Childbirth used to be the domain of women. Mothers, grandmothers and aunts - who had witnessed the birth of dozens of children – providing support, comfort and advice for an often terrified mother-to-be. But in the 19th century this changed as laboring mothers were increasingly surrounded by male medical professionals who wielded surgical tools that offered life-saving interventions for mom and infant.

Obstetrician Neel Shah of Harvard Medical School explains how this shift away from those with lived experience to those with surgical instruments began with a device called forceps.

Some of our other favorite stories this week were an inside look at patriot militia movement, how Halloween candy is taxed and leaf peeping for science.

James Young Simpson’s Caesarian forceps, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow. Stephencdickson/Wikipedia

How forceps permanently changed the way humans are born

Neel Shah, Harvard Medical School

Childbirth used to be a terrifying ordeal. But women were surrounded by others – mothers, aunts, sisters – who brought love and experience. But midway through the 19th century, this changed.

Kyle MacLachlan as Jeffrey Beaumont in David Lynch’s cult classic film ‘Blue Velvet.’ De Laurentiis Entertainment Group

David Lynch’s chillingly prescient vision of modern America

Billy J. Stratton, University of Denver

The famous director is receiving an honorary Oscar, and the timing couldn't be more appropriate.

Soy-based Impossible Whoppers went on sale at Burger King stores across the US in August 2019. AP Photo/Ben Margot

Americans, especially millennials, are embracing plant-based meat products

Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University; Douglas Buhler, Michigan State University

Americans eat more meat on average than citizens of any other nation, but new survey findings show that plant-based meat products are winning fans across the US.

 
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