A young Black scientist discovered a pivotal leprosy treatment in the 1920s − but an older colleague took the credit

Historians are working to shine a light on Alice Ball’s legacy and contributions to an early treatment of a dangerous and stigmatizing disease.

Mark M. Lambert, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities, and Bioethics, Des Moines University • conversation
April 12, 2024 • ~8 min

Leprosy cases are rising in the US – what is the ancient disease and why is it spreading now?

People often think of leprosy as a bygone disease, relevant primarily in biblical times. But in fact, it is still present in more than 120 countries, and the US is seeing an uptick in cases.

Robert A. Schwartz, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University • conversation
March 13, 2024 • ~9 min

The Catholic saint who dedicated his life to a leprosy colony in Hawaii – and became an inspiration for HIV/AIDS care

Father Damien’s legacy has inspired health providers and humanitarians for over a century.

Mark Lambert, Teaching Fellow, University of Chicago Divinity School • conversation
May 6, 2022 • ~9 min

How do pandemics end? History suggests diseases fade but are almost never truly gone

As ready as you are to be done with COVID-19, it's not going anywhere soon. A historian of disease describes how once a pathogen emerges, it's usually here to stay.

Nükhet Varlik, Associate Professor of History, University of South Carolina • conversation
Oct. 14, 2020 • ~9 min

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