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For about 100 years, scientists thought that peptic ulcers were caused by stress, spicy food, and alcohol. Later, researchers added stomach acid to the list of causes and began treating ulcers with antacids. Now it is known that peptic ulcers are predominantly caused by Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that normally exist in the stomach.
If all the neurons in the human body were lined up, they would stretch more than 600 miles.
Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.
Vaccines prevent between 2.5 and 4 million deaths every year.
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.