Health & Medicine

Cutting-edge developments in biomedical research, public health, and clinical practice at Harvard’s medical institutions.

Illustration of tiny doctors working inside a large nose against a turquoise background.

A Flu Vaccine That Actually Works

Next-gen vaccines delivered directly to the site of infection are far more effective than existing shots.

by Lindsay Brownell

Lisa Iezzoni smiling while riding a motorized wheelchair on a paved path through a grassy area

Addressing Gaps in Care for Patients with Disabilities

Lisa Iezzoni explores the unmet needs of patients with disabilities.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Silhouette of a head filled with a street map, with a taxi driving into the brain

Why Taxi Drivers Don’t Die of Alzheimer’s

Explaining taxi and ambulance drivers’ protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

by Erin O’Donnell

Minimalist dove flying above a lake with its reflection below and sun overhead

Biology's "Mirror Organisms"—And Their Dangers

Life forms built from left-handed DNA and RNA could threaten Earth’s plants, animals, and insects.

by Ann Thomas

3D illustration showing structure of measles virus with surface glycoprotein spikes heamagglutinin-neuraminidase and fusion protein

How Measles Causes Immune Amnesia

Michael Mina explains “immune amnesia” and the lasting impact of infection.

by Jonathan Shaw

Ami Bhatt, Tommaso Danesi, and Jorge Plutzky

Caring for Your Heart

Harvard panel on advances in cardiac risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment

by Jonathan Shaw

Abraham Verghese

Abraham Verghese Named Harvard Commencement Speaker

Physician and author will address the graduation exercises May 29.

by John S. Rosenberg

A series of medical experts gathered around a table at Harvard's Chan School, discussing the issue of cancer misinformation online.

The “Wild West” of Cancer Misinformation Online

At Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health, experts discuss web and social media cancer misinformation

by Olivia Farrar

Silhouettes of a person aging from infant to elderly, with healthy foods and supplements emerging from capsules in the foreground.

Can Multivitamins Reduce Cancer Risk and Slow Memory Loss?

The scientific evidence on vitamin supplements and age-related health decline

by Olivia Farrar

Ruth and Roman DeSanctis smiling at each other in a family living room, his arm around her shoulder

“He Found Himself at a Loss”

MGH program for caregivers began with a famed cardiologist’s firsthand experience.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Benjamin Rapoport in surgical scrubs by a hospital window.

Brain-Computer Interfaces and Medicine

Benjamin Rapoport aims to aid neurology patients.

by Nell Porter-Brown