'Medical Memoir' is a Health & Me series that delves into some of the most intriguing medical histories and unveils how medical innovations have evolved over time. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.

You think this is a history lesson, but let’s do some math. What does Hepato‑ (“liver”) + ‑tropic (“infecting and replicating in the liver”) + DNA (HBV genome) equal? That spells hepatitis—a mystery virus long misunderstood, long before COVID dominated headlines.

This isn’t just linguistic trivia. It’s a journey through centuries of medical detective work, flawless missteps, and public health triumphs—all centered on one family of viruses that quietly reshaped liver medicine and modern virology.

Early Clues in Jaundice and Contagion

Hepatitis didn’t appear on a microscope slide in the 20th century—it was described millennia earlier. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates observed jaundice as a distinctive yellowing of skin and eyes. By the 8th century, medical writers suspected jaundice was contagious, hinting at an infectious agent at work in the liver.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, dramatic epidemics of jaundice spread through soldiers and navies. Shared living quarters, contaminated water, and later, mass inoculation campaigns and reused syringes during wars linked the outbreaks to bloodborne transmission. By 1885, physicians recognized that transfused blood could carry the mysterious jaundice-causing pathogen. And when measles and yellow fever vaccinations during World War II triggered outbreaks, it became clear: an unseen virus replicated in bloodstreams—and in the liver.

This early history underscored two enduring facts: hepatitis came in different forms, and it was stealthy, delayed, and extremely hard to track.

Naming a Virus in Two Parts

By mid-century, researchers sought to categorize the illness. In 1947, MacCallum introduced a dual classification that would shape all future work: Viral Hepatitis A (infectious, via contaminated food or water) and Viral Hepatitis B (serum-borne, via blood and body fluids). That breakthrough turned a single symptom—jaundice—into a family of diseases with different transmission pathways and prevention needs.

Modern hepatitis history truly began in the 1960s. In 1963, Baruch Blumberg identified the Australia antigen (HBsAg) in Aboriginal Australians and hemophiliac blood donors using immunologic screening. It was the first direct marker for Hepatitis B virus, revealing a virus that lay dormant in carriers, often for decades.

The story advanced quickly:

1970 – The Dane particle (complete HBV virus) was visualized, proving the viral identity.

Early 1970s – Researchers described the HBeAg, another disease marker.

1973 – Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was isolated, confirming two different viruses.

Suddenly, hepatitis was no longer a vague syndrome—it was a family of identifiable pathogens. That scientific clarity laid the foundation for prevention and treatment.

Finding a Cure Before HCV With Plasma‑Derived Vaccines

The early HBV vaccine story is unique. Developed from human plasma, it became the first vaccine not produced via tissue culture, licensed under the name Heptavax in 1981. That innovation paved the way for recombinant vaccines, but the achievement stood alone for a time. Taiwan’s national HBV vaccination program, launched in 1984, offered powerful proof of impact:

HBV carrier rate dropped from 9.1% to 2.7% among children.

Rates of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma plummeted from 27% to 17%.

Effectively, this was the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine. The vaccine didn’t just stop liver infection—it significantly reduced childhood liver cancers in real populations.

The C Virus and the Molecular Breakthrough of 1989

In 1989, the hepatitis world shifted again. A team led by Choo, Kuo, and Houghton unveiled Hepatitis C virus (HCV) using molecular cloning techniques—no tissue culture, electron microscope, or serology required. It was the first virus discovered solely via genetic methods.

That breakthrough explained persistent post‑transfusion hepatitis cases, intravenous drug-user outbreaks, and a heavy burden of global liver disease. It was the start of a new era: molecular virology, where pathogens were identified by their RNA alone.

Soon came discoveries of HDV (delta virus), HEV, and GBV‑C/HGV (hepatitis G virus). This growing catalog of viral types clarified why hepatitis symptoms varied and why prevention needed multiple strategies.

