Health & Medicine / Alternative Medicine

The Trillions of Microbes That Call Us Home—and Help Keep Us Healthy

The human body is a habitat for a huge range of harmless and beneficial microbes, which may be the key to fighting disease without antibiotics. 
 07.13.2011

What Do Terrell Owens and Kahuna the Turtle Have in Common?

They’ve both used high-pressure oxygen to promote healing. 06.08.2011

The 100 Top Science Stories of 2010

Every year DISCOVER sorts through the scientific accomplishments of the past 12 months, and assembles a list of the coolest experiments, most brilliant discoveries, and most world-changing events. As you page through the countdown to the #1 science story, we think you'll come to the same conclusion we did: 2010 was quite a year. 12.16.2010

#96: Microbes Build Better Batteries

Microbes can help wind and solar by storing energy as methane; viruses make clean and cheap batteries. 12.17.2009

Why Does the Vaccine/Autism Controversy Live On?

Research has soundly disproved the alleged connection, yet fears about vaccines continue to be a major risk to public health. 05.06.2009

Hope May Be Useless Against Cancer

New study finds that being happy won't help you live longer. 02.11.2008

Fish Oil and Spice and Everything Nice

Can dietary supplements help treat diabetes? Yes. And no. 01.08.2008

The Body Engineers

Hormone researchers seek new life for old brains and bones. 12.13.2007

8. Can Vitamin D Save Your Life?

New studies highlight the importance of the forgotten vitamin. 12.12.2007

Got Your Back

A robotic-looking exoskeleton helps take the break out of backbreaking work. 09.26.2007

A Yogurt a Day Keeps the Runs Away

Good bacteria help set straight an ailing gut. 08.23.2007

The Body Can Beat Terminal Cancer — Sometimes

They should be dead. But a tiny number of people conquer lethal diseases. 08.21.2007

How to Sleep 4 Hours per Night

Zapping your brain with an electromagnet could do the trick. 07.24.2007

Got Your Back

A robotic-looking exoskeleton helps take the break out of backbreaking work. 02.19.2007