Rather than working up a sweat by using weights and machines, some are instead embracing a growing trend that claims to provide a reprieve from daily stress by curling themselves into hammocks and meditation pods. But when a class encourages relaxation to the point where it puts people to sleep, we can't help but be a bit skeptical.

For the very overweight and the obese, gastric bypass surgery has essentially become a game-changer, and in some cases, a life-saver. While the operation has enjoyed this type of widespread success for the very obese, is it also reasonable to use it for those with lesser degrees of obesity? A new, small study says yes.

Many organs in our bodies depend on calcium to function, so it's important we get enough of it. And most of us already do. So when it comes to calcium supplements, some researchers say, less is more.

Many question the culpability of Australian midwife Gaye Demanuele in the wake of investigations into the death of Caroline Lovell during her home birth in 2012. And while Demanuele played a major role in Lovell's passing, a closer look may show the real culprit: homeopathy.

Scientists at the North Carolina State University have engineered maggots to express human proteins that are capable of aiding and promoting wound healing. This can have future therapeutic value, by providing a safe and cost-effective means of healing tough-to-treat wounds.

As both tempers and cases of Lyme disease flare in Massachusetts, state lawmakers have yet to decide on a new Lyme disease bill that proposes to extend health care coverage to any length deemed necessary by a doctor. But after another missed deadline, the main question emerging is whether this bill will ever be passed.

Ho hum. Endocrine disruptors again. This time it's from a study in Europe that involves two chemicals and two female reproductive disorders. The only problem is that the study tells us absolutely nothing. The authors should be embarrassed by this paper.

High intensity interval training is all the exercise rave. It has legions of gung-ho devotees dedicated to being in top physical form. And it appears that if this activity is your thing, you better be. Researchers believe that the activity may do more harm than good, specifically for those who are not in prime physical condition.

The Japanese population is known for living long lives — and a new study suggests that adherence to that culture's version of dietary guidelines is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. In addition, balanced consumption of all foods seems to be associated with greater longevity.

Those diagnosed as autistic face a range of challenges as a result of their condition. But new, disturbing research appears to show that for individuals on the autism spectrum, premature death -- ranging from 12 to as much as 30 years -- might prove to be the most significant problem of all.