From Unproven Remedies to Modern Antivirals

Mid-20th-century treatment was often worse than the disease: prolonged bed rest and steroids were used for acute hepatitis until controlled trials in the ’60s showed they caused harm. In chronic cases, steroids lingered until the 1980s, when researchers clearly proved they worsened outcomes.

By the early 1990s, interferon alpha offered the first real antiviral option. In 1998, lamivudine appeared, followed by more potent nucleoside analogues in the 2000s. For chronic HBV, these drugs allowed suppression of the virus with daily pills—a huge leap in quality of life. HCV treatment advanced spectacularly:

• Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin drove cure rates into the 40–60% range.
• Protease inhibitors like boceprevir and telaprevir added another 30%+ success.
• By the 2010s, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offered cure rates above 85–90% within a few months, without interferon.
• Chronic HCV became the only curable chronic viral infection—a feat comparable in scope to eradication campaigns for smallpox or polio.

Globally today, over 300 million people live with chronic HBV or HCV and over 1.3 million die annually from liver cirrhosis, cancer, or hepatitis complications.

In response, the World Health Organization’s 2022–2030 strategy aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%. It underscores the urgent need for universal vaccinations, access to testing, and treatment—especially in low-income settings across Asia and Africa, without coordinated action, projections warn:

• 9.5 million new infections,
• 2.1 million liver cancer cases,
• 2.8 million deaths by 2030.

Yet history offers reason for optimism: the leaps science made over just a few decades show what’s possible—with political will, investment, and global partnerships.

HBV opened new pathology understanding by linking to polyarteritis nodosa. HCV revealed risks beyond the liver: cryoglobulinemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metabolic disorders like Type II diabetes, and altered lipid profiles. Hepatitis viruses reshaped fields ranging from rheumatology to oncology.

The discoveries required collaboration—and some competition—across labs and continents. The story of hepatitis is one of scientific rivalry, teamwork, serendipity, and intellectual persistence. That blend of curiosity and rigor transformed a family of mysterious illnesses into preventable and treatable diseases.

Long before COVID captured global focus—before masks, PCR tests, and lockdowns—hepatitis was a mystery virus that haunted generations. It caused jaundice, silent liver failure, and cancer. It eluded diagnosis, lacked vaccines, and spread undetected.

Yet through a combination of linguistic insight, molecular science, epidemiology, and public health action, the world unraveled its secrets—one virus at a time.

Today, hepatitis is no longer an invisible threat. It's a medical triumph—because when science is patient, and public health persistent, even the most elusive pathogens can be conquered. The story isn't over, but it's a testament to what decades of dedication and discovery can achieve.

Vitamin C is a star ingredient in the skincare world for some very good reasons. It can be hailed as a magic wand to evaporate your stubborn marks and give you a brighter complexion.

However, no matter what product you use, the results do not appear overnight. So, what do real results look like? What does a before-and-after journey of using a Vitamin C serum actually entail?

This guide covers everything about the before-and-after results of using the Vitamin C serum.

What Is Vitamin C Serum and How Does It Work on Skin?

It is a potent antioxidant that can be applied to your skin directly. It neutralises the effects of free radicals, which are tiny and unstable molecules caused by pollution and UV rays. They can easily damage your skin and accelerate ageing.

Vitamin C helps by boosting collagen production and improving skin tone. This is why the results of Vitamin C on the face are so dramatic. It changes the flat look of your skin to a healthy glow.

Key benefits include:

· Brightening: It blocks the enzyme responsible for producing pigment, leading to more radiant skin.

· Fading Marks: A remarkable ingredient for targeting sun damage and acne scars.

· Collagen Stimulation: It keeps your skin bouncy and firm.

· Protection: It provides a second layer of defence against environmental stress.

Before and After Vitamin C Serum: What to Expect on Your Face

Consistent use of the serum for several weeks, along with daily application of sunscreen with SPF 50 can yield noticeable results. Here’s what you can expect from it.

Before Using Vitamin C Serum

Your skin may show signs of environmental wear and tear before you start using a serum. The following are some common complaints:

· Your skin looks tired, even after a full night's sleep.

