Teenagers are injecting crushed butterflies for internet clout; a doctor cautions against life-threatening consequences

Teenagers are injecting crushed butterflies for internet clout; a doctor cautions against life-threatening consequences

A disturbing new online challenge has become popular online among teenagers. This involved the dangerous practice of injecting a mixture made from crushed butterflies and water.  What may sound like an obscure internet hoax has already led to tragedy. In Brazil, 14-year-old Davi Nunes Moreira died after allegedly participating in this trend back in February … Read more

Beards and microbes: what the evidence shows

Beards and microbes: what the evidence shows

Beards have long attracted suspicion, sometimes seen as stylish, sometimes as unsanitary. But how dirty are they, really? Human skin is home to billions of microorganisms – mainly bacteria, but also fungi and viruses – and facial hair provides a unique environment for them to thrive. Research shows that beards, in particular, support a dense … Read more