Was crying caused by man’s severe depression?

(Helayne Seidman / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)

When Richard Anderson suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, he and his family were forced to make major adjustments. But no one was prepared for the uncontrollable and inexplicable crying jags that embarrassed Anderson, deepening his social isolation, and greatly disturbing his family.

Wildlife photographers turn their cameras toward conservation

Wildlife photographers turn their cameras toward conservation

Some photographers not only record wildlife and stunning worlds, but push to preserve them.

Six secrets to share with your doctor

Six secrets to share with your doctor

Sharing your drinking habits, job situation and bedroom problems can help you get proper treatment.

Yoga can be both good and bad for you

Yoga can be both good and bad for you

A book reveals the rewards and surprising risks of doing yoga, particularly poses that put pressure on your neck and back.

What 9/11 showed about whale stress

What 9/11 showed about whale stress

Analysis indicated that a hormone drop was tied to dip in noise that followed standstill in ship traffic.

New writings about science, tech

New writings about science, tech

A new book by the head of Hayden Planetarium points out why space travel is worthwhile.

Paying up front for emergency care

Paying up front for emergency care

A growing number of hospitals have implemented the pay-first policy in an effort to divert patients with routine illnesses from the ER.

Avian flu reports won’t be published

Avian flu reports won’t be published

Officials agreed to keep the mutation research secret until risks are assessed.

Kennedy Space Center in transition, hopes to rent out unused facilities

Kennedy Space Center in transition, hopes to rent out unused facilities

As America’s spaceport turns 50, its vision for the future depends on shared use with private companies.

IUD, implant, the pill: Cost may play a role in choice of contraceptives

IUD, implant, the pill: Cost may play a role in choice of contraceptives

Long-acting methods aren’t used despite being safe and effective due to a lack of knowledge about them.

Growing old in an overtreated society

Growing old in an overtreated society

Nortin Hadler, author of several books on medical overtreatment, turns his attention to what he calls the “medicalization” of aging.

Some heartburn drugs may increase odds of older women breaking a hip

Some heartburn drugs may increase odds of older women breaking a hip

Taking proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acids can also reduce calcium intake, increasing chances of bone damage.

Nuclear power pushes thorium as fuel

Nuclear power pushes thorium as fuel

Entrepreneurs say it could reduce waste, produce more power, reduce threat of weapons proliferation.

John Glenn’s launch into history

John Glenn’s launch into history

Fifty years ago, he strapped into a tiny capsule, taking America’s space-age dreams along with him.

Environmentalist alliance fractures

Environmentalist alliance fractures

The change underscores the shifting nature of America’s energy landscape.

The Checkup

Jennifer LaRue Huget

CDC renews warning about raw milk

I’m sure I’ll get an earful from certain readers for this, but I can’t for the life of me see how any health-conscious person can think drinking unpasteurized milk is a good idea. That opinion’s bolstered by a CDC report issued Tuesday.

The Checkup

Jennifer LaRue Huget

Study tallies how many years facial plastic surgery sheds

Sure, cosmetic plastic surgery done well can make you look younger; that’s why people do it, right? But just how much younger can a patient expect to look after surgery?

The Checkup

Jennifer LaRue Huget

Spinbrush warning: Toothbrushes behaving badly

The FDA is warning consumers about the potential hazards of some battery-powered “spinning” toothbrushes.

Health, Science & Environment Videos

FDA: New suppliers to increase supply of cancer drugs (1:57)

FDA: New suppliers to increase supply of cancer drugs (1:57)

Federal regulators have approved new suppliers for two crucial cancer drugs, easing critical shortages that had been ratcheting up fears that patients, particularly children with leukemia, would miss lifesaving treatments.(Feb. 21)
FDA: New suppliers to increase supply of cancer drugs (1:57)

FDA: New suppliers to increase supply of cancer drugs (1:57)

Federal regulators have approved new suppliers for two crucial cancer drugs, easing critical shortages that had been ratcheting up fears that patients, particularly children with leukemia, would miss lifesaving treatments.(Feb. 21)
FDA: New suppliers to ease cancer drug shortages (2:18)

