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The human body's immune system is similar to having millions, if not billions, of snipers at the ready aiming and poised to shoot any foreign invader. This is why transplanted tissues and organs are so vulnerable to rejection. But a recent discovery by MIT researchers hopes to make them more viable.

Tyler Sash, a former NFL player, officially died from a drug overdose -- a lethal combination of prescription drugs. But more and more, when it comes to football players succumbing to a surprisingly early death, it seems that brain trauma is often a major contributor. And Sash, who died at just 27, had more trauma than most.

Worried about the Zika virus? One of the recommendations stated by health officials is to use a class of organic pesticides that is far more toxic than the synthetic kind environmental activists fear.

It's controversial, but recent advances in surgical techniques lead a researcher to believe a head transplant will allow a willing patient who is paralyzed to move -- and even walk -- following the procedure.

As meat demand grows exponentially and millions worldwide go hungry each day, in vitro -- or lab-grown -- meat could become a significant scientific gift to consumers. And while today's regular meat consumption can lead to heart disease and other health issues, the in-vitro alternative may ultimately be healthier, too.

A new report in JAMA Dermatology strengthens the link between indoor tanning and melanoma, the often-fatal skin cancer. Among the conclusions: the younger the woman who begins indoor tanning, and the more frequently she does it, the greater the risk she has of developing melanoma.

Winter storm Jonas swept through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where at least 48 people died as a result of hypothermia, car crashes, roof collapses -- and snow shoveling. There's a right way and a wrong way to deal with the mountains of white in front of your house. So here are a few tips to keep you safe.

Psychedelic substances such as LSD, "mushrooms," mescaline and "ecstasy" have been criminalized to the point where scientific research involving these drugs has been halted. However, interest in psychedelics as therapeutic options for mental disorders have re-emerged. Here's why these drugs may be beneficial.

Increased Internet speed and availability in the U.S. delivers many benefits. But do such advances also carry long-term risks for online users? And as Internet quality improves, could Americans soon find themselves facing the same "addiction" problems as South Korea, the world s most wired nation?

When Samuel and Ruzan Forrest first learned their son, Leo, had been born with Down Syndrome, the married couple two had very different reactions. One said raise him like they would any other child; the other wanted to put him up for adoption. Their contentious story has highlighted this issue's complexity.

There are calls to incentivize antibiotics research. While it is welcome that government again understands the importance of pharmaceutical discovery, it's not that simple.

Although we can't sense it, our eyes are constantly moving even when we are staring at an unchanging image. These are not just random "jitters," since they serve to increase visual acuity and compensate for head movements.

You have probably seen it on Facebook; a scary graphic which worries that GMOs can be detected in our blood. We certainly hope so.

A comprehensive study of heart attacks in women by the American Heart Association reveals many important differences between those that afflict men and women: symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. Racial disparities also come into play.

Snow blower, shovel, scoop... how the heck do you know which one to use when the snow falls? There's one for the light and fluffy stuff, and then there's one for the harder, packed snow. UGH- this is all way over our heads

While thalidomide was responsible for tens of thousands of deformed babies in Europe in the late 1950s and early 60s, decades later data is showing the drug to be efficacious against certain chronic conditions. It's especially beneficial against the blood cancer multiple myeloma.

While many viruses create fear, the Zika virus is scarier in some ways because it affects unborn children and causes severe birth defects. While it rarely kills, it cannot be killed, because it isn't alive in the first place. No virus is. And except for supportive treatment, there isn't much that medicine can do about them.

A new study reveals how researchers were able to use a single gene therapy injection in dogs to successfully correct a rare type of hemophilia. Factor VII deficiency is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder that affects about one in 500,000 people.

There have been repeated concerns about the inaccuracy of dietary reports who eats what, and how much. Since most of our dietary recommendations are based on memory-based disclosures, such inaccuracies undermine researchers' faith in the data. But wearable video recorders may be the solution.

Environmental activists often claim that there is antifreeze in some food. They are not wrong, but they make it sound harmful. Instead, it is even kosher. Maybe they don't know the difference, but you will after reading this article.

Lost in the political infighting tied to the Flint, Michigan water crisis is that lead levels in kids and adults are far, far lower than they have ever been. To that point, a report from a national newspaper highlights that, "after years of progress, context-free panic over events in Flint is counterproductive."

Had your vaccine, but still stressed about possibly getting the flu? That is the worst thing you can do. There s strong evidence that stress affects the immune system and can make you more susceptible to infections.

Seasonal Affective Disorder has had its validity questioned as a distinct mental disorder. Research published in journal Clinical Psychological Science provides persuasive data that casts major doubt on SAD being a legitimate psychiatric disorder.

Gastroschisis is a dangerous condition that causes a baby's intestines to dangle outside the body through a small hole near the belly button. Cases are up over 250 percent between 1995 and 2012. What's worse, it's increased among mothers of every age and racial/ethnic group studied, and researchers don't know why.

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.