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Fluorine is the most reactive element of all. Most chemists will never use, or even see it. But, there are a few people with more than a few screws loose that will demonstrate how reactive it really is. You won't believe it.

It is a little known, and extremely unimportant fact that chemicals from plants are slightly radioactive, while chemicals from crude oil are not. This has no health consequences whatsoever, but the reason why is quite interesting. It is also the basis for carbon 14 dating.

A systematic review of controlled clinical trials reveals that opioid analgesics are not superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, in treating the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

If someone has been obese for many years, would undergoing bariatric surgery still be helpful, allowing them to live longer? A recent study shows that while middle-aged patients benefitted, "bypass surgery is protective against mortality even for older patients."

In a study of younger women with breast cancer, more and more are deciding to get tested for the BRCA mutation, which they should be getting. Some of them decided not to get tested and just opt for mastectomy, but this is unnecessary in general.

Leon Bellan, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University, used his creative vision and a $40 cotton candy machine to create tiny threads that resemble patterns formed by capillaries. In the body, these may be able to keep tissues viable and functional for transplantation.

A silly article makes it appear as though Walgreens pharmacies are contributing to the heroin addiction problem. But all the company is doing is making the life-saving antidote -- naloxone -- available in its stores.

In a surprising report, researchers using data from the long-term Framingham, MA study have shown that the age-specific incidence of new cases of dementia have actually fallen by 44 percent since 1977. The number of overall new cases, however, will continue to rise as the population ages.

Until recently, it looked like the African AIDS epidemic might finally be controlled, with the widespread use of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs. But poor compliance has caused HIV to mutate in a way such that tenofovir, one of the most important ARV drugs, often no longer works, threatening not only Africa, but world as well.

Dirty dishes. Scattered papers. And a countertop in desperate need of a serious wipe down. Why is this important? Evidence points to a largely overlooked player that has the potential to wreak havoc on a dieter's quest to maintain their eating discipline: A cluttered, chaotic kitchen.

When it comes to the Zika virus, a quaint anomaly for decades, those who live in rural areas have much different ideas than urban dwellers on how to prevent the mosquito-transmitted infection from becoming a major health problem in the United States.

The National Academy of Medicine conservatively approved studies to be conducted, on a limited basis, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) in women with mitochondrial disease allowing them to have their own genetic children.

As if we needed more reasons to indulge in chocolate: Researchers now say the sweet treat is good for expectant mothers and their babies. However, the take-away message is not "Eat chocolate daily for a healthy heart and baby," but rather, "It's OK to enjoy some every once in a while."

With the uncertainty surrounding the Zika virus, which could turn to panic if it reaches epidemic proportions in the U.S., mosquito control may become more important than ever. Although it hasn't been used here since 1972, DDT is creeping into discussions about how to contain the virus. It's unlikely to be used, but in the meantime we ask: What is DDT? And is it really poisonous?

Many competitive speed eaters maintain a steely focus to give themselves the best shot at winning. But some body-prep techniques they use to help clear the path (or more correctly, the throat) to victory, can endanger these champions of chow because they can lose sight of the health dangers inherent to the sport.

Although obesity is linked to a myriad of negative health effects, there are some obese people who still seem to escape these impacts. But a new study from South Korea suggests that there may be hidden health impacts even in these people with so-called "healthy obesity."

Too many pregnant women in America still smoke, with major consequences for their offspring. A new CDC report illustrates the extent of the problem, but says nothing about how to ameliorate it, such as by providing more effective cessation methods.

A large segment of health-conscious Americans avoid foods that are deep fried, for fear that it may clog their arteries or lead to certain cancers. But countering these ideas, some recent studies show that deep frying with olive oil may actually provide health benefits.

In trying to become the best team in NBA history, the Golden State Warriors banned all sugar during team flights. But when this pursuit of health excellence ensnared their beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the players revolted and won back their prized snack. And so we learn that even in the quest for sports immorality, food moderation plays a part, too.

The Environmental Working Group -- which has almost single-handedly manufactured the belief that if something sounds like a chemical it must be scary -- will help you be a winner in the organic/natural food marketplace. That is, as long as you pay them.

While public toilet seats can potentially transmit germs and viruses among users, similar health threats can find their way to us when we come into contact with some common objects, both in the bathroom and around the house.

So you have to give up something for lent? Don't pick carbs. If you do, expect flu-like symptoms.

They're sweet, and soft, and gooey and ... unbelievably fattening: paczki are everywhere on Fat Tuesday and that's OK.

The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a state-run agency that funds stem cell research, is considering funding research on human embryos using a gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9. This could potentially allow for cures to be discovered for devastating inherited diseases.

Cesarean-section-born babies miss out on the beneficial bacteria found in the mothers' vaginas. And some hypothesize that this omission makes these infants more susceptible to various ills. A recent study sought to determine if these bacteria could be swabbed on the C-section baby to deliver the missing benefits.