Around 1950s Mass miniature radiography or MMR was a cornerstone of public health screening for Tuberculosis. It was a mobile X-ray unit that roamed villages, towns and cities, photographing the chests of millions of men women and children. It was a new technology, that was fast, scalable, and visually compelling. Yet by 1980s, MMR programs… Continue reading The Rise and fall of Mass Miniature Radiography (MMR)
Month: August 2025
McDowell performs first successful abdominal surgery: accolades and brickbats
In December of 1809, Ephraim McDowell performed an abdominal surgery, and successfully removed a large ovarian tumor. This was many decades before Anesthesia was invented, and at a time when making an incision to cut open abdomen, was a medical no-no. Further, McDowell performed this surgery at Danville, Kentucky. At that time, it was the… Continue reading McDowell performs first successful abdominal surgery: accolades and brickbats
Dog guides as friends for the visually challenged
Throughout history, dogs have stood by humans as hunters, herders, guardians, and loyal companions. But perhaps one of their most noble and transformative roles is that of the guide dog—a trained companion that helps people with visual impairments navigate the world with confidence and independence. Let’s take a closer look at the history, evolution, and… Continue reading Dog guides as friends for the visually challenged