What is The Immune System?
by Dr. Gary Farr 6/20/2002
The immune system is a complex network of specialized cells and organs that has evolved to defend the body against attacks by "foreign" invaders. When functioning properly it fights off infections by agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. When it malfunctions, however, it can unleash a torrent of diseases, from allergy to arthritis to cancer to AIDS.

The Bone Marrow
by Dr. Gary Farr 7/3/2002
Bone marrow is the soft tissue filling the spongy interiors of animal bones and is responsible for the formation or red blood cells.

The Challenge to Mass Vaccination
by Dr. Gary Farr 10/1/2003
It is one of the most successful public relations stories of the last two centuries: the worldwide acceptance of mass vaccination to suppress infectious diseases. Yet the universal use of vaccines as a worthy goal that prevents needless suffering and benefits all mankind has begun to be challenged by a growing number of parents and physicians in the United States, Canada and Europe.

The Immune System in Action
by Dr. Gary Farr 2/13/2003
A mumps virus enters the body, then enters a cell. There it makes copies of itself. How does the immune system respond? It's up to you to figure it out. A play-by-play explanation will follow, as well as an explanation of what makes an attack by the AIDS virus unique...and devastating.

The Spleen
by Dr. Gary Farr 7/22/2003
The spleen is a large organ of the lymphatic system working with the thymus, lymph and bone marrow. It is located on the left side of the body between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm, and weighs between 4-16 ounces. In man it is about the size of a fist and is well supplied with blood. As the lymph nodes are filters for the lymphatic circulation, the spleen is the primary filtering element for the blood.

The Thymus Gland
by Dr. Gary Farr 7/22/2003
The thymus gland is a pink-grey organ that lies underneath the top of the breast bone. In animals it is known as the sweetbreads. We are just now unraveling the mysteries of this gland. The thymus processes a type of white blood cell known as a T-lymphocyte. These T-lymphocytes govern cellular immunity which means they help cells recognize and destroy invading bacteria, virus, etc., abnormal cell growth such as cancer, and foreign tissue.

The Vaginosis Profile
by Dr. Gary Farr 6/24/2004
The Vaginosis Profile from Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory is one of the most comprehensive evaluations available. It features microscopy for every sort of organism by trained and experienced technicians with an advanced DNA probe for the most common causes of the condition. With a rapid, semiautomated DNA probe test to definitively identify clinically significant levels of Gardnerella, and Trichomonas, detection rates for these organisms can reach levels of 90% and greater in properly transported specimens.