"A groundbreaking narrative exploration of the human immune system--the key to human health and longevity--from the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist and acclaimed author of A Deadly Wandering"-- The immune system is a guardian vigilantly fighting illness, healing wounds, maintaining order and balance, and keeping us alive. Richtel interweaves the stories of four people: a terminal cancer patient who rises from the grave; a medical...

For the first time since a 5th century Greek physician gave the name "cancer" (karkinos, in Greek) to a deadly disease first described in Egyptian Papyri, the medical world is near a breakthrough that could allow even the most conservative doctors and pragmatic patients to use the other "c word" — cure — in the same sentence as cancer. A remarkable series of events has brought us to this point, thanks in large part to a new ability to more efficiently...

"Our world is awash with germs, viruses, and bacteria--tiny but powerful invaders that can make us sick. Fortunately, the human immune system mounts an amazing defense against all these attackers. Immunology will introduce you to the many strategies our bodies use to protect us, as well as the many things that can go wrong."--Provided by publisher.