In a sense, you could describe most modern medications as judiciously applied poisons. And as guest writer Frank Schnell explains, that is just one facet to grasp if you're seeking the understand the confusing concept known as hormesis.

A new study in JAMA Oncology proves that a type of the human papillomavirus, known to cause cervical and anal cancer, also causes cancers of the throat and head and neck. The proof of this revelation came via a simple, yet elegant method.

Hate chemicals? Then throw out that organic wine. A new study talks about all of the chemicals in wine -- and the Environmental Working Group will be horrified, because that adult beverage is chock full of cancer causers.

While consumers across the U.S. have embraced, and are enjoying, the benefits of genetically-modified products, papaya-loving Hawaiians had less of a choice when an agricultural crisis struck the state in the 1990s. But by using a cell-inserting device, plant specialists eradicated a deadly virus and saved a vital industry.

Metastatic cancer that is unresponsive to chemotherapy is considered incurable. But those days may be numbered, as scientists at the University of North Carolina may have uncovered the perfect system for delivering chemotherapy directly to the site of the cancer -- using a fraction of the conventional dose.

Whether performing in the operating room or on stage, for over 30 years cardiologist and country artist Cleve Francis has touched the hearts of both patients and music lovers. Now, he's trying to raise awareness on behalf of HIV/AIDS patients, who are now eligible for heart transplants.

The health claims made by dietary supplement purveyors do not ring true, according to a "Frontline" exposé recently aired by PBS. Not only are many mislabeled as to content, some are actually dangerous and potentially lethal. Worse yet, the FDA can't get them off store shelves until someone is hurt or killed.

Sometimes bad science can lead to a good solution. Case in point: fixing a problem in 19th century London that miasma theory said should solve disease. A misunderstanding of the disease's nature ultimately proved beneficial when city officials solved the mystery of a real world issue -- nasty microbes.

A recent seven-country study in JAMA evaluates approaches to cancer patient care in the last year of life. The findings were that the U.S. does unexpectedly well in several areas, but relies too much on ICU admission and chemotherapy at life's end, and too little on palliative care.

It's "Miracle Food" season again, and so the American Council takes a look back at food fads from the past. Because, as they say, if we don't learn from history ... we are doomed to repeat it.