The Good and Evil History of Poisons

Poisons have shaped human history and seeped into our legends, giving rise to both superstitious antidotes and life-saving scientific discoveries.

| 1 min read

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

More on Discover

Person holding hand, indicating inflammation in joints

One Day, Your Skin Could Signal Inflammation by Glowing

3D illustatrion of amyuloid plaque forming in-between neurons

Non-Invasive Sound Therapy Helps Target Alzheimer’s Plaques in Monkeys — Could It One Day Help Humans?

3D scan representation of colon cancer

70-Year-Old Tumor Samples May Help Shed Light on the Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Younger Patients

green and clear colored early viruses that could have been the key to life

Did Viruses Help Build Complex Life? A New Discovery Rekindles the Question

Toxoplasmosis gondii parasite

How the Immune System Controls a Brain Parasite Found in 1 in 3 People

Illustration of microbiome gut bacteria, good and bad

People With This Rare Condition May Feel Drunk Without Drinking Alcohol

a red headed woman sitting in a dental chair with dental pain

People With Red Hair Carry a Gene That May Change How Pain Is Felt and Treated

woman sitting at a kitchen table eating food

4 Science-Backed Habits That Can Help Your Body Detox

elderly person hands holding a cane

What People Who Lived Past 110 in Brazil Reveal About Health Span — Not Lifespan

child's hands reaching into dish for peanuts

Lower Doses of Peanut Immunotherapy Could Make Allergy Treatment More Accessible

person holding a shopping receipt while leading on a shopping cart

That Receipt in Your Wallet May Disrupt Hormones — A Safer Alternative Could Be Emerging

two mocktails at a bar

Want to Do Dry January? One Month Without Alcohol Can Benefit Sleep, Mood, and Health

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.