· You may have patchy skin or dark areas around the mouth and forehead.

· Old acne spots or sun freckles that refuse to fade.

· Skin that feels slightly rough or looks congested.

After Consistent Use

The changes in your face before and after using a vitamin C serum become evident after your skin integrates the serum into its renewal cycle:

· It will give you that lit-from-within look.

· Dark spots become significantly lighter and blend into your natural skin tone.

· Your skin feels more elastic and youthful due to increased collagen.

· The surface of your skin looks smoother.

Timeline of Vitamin C Serum Before and After Results

First Week: Initial Freshness & Surface Glow

There is little change in dark spots during the first few days. However, you may notice an immediate glow on your skin surface. The serum hydrates and smoothens the skin's surface, helping makeup sit better. Vitamin C for dark spots before and after signs are clearly visible.

2–4 Weeks: Brightening & Early Spot Lightening

You will start to see the before-and-after progress of vitamin C on dark spots around this stage. Its pigment-blocking properties start to kick in. You may notice that your overall skin tone looks fresher and that the edges of your dark spots are now fading.

4–8 Weeks: Visible Even Tone and Improved Texture

The difference between your face before after vitamin C serum will be more obvious by the end of the second month. The deeper layers of the skin benefit from the antioxidant protection. You can expect the following changes:

· Visibly less sun damage

· Even complexion, so you may not need concealer

· Fewer rough patches

8–12 Weeks: Long-Term Transformation

After 90 days, your skin has gone through multiple renewal cycles. Your Vitamin C serum before-and-after photos may show significant improvement in hyperpigmentation. Fine lines may reduce because of the increased collagen, as your skin looks the healthiest it has in years.

Tips to Maximize Your Vitamin C Serum Before and After Results

If you want your before-and-after vitamin C serum results to be impressive, you need to follow these simple rules:

1. Morning is Best: Apply your serum in the AM. This allows the antioxidants to protect your skin from pollution and sunlight throughout the day.

2. Pair with Sunscreen: Always follow up with a sunscreen. Vitamin C is not a replacement for sunblock, but it actually makes your sunscreen with SPF 50 more effective by neutralizing the rays that slip through.

3. Storing the Serum: Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air. Keep your bottle in a cool, dark place (such as a drawer) to ensure it does not lose its potency. If your serum has become dark or orange in colour, it may have been oxidised. So, it may not work well.

4. Consistency: You do not need a huge amount of serum. 3–4 drops are enough. You need to apply it every single day without skipping.

Final Thoughts

The journey of your face before and after Vitamin C serum can feel long, but the results are worth it. It can be exciting to see the initial glow. However, the real changes, such as fading deep dark spots and firming the skin, take time. Stick to a routine and pair your skin with a high-quality sunscreen to stay radiant and youthful.

Can Chinese medicine cure baldness? Baldness has long been dealt as a matter of shame over health. Products focus on hiding the bald patch rather than curing it. Baldness has in the past made global headlines when South Korean president Lee Jae Myung said 'Baldness is the new enemy' and suggested that insurance should cover the treatment as a part of medical treatment.

Read: South Korean President Says Baldness Is The 'New Enemy'; Wants Insurance To Cover Hair Loss Treatment

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), better known as pattern hair loss, is the most common form of hair thinning worldwide. While medications like finasteride and minoxidil remain the standard line of treatment, concerns around side effects, lifelong use, and mixed results have led many people to explore gentler, more holistic alternatives.

A new scientific review now suggests that Polygonum multiflorum—a root used in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years—may hold real promise in managing AGA. Historically described as a remedy that can “blacken hair and nourish essence,” the herb is gaining renewed attention as modern research begins to unpack how it actually works at a biological level.

A Multi-Pathway Approach to Hair Health

Most conventional hair-loss treatments target a single biological mechanism. Polygonum multiflorum, however, appears to work on several fronts at once. According to the review, the herb helps reduce the activity of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone strongly associated with hair follicle shrinkage in AGA.

