James Hamblin

James Hamblin, MD, is The Atlantic's Health editor.

What Are Perfect Teeth?

What Are Perfect Teeth?

Having a couple misaligned teeth is a trend in Japan, where cosmetic dentists are making that dream come true. More »

Why We Took Cocaine Out of Soda

Why We Took Cocaine Out of Soda

A story of social injustice and "a most wonderful invigorator of sexual organs" More »

My Day on a Treadmill Desk

My Day on a Treadmill Desk

The next big thing in not dying? More »

Scouting Puppy Bowl IX

Scouting Puppy Bowl IX

Winning is everything. More »

Never Say Yes to a Nightcap

Never Say Yes to a Nightcap

How a drink before bed can destroy your dreams More »

Fecal Transplantation: 'We Have an Effective Treatment, but It's Too Gross'

Fecal Transplantation: 'We Have an Effective Treatment, but It's Too Gross'

Despite new evidence in support of the practice, an "ick factor" would prevent some practitioners from recommending donor feces infusions to patients. Maybe it just needs a nicer name? More »

Meaning and Media

Meaning and Media

A behavioral psychologist offered free care to a veteran after reading about his life with PTSD. More »

How Much Caffeine Before I End Up in the E.R.?

How Much Caffeine Before I End Up in the E.R.?

In 2005, fewer than 2,000 trips to hospital emergency departments involved energy drinks. By 2011, that number was over 20,000. More »

Rape Conception Conversation Over Breakfast: Inadvisable

Rape Conception Conversation Over Breakfast: Inadvisable

A U.S. Congressman points out that stress affects ovulation. But it's moot in rape discussion. More »

Why We Get Prune Fingers

Why We Get Prune Fingers

Evolution explains: wrinkled fingertips give us a better grip on wet things. More »

'You're Not Aware That My Finger Is in Your Pocket'

'You're Not Aware That My Finger Is in Your Pocket'

How concerning is it that I want to be a (theatrical) pickpocket? More »

Kale Presents the 2014 Bob's Flaxseed Super Bowl Halftime Show

Kale Presents the 2014 Bob's Flaxseed Super Bowl Halftime Show

How bad is it that celebrities tell us to drink soda? And why is Beyoncé taking all the heat? More »

On Ultrasound Parties

On Ultrasound Parties

Prenatal ultrasounds in social settings were named a "trend" in "oversharing" this week. And yeah, it's easy to laugh at, but making health social is actually wonderful. More »

'Too Dope for Words': Jay-Z Is the Ideal Composer for 'The Great Gatsby' Score

'Too Dope for Words': Jay-Z Is the Ideal Composer for 'The Great Gatsby' Score

A pair of king Jays—Gatsby and Z—will roll together this spring. More »

A New Year's Spike in Poisonings

A New Year's Spike in Poisonings

January 1 is unique among major holidays as a suicide flashpoint. More »

How Much Should a Dog's Ability to Drive a Car Affect Your Level-Headed Assessment of Readiness to Own a Dog?

How Much Should a Dog's Ability to Drive a Car Affect Your Level-Headed Assessment of Readiness to Own a Dog?

Lest we question our superiority over the beasts, note that he veers off into the grass at the end. More »

1,458 Bacteria Species 'New to Science' Found in Our Belly Buttons

1,458 Bacteria Species 'New to Science' Found in Our Belly Buttons

But most bacteria are, like people, "either good or simply present." More »

Talking to Kids About Tragedy

Talking to Kids About Tragedy

"What children need to hear most from adults is that they can talk with us about anything, and that we will do all we can to keep them safe." -Mr. Rogers More »

Our Unhealthy Fear of Vacant Land

Our Unhealthy Fear of Vacant Land

Abandoned buildings and broken windows are bad for our bodies, because they're bad for our minds. More »

To Sense Every Birth and Death

To Sense Every Birth and Death

A map of "real-time" U.S. births and deaths More »

The Biggest Story in Photos

Early Monsoon Rains Flood Northern India

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