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Understanding how the body works — and what happens when things change — is paramount to improving the health and wellbeing of every person on the planet. Our team of expert health writers and editors are here to demystify the latest medical advances, explain how the latest health news affects you, and help you understand which exercise equipment can really help improve your fitness. Whether you're after facts about the human body or the secrets to extreme longevity, our health articles and features aim to leave you better informed, up to date with the latest discoveries, and even more curious about human health.
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![Two lumpy red rod shapes surrounded by blue tendrils](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FXt8tP472nRwZpugG95xo3-320-80.jpg)
Dangerous strains of 'hypervirulent' superbug detected in US and 15 other countries
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A drug-resistant bacterium that causes severe infections has been spreading globally, and it's now in at least 16 countries, the WHO warns.
![Two clear bottles with silver caps are lying flat against a white surface. One bottle has an orange label with the word test on it and the other has a similar label but is blue.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oHGq59rgipryw8oFC34jjN-320-80.jpg)
What is doping? And which performance-enhancing drugs are banned?
By Sara G. Miller, Emily Cooke last updated
Many drugs are forbidden for use by athletes in major international competitions, such as the Olympics. Here's why.
![Two women wearing fitness trackers doing a workout](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4iAYx4H2AdCHy4XRSRkuMb-320-80.jpg)
Best budget fitness tracker 2024: Hit your fitness goals without breaking the bank
By Maddy Biddulph last updated
These are the best budget fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 to Amazfit Bip 3 Pro.
![An artist's 3D rendering of a brain in the outline of a face and skull. There are two glowing dots near the center of the brain.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/55a3QcZ4SNTHJmFU3TUfCP-320-80.jpg)
'This is largely uncharted territory': Scientists reveal the brain's 'fear circuit' works differently than we thought
By Jennifer Zieba published
New methods applied in live mice suggest that molecules called neuropeptides, not neurotransmitters, play the main role in our response to danger.
![An illustration of green and orange rod-shaped bacteria floating in water](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zhberP2Kbp3vVsjEGLEp9f-320-80.jpg)
Scientists uncover microbes that destroy 'forever chemical' pollutants
By Miriam Bergeret published
Little is known about the fate of PFAS in our environment, but new research finds that bacteria in wastewater can degrade specific types of "forever chemicals."
![LeBron James for team USA Basketball is shown dunking the ball into the net during a game at the 2024 Paris Olympics while spectators and fellow team mates (who are blurred) look on.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LRpG3Uq4a4Z2HxTUQK6Hb7-320-80.jpg)
USA Basketball doctor shares what it's like to treat athletes at the Olympics
By Emily Cooke published
An orthopedic surgeon explains what it's like to support USA Basketball at the Olympics.
![A row of swimmers dives into the Seine river with a banner reading "paris 2024" visible in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r4DarrjKZFd44bwCPUMo6X-320-80.jpg)
Olympic athletes dive into the Seine — days after it was deemed too contaminated with poop for safe swimming
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Olympic triathlon racers finally dove into the Seine following postponements due to poor water-quality test results. Will the water stay swimmable?
![A young Chinese girl in a helmet waves the country's flag and smiles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RVuCEcJ7thJATPnQxDTosS-320-80.jpg)
At what age does athleticism peak in different sports?
By James Witts published
The Paris Olympics welcome the strongest, fastest and sharpest athletes in the world. But to what extent does age raise or lessen their chances of gold?
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