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Which straw reigns supreme? A semi-definitive ranking

Who would’ve thought that something as mundane as straws could become a hot topic? Yet in recent years, they’ve been featured in countless news stories, sparked debate, and been targeted by well-meaning environmental movements. I like to think I know a few things about straws. I’ve been utilizing them…

COVID-19 kept me from saying goodbye to my grandmother

Sobbing a blubbery and snotty cry while waiting for an elevator was likely my rock-bottom moment in January. I’d just left the interventional radiology department after another stressful procedure at the hospital. Thankfully, it went as easily as it could have, given the difficult situation. But…

SMA treatment videos on YouTube vary as source of solid information

Some videos on YouTube, particularly in-depth ones made by healthcare professionals, provide high-quality and reliable information about treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a new study highlights. But many of the examined videos concerning SMA treatments are neither high quality nor reliable, the researchers found, adding importance to…

Sleeping problems are another part of the SMA package

The 2021 Netflix movie “Awake” imagines a world in which a mysterious catastrophe wipes out all electronics and takes away humanity’s ability to sleep. Mass hysteria ensues within hours of this apocalyptic event, as people long to let their minds and bodies rest. Citizens turn against one…