Strange as it may seem, early germ theorists could tell us a lot about today’s attitudes toward climate change. While researching for a new book about the history of emerging infections, I found many ...

Germ theory is the idea that pathogens can invade the human body and cause disease — and it wasn't always accepted. Evidence for germ theory accumulated over time, and as it did, it butted against ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. To mark our 150th year, we’re revisiting the Popular Science ...

When germ theory displaced the idea of “miasmas” we lost important knowledge about tackling airborne disease. Face masks. Ventilation. Air purifiers. Social distancing. Breathing has been in the news ...

Why do people get sick? Ask Robert F. Kennedy Jr., America’s highest-ranking public-health official, and he may chalk it up to their terrain. For centuries, doctors and scientists have agreed that ...

Gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships hit a 12-year high in 2024, and 2025 has been even worse, with cruise lines seeing an entire year's worth of outbreaks in only the first quarter of the year.