The father of one of our friends once told us that it wouldn't good to live in a totally germ-free environment. It's only now we understand why: in ways we can't totally explain, germs may actually prove beneficial to the body in fighting cancer.

The discovery originated with 19th century Dr. William Coley, who observed that the condition of certain cancer patients improved after they had contracted infections.

Unfortunately, Coley's immunotherapy was overtaken by radiation therapy. Nowadays, however, doctors are reconsidering the Dr. Coley's approach.

Why? Because they've noticed that people who are exposed to environments appear to be more resistant to developing cancer. Case in point: Italian dairy farmers who inhale manure dust regularly were found to be five times less likely to develop cancer than their open field counterparts.

Scientists are currently in the process of actually testing and proving how "Coley's Toxins" (as they are known) actually teach the body to fight cancer by boosting the immune system's response.

Perhaps Nietzche was right after all: "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger."