Immune System

When it comes down to it, it's your immune system versus the world. From "innate" immunity — which protects your body against basic threats — to "adaptive" immunity, which homes in on specific targets, your immune system has you covered. Sometimes, however, your immune system can turn against you, leading to autoimmune diseases. To keep up with all things immune, check here for the latest news.

Related Topics: Circulatory System, Nervous System, Virus, Endocrine System

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human whipworm, whipworm, Trichuris trichiura

Would You Eat Parasitic Worm Eggs? Why One Company Wants to Sell Them As Food

By Sara G. Miller

The German government is considering approval of a food ingredient that most people try their best to avoid: parasite eggs.

A woman's abdomen shown with a knotted rope in front

How 'Bad' Gut Bacteria Can Change Their Evil Ways

By Christopher Wanjek

The idea that gut bacteria can either be "good" or "bad" may not tell the whole story.

From just a bit of genetic information, a human embryo develops into a complete person. So humans have a limited ability to regrow body parts.

How Does the New 'Gene-Altering' Therapy Fight Cancer?

By Sara G. Miller

Cancer Vaccines Help Patients Get Tumor-Free in 2 Studies

By Charles Q. Choi

Cancer vaccines showed promise in two small new studies.

endometriosis, infertility, womens health, pelvic exam, endometriosis symptoms, treatment, fertility problems, causes

Here's Why You Get Diarrhea When You're Sick

By Sara G. Miller

Nobody likes diarrhea. But is the icky and uncomfortable experience actually the body's way flushing bad stuff out of your system?

Rare Genetic Mutation Makes People Prone to Colds

By Rachael Rettner

The case of a young girl who frequently got sick from colds has helped scientists pinpoint a rare genetic mutation that makes people more susceptible to cold viruses.

How Your Belly Fat Is Linked to Your Immune System

By Sara G. Miller

You may not love your belly fat, but the large sheet of fat that stretches across your abdomen serves a purpose.

Goya's Mystery Illness: Nearly 200 Years Later, Docs Have a Diagnosis

By Rachael Rettner

The famous Spanish painter Francisco Goya suffered a mysterious illness and lost his hearing in 1793, and now experts may have figured out why.

Italian Island's Mutation Fights Malaria, But Raises Risk of Other Diseases

By Amanda Onion

The people of Sardinia are famous for their longevity, but also have some of the world's highest rates of multiple sclerosis and lupus.

Typically Harmless Virus May Trigger Celiac Disease

By Rachael Rettner

A usually harmless virus may play a role in triggering celiac disease, a new study in mice suggests.

allergies, seasonal allergies, allergy relief

How to Cope with Allergies & Asthma in 2017

By Rachael Rettner

For some people, the arrival of spring brings symptoms of seasonal allergies — sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and a running nose — which can make this a miserable time of year.

Why Don't Ticks Die of Lyme Disease?

By Bahar Gholipour

A mystery that has long been bugging us may be solved.

A person with diabetes checks their blood glucose level.

Experimental Therapy May Slow Type 1 Diabetes

By Bahar Gholipour

Researchers are turning to the immune system to treat type 1 diabetes at its source.

This colored scanning electron micrograph of an oral squamous cancer cell (white) being attacked by two cytotoxic T cells (red), part of a natural immune response.

Immunotherapy: Could the Human Body Be Trained to Fight Cancer?

By Balveen Kaurand Pravin Kaumaya

Armed with new insights into the interactions between cancer and the immune system, research teams are developing novel treatments to harness the full potential of the body's natural defenses.

Just 20 Minutes of Walking May Reduce Inflammation in Your Body

By Rachael Rettner

Just 20 minutes of exercise may help fight inflammation in the body, a new study suggests.

Long-Sought 'Attack' Signal in Type 1 Diabetes Identified

By Tia Ghose

Type 1 diabetes may be triggered by distress signals sent out with cells from the pancreas, new research suggests.

Staying Well: A Guide to Flu Season When You're Pregnant

By Stephanie Pappas

Here's what pregnant women need to know about flu season.

An artist's image of a storm within the mind.

In Rare Disorder, Woman's Immune System Attacks Her Own Brain

By Sara G. Miller

A young woman's weeklong bout of "strange behavior" was caused by a rare disease in which the immune system attacks the brain, according to a new report of the woman's case.