Frances Oldham Kelsey was a Canadian-American physician, pharmacologist, and public health official born in 1914. She studied at McGill University and the University of Chicago, earning both a PhD and a medical degree. In 1960, she joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, when she was asked to review a new sleeping pill called thalidomide. The drug was already popular in Europe and was promoted as a safe treatment for anxiety, insomnia, and morning sickness during pregnancy. Its...

Indian ascetic Daulat Giri Ji Maharaj has attracted worldwide attention after reports claimed that he has remained standing for approximately five years. His extreme spiritual practice, known as Khade Shri Tapasya, is reportedly part of a 12-year vow during which he will neither sit nor lie down. He is said to sleep while supported by a special sling and to depend on others for some daily needs. Images of his severely swollen legs reveal the physical price of this extraordinary commitment. To...

After 15 years together, Gary and Anne Clayson chose not to wait any longer. When Anne was scheduled for major surgery to remove a large brain tumour, Gary proposed and asked the hospital staff to help them marry before the operation. In less than 24 hours, nurses at AdventHealth Porter transformed into wedding planners, arranging flowers, a cake, a photographer and a simple ceremony surrounded by family and caregivers. Their wedding became more than a celebration—it was a quiet declaration...