Research
Research overview
Knowledge about the structure and function of the body comes from different sources, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding this helps you stay calm about bold claims and tell a reliable conclusion from an interesting hypothesis.
The science of the body moves slowly and carefully. An overnight sensation is almost always a sign that someone is rushing to conclusions.
Where knowledge about the body comes from
| Source | What it is | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Classical anatomy | Describing the structure of organs through observation and dissection, going back to the time of Vesalius | Shows structure but says little about how organs work in a living person |
| Physiological experiments | Studying how organs work and respond to exertion | Some data come from animals and do not always apply to humans |
| Imaging methods | Pictures of the internal organs of living people | Images need to be interpreted correctly, and that is a specialist's job |
| Population studies | Comparing the habits and health of many people over many years | They show links but do not always prove cause |
| Reviews and guidelines | Expert organisations summarising many studies | They are updated with a delay and describe average cases, not a specific person |
How to read a popular science article about the body
Find out who wrote it
Check whether an author is named and whether they have a background in medicine or biology. An anonymous text calls for extra caution.
Separate fact from interpretation
Describing how an organ is built is one thing. Concluding how to "protect" yourself from something is quite another and needs its own evidence.
Check where the information comes from
A good article cites textbooks, reviews or studies. If there are no sources, treat what it says as the author's opinion.
Pay attention to the tone
Words like "shocking", "secret" or "what doctors don't tell you" signal a bid for attention, not the quality of the information.
Compare with other sources
If an astonishing fact appears nowhere else, it is most likely inaccurate or taken out of context.
Don't draw conclusions about yourself
Even an accurate article describes people in general. How it applies to you specifically is best discussed with a doctor.
Myths about the body
- "We only use a small part of our brain": in fact, different areas of the brain are active at different times, and there are no idle zones
- "Cracking joints are always dangerous": painless clicks are common in healthy people; the reason to see a doctor is pain, swelling or restricted movement
- "Skin only needs sun protection in summer": UV light also acts on cloudy days and in other seasons
- "The body needs regular cleansing with special products": the liver, kidneys and intestines do this job on their own
- "Bones stop changing once you're grown up": bone tissue renews itself throughout life and responds to load
See also
- Methods
How scientists studied the body in the past, how doctors look inside today, and what you can calmly observe yourself.
- Body in the news (in Russian)
Archived address: six questions to ask of any news story about the body and medicine.
- Sources
The textbooks and reference materials this guide relies on, and where its limits are.
- Glossary
Anatomy and medical terms in plain English, from vertebra and tendon to ultrasound.
Sources
- Textbooks of human anatomy and physiology
- Andreas Vesalius, "On the Fabric of the Human Body" (De humani corporis fabrica, 1543)
- WHO reference materials on healthy living
This text reflects the generally accepted understanding of how the body works as of the date it was prepared. Human biology keeps refining the details, so take any questions about your own health to a doctor rather than relying on a reference article.