U.S. street drugs, killing thousands Public health and law enforcement agencies around the U.S. are scrambling to blunt the impact of xylazine, a deadly new threat to Americans who use street drugs. Brian Mann
Abortion care training is banned in some states. A new bill could help OB-GYNs get it Medical schools in states that have banned abortion can't teach abortion care. Sen. Tammy Baldwin wants to make funds available for students in those states to travel for the training. Pien Huang
'Hold That Pose' offers queer and trans youth a place to dance, build community, and find resources Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Nearly a year later, most Americans oppose Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe The latest Gallup poll also finds increased political polarization. Some 60% of Democrats said abortion should be legal under any circumstances, compared with 8% of Republicans. Sarah McCammon
Some Taylor Swift fans are reporting 'amnesia' after going to her concert Taylor Swift fans, known as Swifties, may spend months fantasizing about seeing their favorite singer on stage. Why then can't they remember much after the show?
VA hospitals are outperforming private hospitals, latest Medicare survey shows Veterans rated VA hospitals higher than private facilities for things like patient satisfaction, hospital cleanliness and communication with nurses and doctors. Quil Lawrence
