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My research examines the history of science, disease and health policy, and the intersection of the histories of public health and environmentalism. Alongside my academic work, my articles for the popular press have examined the biology of acupuncture and meditation, the history of condoms and lice, and the science behind glucosamine, St. John's Wort and antioxidants. My articles on science, health, the environment and the arts have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Sacramento Bee, the San Francisco Chronicle and elsewhere.


selected peer-reviewed publications

“Do We Really Need Hepatitis B on the Second Day of Life?” Vaccination Mandates and Shifting Representations of Hepatitis B. Journal of Medical Humanities, 2011.

Debating the Health Effects of DDT: Thomas Jukes, Charles Wurster, and the Fate of an Environmental Pollutant. Public Health Reports, 2010.


selected popular press articles

Supplements for depression: what the research reveals. What science shows about omega-3 fatty acids, folate, SAM-e and St. John's wort. Los Angeles Times, December 05, 2011.

Healthful vending machines are increasing, but do they help? They're being installed in more places, but some question the nutritional value of some items — and whether the machines are even needed. Los Angeles Times, September 26, 2011.

Pour on the duck fat, in moderation. Duck fat health claims are overstated, experts say. Los Angeles Times, March 27, 2011.

Enriched eggs, milk may not be best source for omega-3s. Los Angeles Times, December 13, 2010.

Science picks through the chocolate nuggets. Studies have shown benefits from compounds in cocoa, but they remain unproved, and many of the studies have ties to chocolate makers. Los Angeles Times, May 31, 2010.

Hungry after that workout? You may be tempted to overeat and undo the good you've done. Researchers call it 'compensation.' Los Angeles Times, January 4, 2010.

Milk: It used to be simple. Animal source or plant? Some are richer in protein, others in essential fatty acids. There are pros and cons to all. Los Angeles Times, October 19, 2009.

The hidden salt in chicken. Those plump breasts often come 'enhanced' with saltwater broth. Los Angeles Times, June 22, 2009.

Are plastics safe? Some chemicals may affect the reproductive system, growing research suggests. But as consumers seek alternatives, scientists point out that human studies are few. Los Angeles Times, September 4, 2008.

Safely clean? Natural or plant-based cleaners might feel healthy and green, but in a largely unregulated market, anything goes. Los Angeles Times, April 28, 2008.

Biotech buffet. Folate-rich tomatoes, hypoallergenic peanuts, heart-healthy soybean oil. The next wave of genetically engineered foods is coming -- but will we bite? Los Angeles Times, October 22, 2007.