While modern birth-control techniques are considered ‘effective’, there are still side-effects to consider. Girls as young as 12 can be prescribed birth control by doctors and only learn about the threats they do years later. Swedish nuclear physicist Elina Berglund Scherwitzl wanted to develop a method of contraception that did not damage hormonal cycles. She created an alternative called ‘Natural Cycles’ that used a combination of research and advanced math. It is an app-based algorithm that identifies when exactly the ovulation period occurs during the cycle. This way, a woman would need to use protection or abstain from sexual intercourse during this period alone.

Canada’s top doctor has approved the use of Psilocybin, commonly referred to as ‘magic mushrooms’ to relieve the pain of four individuals suffering from terminal cancer. Patty Hajdu, the country’s health minister introduced a new exemption the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act since psilocybin has been illegal in Canada since 1974. Studies have proved that the psychoactive components in psilocybin can ease anxiety and pain, especially in those with terminal illnesses.