Oddities in medicine focus of next Science Cafe

Leeches, bloodletting, and radioactive cures. Why did people use such bizarre medical treatments? Medicine is much more advanced now . . . right?

Lydia Kang, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at UNMC, will discuss the history of medical quackery at the next Omaha Science Cafe at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.

Dr. Kang is the author of historical, young adult and non-fiction books including: “Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything” (co-authored with Nate Pedersen), “A Beautiful Poison” and “The November Girl.” She graduated from Columbia University and New York University School of Medicine.

The Bookworm Omaha will be on site for anyone wanting to purchase Dr. Kang’s book on quackery. A signing opportunity will be available.

Science Cafes involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a Q-and-A period.

Pizza will be provided for the first 50 people.