Archive - Random Acts of Medicine

Can we Lyft (or Uber) our way to vaccination goals?

A new "megastudy" of 3.6 million patients looks at the impact of removing transportation barriers to getting important vaccinations

Jun 28 •

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May 2024

Can cicadas help us measure the effect of lost sleep?

Real-world events can randomize us to less sleep, providing insights into how sleep deprivation affects our health.

Published on Random Acts of Medicine • May 25

How can we teach doctors what they don't know?

An interview with Dr. Marc Wein about a unique program for internal medicine residents training at Mass General Hospital

May 14 •

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April 2024

Can viewing the total eclipse be deadly?

It's well known that viewing an eclipse without safety glasses can damage your eyes. A new study asks if excitement over the total eclipse has…

Apr 6 •

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March 2024

Our genes, or our environment?

A fascinating study focused on the Amish and Hutterite farming communities sheds light on how children develop allergies and asthma.

Mar 20 •

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February 2024

More Random Acts of Medicine: When's the best time to get a flu shot?

A new study building upon research familiar to readers of the Random Acts of Medicine book is hot off the (digital) presses!

Feb 22 •

Can a toothbrush a day keep the doctor away?

A new study on brushing teeth in the hospital reveals some surprising findings.

Feb 16 •

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January 2024

Are hungry judges and tardy doctors ruining people's lives?

Two similar studies shed some light on whether being tired, hungry, or rushed at work might lead to problems for others.

Jan 23 •

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Advantage, Osaka? Sports, health, and the realities of being the little sister

Being the younger sibling has accelerated tennis champions like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams to greatness. But what does birth order mean for health…

Jan 4 •

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December 2023

Let's brainstorm: Why are pedestrian fatalities on the rise?

A recent analysis by The New York Times highlights a disturbing trend that is without an obvious explanation.

Dec 22, 2023 •

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England's tea craze: an unexpected boon for public health?

A new study using 200-year-old data shows how drinking tea helped keep the English out of hot water when it came to public health.

Dec 13, 2023 •

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Operation "Pop Drop"

Every home caregiver deserves a break, but finding substitutes is hard. What happens when there aren't any good options?

Dec 5, 2023 •

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