FDA: New suppliers to ease cancer drug shortages (2:18)

Federal regulators have approved new suppliers for two crucial cancer drugs, easing critical shortages ratcheting up fears that patients, particularly children with leukemia, would miss life-saving treatments. (Feb. 21)
John Glenn bemoans lack of U.S. space vehicle (1:19)

John Glenn bemoans lack of U.S. space vehicle (1:19)

On the 50th anniversary of becoming the first American to orbit earth, former astronaut John Glenn said NASA is in a difficult position because the space agency must rely on the Russians to transport Americans to the International Space Station. (Feb. 20)
Snow across South causes outages and accidents (0:41)

Snow across South causes outages and accidents (0:41)

A winter storm dumped several inches of snow across parts of the South, causing power outages, slippery roads and numerous accidents during the Presidents Day holiday weekend. (Feb. 20)
FDA to review inhalable caffeine (1:24)

FDA to review inhalable caffeine (1:24)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials plan to investigate whether inhalable caffeine sold in lipstick-sized canisters is safe for consumers and if its manufacturer was right to brand it as a dietary supplement. (Feb. 20)
Three are dead in Washington state avalanche (0:45)

Three are dead in Washington state avalanche (0:45)

Three people died when an avalanche struck near a popular ski resort about 80 miles northeast of Seattle, Washington. As many as eight others were missing, but authorities said they have all been accounted for. (Feb. 19)
Newly-discovered health benefits of coffee (1:10)

Newly-discovered health benefits of coffee (1:10)

New studies indicate coffee may help with depression and lowering the risk of diabetes, among other benefits. Dr. Holly Phillips reports. (Feb. 17)
Early astronauts recall 'ridiculous' fears (1:06)

Early astronauts recall 'ridiculous' fears (1:06)

John Glenn fever has taken hold of Cape Canaveral once again. Three days before the 50th anniversary of his historic flight, the first American to orbit the Earth addressed employees at Kennedy Space Center. ( Feb. 17)
John Glenn looks to 50th anniversary of historic spaceflight (2:21)

John Glenn looks to 50th anniversary of historic spaceflight (2:21)

As the world's most enduring and endearing spaceman gets set to celebrate what no other living astronaut has done, mark the 50th anniversary of his own spaceflight, John Glenn reflects on what has been an undeniably charmed, golden life. (Feb. 17)
CRISP helps improve patient care for doctors (3:09)

CRISP helps improve patient care for doctors (3:09)

Dr. Barton Leonard discusses the impact Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP) has had on his care for patients. (Feb. 16)
Apparent heart attack at 'Heart Attack Grill' (2:26)

Apparent heart attack at 'Heart Attack Grill' (2:26)

Menu warnings at the Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas nearly proved true for a man who had a medical episode that looked like a heart attack. John Blackstone reports on the caught-on-tape incident.
Cancer drug shortage a big risk for children (3:50)

Cancer drug shortage a big risk for children (3:50)

Hospitals and patients are finding it harder to get some medications because drug companies have stopped making them. Dr. Jon LaPook reports on the shortage of one cancer drug, which could put thousands of children's lives at risk.

Urban Jungle

Woodcocks start their spring

Woodcocks start their spring

Although some “bog suckers” remain in the Washington area for the winter, many more return in late February to begin their mating rituals.

Medical Mysteries

Medical Mystery: Failing eyesight

A woman’s work-up for laser eye surgery revealed a serious problem she didn’t know she had.

Read more Medical Mysteries

How & Why

Traffic science battles heavy flows

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 22: Traffic flows over the American Legion Bridge along I-495, the Capitol Beltway, on the day before the Thanksgiving holiday November 22, 2006 between Virginia and Maryland. The federal National Transportation and Safety Board said that 83% of all holiday travelers will go by car, van or bus this year. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Traffic science struggles to keep cars flowing on highways in D.C. and elsewhere.

Special Reports

Obesity in America 2010

One-third of U.S. children are overweight, leaving the health and productivity of an entire generation at risk.

AIDS/HIV

Virus that causes AIDS passes between U.S. and Mexico.

Inside Your Body

Find graphics, galleries and more that explain what’s happening in your body.