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It is believed that the Incas used anesthesia. Evidence supports the theory that shamans chewed cocoa leaves and drilled holes into the heads of patients (letting evil spirits escape), spitting into the wounds they made. The mixture of cocaine, saliva, and resin numbed the site enough to allow hours of drilling.
The immune system needs 9.5 hours of sleep in total darkness to recharge completely.
Computer programs are available that crosscheck a new drug's possible trade name with all other trade names currently available. These programs detect dangerous similarities between names and alert the manufacturer of the drug.
In 1844, Charles Goodyear obtained the first patent for a rubber condom.
Vaccines prevent between 2.5 and 4 million deaths every year.