At the same time, it protects hair follicle cells from premature cell death and activates key growth-related signalling pathways, including Wnt and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), both crucial for maintaining a healthy hair growth cycle. The herb may also improve scalp blood circulation, potentially enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles—an often overlooked factor in hair thinning.

Ancient Records Meet Modern Biology

“Our analysis bridges ancient wisdom and modern science,” said Han Bixian, the lead author of the review published in the Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy. “What surprised us was how consistently historical texts—from the Tang Dynasty onward—described effects that align closely with today’s understanding of hair biology.”

The researchers examined a wide range of evidence, including laboratory studies, clinical observations, and historical herbal literature. Together, these sources suggest that Polygonum multiflorum does more than simply slow hair loss—it may actively support healthier hair function.

Beyond Slowing Hair Loss

One of the most striking findings is the herb’s potential role in hair regeneration. Rather than only delaying further thinning, Polygonum multiflorum appears to influence multiple growth factors involved in restarting and sustaining the hair cycle. This broader mode of action could give it an edge over treatments that focus on just one biological target.

Safety, Processing, and What Comes Next

The review notes that when properly processed—a critical step in traditional preparation, the herb shows a relatively favorable safety profile. This could make it more appealing to patients concerned about side effects such as sexual dysfunction or scalp irritation commonly linked to existing medications.

That said, the authors stress the need for more high-quality clinical trials to confirm effectiveness, establish safe dosing, and standardize preparation methods. Even so, the findings highlight how rigorous scientific study of traditional remedies can uncover new possibilities for treating common conditions like androgenetic alopecia.

As artificial intelligence becomes a go-to source for quick answers, a new University of Oxford-led study on AI chatbots and medical advice is raising serious concerns about how safe it is to rely on these tools for health guidance.

The research suggests that while AI chatbots can provide medical information, their advice is often inaccurate, inconsistent, and difficult for users to interpret, potentially putting people at risk—especially when dealing with symptoms that need urgent care.

What the Oxford Study Found

The study involved 1,300 participants who were given realistic health scenarios, such as experiencing a severe headache or being a new mother feeling constantly exhausted. Participants were divided into two groups: one group used AI chatbots to understand their symptoms and decide next steps, while the other did not.

Researchers then assessed whether participants correctly identified what might be wrong and whether they made appropriate decisions, such as seeing a GP or visiting A&E.

The results were troubling. People who relied on AI frequently failed to identify the severity of their condition and were often unsure about when to seek professional medical help.

Why Chatbot Advice Can Go Wrong

According to the researchers, one major issue is that people don’t always know what to ask. The study found that chatbot responses varied widely depending on how questions were phrased. Even small changes in wording could lead to completely different answers.

The AI often produced a mix of helpful and misleading information, leaving users to decide which advice mattered. Many participants struggled to distinguish between reliable guidance and unnecessary or confusing details.

As one of the study’s authors explained, when an AI lists multiple possible conditions, users are left guessing which one applies to them—precisely the moment where mistakes can happen.

A Dangerous Gap in Symptom Interpretation

Dr Rebecca Payne, lead medical practitioner on the study, warned that asking chatbots about symptoms could be “dangerous”, particularly when users delay seeking professional care based on AI responses.

Dr Adam Mahdi, the study’s senior author, noted that while AI can share medical facts, people often share information gradually and leave out key details—something chatbots struggle to manage effectively.

Bias, Data, and the Limits of AI

Experts also point out that chatbots are trained on existing medical data, which means they may repeat long-standing biases baked into healthcare systems. As one psychiatry expert put it, a chatbot is only as accurate as human clinicians—and humans are far from perfect.

That said, not everyone is pessimistic.

What Comes Next for AI in Healthcare

Digital health experts argue the technology is evolving. Health-specific versions of general AI chatbots have recently been released by major developers, and these could perform differently in future studies.

The consensus among experts is clear: AI in healthcare should focus on improvement, regulation, and guardrails, not replacement of doctors. Used responsibly, it may support healthcare—but without safeguards, it risks doing more harm than good.