Against Medical Advice: Another Deadly Consequence of Our Opioid Epidemic
People struggling with addiction cite untreated withdrawal, pain, discrimination and stringent policies as reasons for leaving hospitals against medical advice. We need to take their complaints seriously
We Need Gun Safety Ahead of Elections in the U.S.
U.S. elected officials must protect public health and the foundations of our democracy by limiting the intrusion of guns into politics
To Diversify Medicine Post–Affirmative Action, Look to Community Colleges
The Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action will make it harder for medical schools to build diverse classes. Community colleges could be part of the solution
An Alliance Calling For More Open AI Should Heed Their Own Call
The word “open” is often thrown around in describing AI transparency, but the companies and groups calling for it must themselves be open about their practices
Lower Drug Costs Are Just a Federal License Away. But They Require Biden Administration Leadership
It’s a longstanding government failure to never use federal “march-in” licensing rights to lower drug prices. It’s also a mistake to limit them to only a few cases
Preventing Child Abuse Should Not Be Controversial. My Own Hate Mail Reveals That It Is
A deep dive into one scholar’s correspondence shows society prefers blame and punishment over protecting children from sexual violence
The Language of Astronomy Is Needlessly Violent and Inaccurate
Astronomy is beautiful and elegant. The language we use to describe its processes is anything but
Confronting Illusions Can Help Heal Trauma
Renowned physician Gabor Maté ruminates on trauma and Jewishness at a time of conflict
Editors’ Picks: Our Favorite Opinions of 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, we look back at a year of poignant commentary on space, politics, climate, artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and health—and the ways we explore the human experience
People with Sickle Cell Deserve More Respect from Health Care Providers
New CRISPR-based treatments for sickle cell disease bring hope, but medical providers still marginalize people with this condition far too often
Meet the Young Activists behind the New Youth Climate Lawsuit
Young people are taking action on climate because too many adults are not
Losing a Grandparent Hurts Boys at School
The death of a grandparent may be a rite of passage, but it is not harmless for many boys, particularly boys of color. Losing a grandparent in childhood corresponds with lower reading, math and verbal skills among boys at a critical age